Sterile Injectable Manufacturing: SOP for Calibration of Pressure Gauges in Manufacturing Areas – V 2.0
Standard Operating Procedure for Calibration of Pressure Gauges in Manufacturing Areas
| Department |
Sterile Injectable Manufacturing |
| SOP No. |
SOP/SIM/134/2025 |
| Supersedes |
SOP/SIM/134/2022 |
| Page No. |
Page 1 of 14 |
| Issue Date |
24/06/2025 |
| Effective Date |
26/06/2025 |
| Review Date |
24/06/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standardized procedure for the calibration of pressure gauges used in sterile injectable manufacturing. The objective is to ensure equipment accuracy and compliance with GMP requirements.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable to
all pressure gauges installed in production and support areas including:
- Autoclaves
- Vessels and tanks
- Lyophilizers
- Filling machines
- Cleanroom HVAC monitoring panels
3. Responsibilities
- Maintenance Technician: Performs calibration activities as per schedule.
- Production Supervisor: Ensures instruments are available and supports access.
- QA Executive: Reviews and approves calibration certificates and logs.
4. Accountability
The Engineering Head is accountable for the execution and GMP compliance of all pressure gauge calibrations.
5. Procedure
5.1 Preparation
- Prepare a list of all pressure gauges in use with unique identification numbers.
- Schedule calibration every 6 months or as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Use only calibrated and traceable master gauges or calibrators.
- Verify calibration status on the pressure gauge before use. Instruments with expired calibration should not be used.
5.2 Calibration Procedure
- Isolate the pressure gauge from the line/equipment.
- Connect it to a standard pressure calibrator using proper fittings.
- Apply pressure in incremental steps (e.g., 0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of full scale).
- Record the readings of the gauge under test and the standard calibrator at each point.
- Repeat readings during pressure increase and decrease to check hysteresis.
- Compare results with the allowable deviation limits (±1% of full-scale value unless specified otherwise).
- If readings are within tolerance, tag the gauge with a “CALIBRATED” label. If not, remove from service and report to QA.
5.3 Documentation
- Document all readings in the Pressure Gauge Calibration Log (Annexure-1).
- Prepare a Calibration Certificate and attach a copy to the instrument history file.
- Update calibration status label on each gauge with the following:
- Calibration Date
- Next Due Date
- Technician Initials
5.4 Handling Out-of-Tolerance Results
- Immediately quarantine any gauge failing to meet accuracy criteria.
- Inform QA to investigate any impact on previous batches if the gauge was used during production.
- Replace with a calibrated spare gauge and record in the Gauge Replacement Log (Annexure-2).
5.5 Recalibration or Repair
- Defective gauges should be sent for repair to qualified vendors.
- Post-repair, recalibrate the gauge before reinstallation.
- Maintain vendor calibration records and service history.
5.6 Safety and Precautions
- Wear gloves, goggles, and antistatic garments during calibration.
- Do not exceed gauge pressure range during testing.
- Perform calibration in a clean and dry environment.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
- HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
7. Documents
- Pressure Gauge Calibration Log – Annexure-1
- Gauge Replacement Log – Annexure-2
- Calibration Certificate – Annexure-3
8. References
- WHO GMP Guidelines for Equipment Qualification and Calibration
- ICH Q10 – Pharmaceutical Quality System
- ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
|
Prepared By |
Checked By |
Approved By |
| Signature |
|
|
|
| Date |
|
|
|
| Name |
|
|
|
| Designation |
Maintenance Executive |
QA Executive |
Head QA |
| Department |
Engineering |
Quality Assurance |
Quality Assurance |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Pressure Gauge Calibration Log
| Date |
Gauge ID |
Range |
Observed Reading |
Standard Reading |
Status |
Technician |
| 22/06/2025 |
PG-102 |
0–6 bar |
6.05 |
6.00 |
Pass |
Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Gauge Replacement Log
| Date |
Old Gauge ID |
New Gauge ID |
Reason |
Replaced By |
| 21/06/2025 |
PG-095 |
PG-121 |
OOS Result |
Sunita Reddy |
Annexure-3: Calibration Certificate
| Certificate No. |
CAL/PG/2025/088 |
| Gauge ID |
PG-102 |
| Calibrated On |
22/06/2025 |
| Calibrated By |
Rajesh Kumar |
| Standard Used |
TRACE/MASTER-500 |
| Next Due |
22/12/2025 |
Revision History
| Revision Date |
Revision No. |
Details |
Reason |
Approved By |
| 01/06/2022 |
1.0 |
Initial release |
New SOP |
QA Head |
| 24/06/2025 |
2.0 |
Added Annexures and ISO references |
Annual Review |
QA Head |