Standard Operating Procedure for Cleaning and Maintenance of Dispensing Equipment
| Department | Sterile Injectable Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/SIM/110/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/SIM/110/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 12 |
| Issue Date | 18/06/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/06/2025 |
| Review Date | 18/06/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define the standard procedure for cleaning and maintaining dispensing equipment used in the preparation of sterile injectable products, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards and preventing cross-contamination.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all dispensing equipment including weighing balances, scoops,
spatulas, laminar air flow (LAF) hoods, and stainless steel containers used in the dispensing area of sterile injectable manufacturing.
3. Responsibilities
- Dispensing Operator: Responsible for executing the cleaning and reporting any abnormalities.
- Engineering Department: Responsible for performing preventive maintenance.
- QA Department: To verify cleanliness and compliance before equipment use.
4. Accountability
Head – Production and Head – QA shall be accountable for the effective implementation of this SOP.
5. Procedure
5.1 Cleaning Procedure
- Ensure that the equipment is switched off and unplugged before cleaning.
- Wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, mask, and gown.
- Disassemble any detachable parts of the equipment.
- Clean each part using 70% IPA and lint-free wipes or as per equipment-specific cleaning agent mentioned in Annexure-1.
- For equipment used with hazardous materials, follow additional decontamination steps as defined in SOP/SIM/101/2025.
- Allow cleaned parts to air dry in a clean area under LAF.
- Reassemble and check for functional integrity.
5.2 Cleaning Frequency
- Routine Cleaning: After each batch or material change.
- Periodic Cleaning: Once per week for equipment in idle condition.
5.3 Preventive Maintenance
- Engineering department shall maintain a Preventive Maintenance Schedule (Annexure-2).
- Activities include:
- Balance calibration and alignment
- LAF filter integrity test
- Lubrication of movable parts
- Electrical safety checks
- Record all maintenance in Equipment Logbook (Annexure-3).
5.4 Equipment Labeling Post-Cleaning
Affix a ‘CLEANED’ status label on the equipment, signed and dated by the responsible person. Change to ‘TO BE CLEANED’ after use or if idle beyond 72 hours.
5.5 Documentation
- Fill Cleaning Record Sheet (Annexure-4) after every cleaning cycle.
- Attach it to the Batch Record or Equipment History Folder.
6. Abbreviations
- LAF: Laminar Air Flow
- IPA: Isopropyl Alcohol
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- QA: Quality Assurance
7. Documents
- Cleaning Agent Reference List – Annexure-1
- Preventive Maintenance Schedule – Annexure-2
- Equipment Logbook – Annexure-3
- Cleaning Record Sheet – Annexure-4
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – cGMP for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- Internal Validation Report on Equipment Cleaning
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | Dispensing Operator | QA Executive | Head QA |
| Department | Production | Quality Assurance | Quality Assurance |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Cleaning Agent Reference List
- 70% IPA – General purpose use
- Detergent-based solution – For greasy residues
- Sodium hypochlorite – For microbial decontamination
Annexure-2: Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Monthly and quarterly checklist for dispensing equipment including calibration status.
Annexure-3: Equipment Logbook
Record of maintenance activities, date, remarks, and signatures.
Annexure-4: Cleaning Record Sheet
| Date | Equipment | Cleaning Done By | QA Verified | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/06/2025 | Balance B-12 | A. Joshi | P. Rana | OK |
Revision History
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial issue | New SOP | QA Head |
| 18/06/2025 | 2.0 | Updated with preventive maintenance and labeling procedures | GMP enhancement | QA Head |