Standard Operating Procedure for Cleanroom Pass-Through Equipment Operation
| Department | Sterile Injectable Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/SIM/047/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/SIM/047/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 12 |
| Issue Date | 18/06/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/06/2025 |
| Review Date | 18/06/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standard procedure for the correct and validated operation of cleanroom pass-through equipment (pass boxes, dynamic pass-through chambers) used for transferring materials and tools between classified areas in sterile injectable manufacturing.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable
to all personnel involved in the operation, monitoring, and cleaning of pass-through hatches and chambers between different cleanroom areas within the sterile manufacturing facility.
3. Responsibilities
- Production Assistant/Operator: Operates and monitors pass boxes during material transfer.
- Quality Assurance Officer: Verifies compliance during audits and routine inspection.
- Engineering Personnel: Maintains and services pass boxes as per maintenance schedule.
- Cleaning Staff: Responsible for cleaning and sanitization of the equipment as per schedule.
4. Accountability
The Production Head is accountable for ensuring that all operations of pass-through equipment comply with GMP and aseptic handling procedures.
5. Procedure
5.1 Types of Pass-Through Equipment
- Static Pass Box: For non-biological material transfer between areas with same or lower classification.
- Dynamic Pass Box: Equipped with HEPA filters, used between classified areas for sterile transfer.
5.2 Pre-Operational Checks
- Check the cleaning status label on the pass box.
- Verify air flow status in dynamic pass boxes (minimum 90 FPM, unidirectional).
- Ensure interlocking mechanism between doors is functional.
- Inspect UV lamp functionality if applicable and record in logbook (Annexure-1).
5.3 Material Transfer Procedure
- Place material in the pass box from the originating area.
- Close the outer door completely before opening the inner door.
- Wait for the hold time (default: 2 minutes in dynamic pass boxes).
- Receiver from cleanroom area opens the inside door and removes materials.
- Disinfect the internal surfaces using 70% IPA after each transfer.
5.4 Cleaning and Sanitization
- Static Pass Box:
- Clean using lint-free wipes and IPA 70% after each shift.
- UV lamp should be cleaned weekly with a dry wipe.
- Dynamic Pass Box:
- Clean filters and grills daily using approved methods.
- Record cleaning activity in Annexure-2.
5.5 Preventive Maintenance
- Engineering to perform monthly checks of:
- Fan filters
- Motor assembly
- Door interlocks
- HEPA filter integrity to be checked annually.
5.6 Precautions
- Never open both doors simultaneously.
- Do not overload the pass box; maintain laminar flow.
- Reject damaged or contaminated material before placing in pass-through equipment.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- IPA: Isopropyl Alcohol
- HEPA: High-Efficiency Particulate Air
- FPM: Feet per Minute
7. Documents
- Pass Box Usage Log – Annexure-1
- Cleaning and Sanitization Log – Annexure-2
- Preventive Maintenance Record – Annexure-3
8. References
- EU GMP Annex 1: Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products
- WHO GMP Guidelines for Cleanroom Classification
- ICH Q9: Quality Risk Management
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | Manufacturing Executive | QA Executive | Head QA |
| Department | Production | Quality Assurance | Quality Assurance |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Pass Box Usage Log
| Date | Material Name | From | To | Time | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/06/2025 | Sterile Vials | Prep Area | Filling Room | 10:15 | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Cleaning and Sanitization Log
| Date | Type | Performed By | Verified By | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/06/2025 | Routine | Sunita Reddy | Ajay Verma | Clean |
Annexure-3: Preventive Maintenance Record
| Date | Component | Action Taken | Engineer | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/06/2025 | HEPA Filter | Integrity Test Passed | Rohit Deshmukh | OK |
Revision History
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/03/2022 | 1.0 | Initial Issue | New SOP | QA Head |
| 18/06/2025 | 2.0 | Revised for dynamic pass box protocol updates | Annual Review | QA Head |