SOP Title: Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Refrigerator

SOP Title: Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Refrigerator

  

1. Objective:

To lay down the procedure for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Refrigerator.

2. Scope:

This SOP is applicable for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Refrigerator located in the Microbiology Section.

 

3. Responsibility:

• Quality Control: To prepare and review the SOP. To follow the procedures laid down for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Refrigerator as per this SOP.
• Engineering Department: To carry out preventive maintenance as per schedule and procedure defined.
• Quality Assurance Department: To review and approve the SOP and Annexures.

 

4. Accountability:

Head Quality Control Department, Head Quality Assurance Department.

5. Procedure:

5.1	Safety Precautions/Instructions:
5.1.1	Ensure all the electrical connections are properly earthed. Ensure the power plug of the refrigerator is fixed in the socket properly.
5.1.2	Ensure that the ON/OFF switch is working properly by switching “ON” the refrigerator.
5.1.3	Place the refrigerator at least15 cm away from the wall for free circulation of air.
5.1.4	Ensure that refrigerator is placed away from direct heating sources.
5.2	Operation:
5.2.1	Connect the refrigerator to electric power supply via stabilizer of suitable capacity.
5.2.2	Switch ON the mains of the refrigerator.
5.2.3	Adjust the cooling knob to summer position to get cooling temperature within 20C to 8°C.
5.2.4	Place the items required to be stored into refrigerator and close the door properly.
5.2.5	Ensure that the lamp inside the refrigerator glows in ‘ON’ position.
5.2.6	Record the temperature twice in a day with calibrated thermometer as per Annexure i.e. at the beginning of day and towards end of the shift.
5.3	Cleaning Procedure:
5.3.1	Disconnect electric power supply of refrigerator before cleaning.
5.3.2	Clean the refrigerator from inside with 70% IPA and outside with lint free cloth moistened with colin solution every week by unloading the items from the refrigerator.
5.3.3	Replace all the items back into the refrigerator and put ON the refrigerator.
5.3.4	Defrost the refrigerator once in a week by pressing the defrost knob inside the refrigerator.
5.4	Calibration Procedure:
	Frequency:  Once in a year
5.4.1	Calibration is carried out by external agency as per SOP
5.4.2	Refer Annexure for calibration test to be performed and acceptance criteria.   Sr. No. Tests Acceptance Criteria 1. Temperature Verification 5oC ± 1.0oC
5.4.3	Generate the A. R. No.” as per SOP.

6. Definitions / Abbreviations:

• Definitions:
• Breakdown: Any activity leading to operation of instrument/equipment other than the set parameters and/ or unusual sound or vibration observed in the instrument/equipment.
• Calibration: Tests performed to ensure that the instrument/equipment is functioning as per set parameters. These tests are performed as per predefined frequency and also after any major repair or replacement of parts.
• Preventive Maintenance: Maintenance activity performed to ensure that the equipment will function smoothly and to avoid breakdowns. These activities are performed as per predefined frequency.

 

• Abbreviations:

Abbreviation	Expansion
No.	Number
cm	Centimetre
IPA	Isopropyl Alcohol
A. R. No.	Analytical Reference Number
i.e.	That is
%	Percentage
Hrs	Hours

*Note – Ready to use SOP available in “DOWNLOAD” Section.