SOP Title: Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of B.O.D. Incubator

SOP Title: Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of B.O.D. Incubator

1. Objective:

To lay down the procedure for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of B.O.D. Incubator.

2. Scope:

This SOP is applicable for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of B.O.D. Incubator (20-25°C) 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 B.O.D.  Incubator (20-25°C) 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 Incubator is fixed in the socket properly.
5.1.2	Wear personal protective equipments such as protective hand gloves, nose masks during operation of equipment.
5.1.3	Ensure that the ON/OFF switch is working properly by switching “ON” the Incubator.
5.2	Operation  Procedure:
5.2.1	Check the validity of Calibration before starting any operations.
5.2.2	Connect the incubator to the mains and switch it ‘ON’.
5.2.3	Set the desired temperature with the help of Digital Temperature controller panel.
5.2.4	set the desired temperature at 22.5°C (20 to 25°C)
5.2.5	The set value 22.5°C remains in the memory of the digital controller.
5.2.6	Incubator temperature monitoring should be recorded twice in a day. Morning session and evening session. The record shall be maintained in Annexure
5.2.7	All petri plates, tubes, slants placed in the incubators shall be labelled with sample name, Batch or A.R. number and date manually using a marker pen.
5.2.8	Update the “Instrument/Equipment Usage Log Book” for Incubator as per SOP.
5.2.9	After appropriate time of incubation, remove the samples to prevent overcrowding or contamination of incubator.
5.2.10	Do not switch OFF or disturb the incubators after setting the desired temperature parameter during performance of unit.
5.2.11	If any time incubator shows the reading out of range, follow the procedure as per SOP.
5.2.12	The equipment service engineer must be contacted for servicing/repair of the equipment followed by a recalibration that must be done before the reuse of the same.
5.3	Cleaning Procedure:
5.3.1	De-dust the external surface of Incubator with lint free cloth.
5.3.2	Clean the internal surface of Incubator with wet cloth soaked in 70% v/v Iso Propyl Alcohol.
5.3.3	Frequency of cleaning is every fifteen days from inside and daily from outside.
5.4	Calibration Procedure:
	Frequency:  Once in a year or after carrying out any major maintenance work.
5.4.1	Generate the A. R. No. as per SOP.
5.4.2	Parameters Set value Acceptance Criteria   Temperature 20°C 20°C ± 1°C 23°C 23°C ± 1°C 25°C 25°C ± 1°C

 

6. Definitions / Abbreviations:

• Definitions
• Breakdown: Any activity leading to operation of equipment other than the set parameters and/ or unusual sound or vibration observed in the equipment.
• Calibration: Tests performed to ensure that the 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

 

B.O.D.	Biological Oxygen Demand
SP	Set Parameter
hrs	Hours
No.	Number
v/v	Volume by volume
°C	Degree Celsius
QC	Quality Control
ENT	Enter

 

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