Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Here is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Cleaning of Checkweigher, commonly used in pharmaceutical, food, and packaging industries to ensure accuracy, prevent contamination, and comply with GMP.

1. Objective

To provide a standardized procedure for cleaning the checkweigher to ensure accurate weight measurements, prevent contamination, and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

2. Scope

This SOP applies to the cleaning of checkweighers used in the pharmaceutical, food, and packaging industries for weight inspection and quality control.

3. Responsibility

• Machine Operator / Technician: Perform cleaning according to this SOP.

• Production Supervisor: Ensure cleaning is completed as per SOP.

• QA/QC Personnel: Verify and approve the cleanliness and functionality of the checkweigher.

4. Materials and Equipment Required

• Purified Water or WFI (Water for Injection)

• Non-abrasive cleaning agent (detergent approved by QA)

• Soft cloths / lint-free wipes

• Soft brush (for cleaning hard-to-reach areas)

• Compressed air (filtered, if available)

• PPE (gloves, mask, gown, goggles)

• Cleaning Logbook

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Cleaning Steps

1. Power Off the Checkweigher:

   • Turn off and disconnect the checkweigher from the electrical supply.

   • Place an “Under Cleaning” notice on the equipment.

2. Wear Appropriate PPE:

   • Ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn, including gloves, gown, mask, and goggles.

3. Remove Any Product Residues:

   • Clear any leftover product or packaging materials from the checkweigher.

   • Remove any trays, conveyors, or trays that come in contact with the product.

5.2 Cleaning Procedure

1. Dry Cleaning (if necessary):

   • Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove loose particles and dust from the checkweigher components, including the conveyor belt, scales, and surrounding areas.

2. Cleaning the External Surfaces:

   • Clean all external surfaces of the checkweigher, including the machine frame, control panel, and conveyor, with a soft cloth dampened with an approved cleaning solution.

   • Ensure that no cleaning solution enters the control panel or electrical components.

3. Cleaning the Weighing Scale and Conveyor Belt:

   • Use a lint-free cloth soaked in a cleaning solution to wipe down the weighing platform, conveyor, and any other product-contact surfaces.

   • For difficult-to-reach areas, use a soft brush to ensure thorough cleaning.

4. Cleaning the Sensors and Other Internal Components:

   • Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the sensors and any other internal components that do not require immersion.

   • Use compressed air (filtered) to blow off any remaining moisture or debris from sensitive areas, such as sensors, weight check areas, and belts.

5. Rinsing:

   • Use purified water or WFI to rinse off any detergent residue from the cleaned parts.

   • Avoid excess water, especially near electrical components.

5.3 Drying and Reassembly

1. Drying:

   • Use clean, dry, lint-free cloths to wipe down the checkweigher and ensure all components are thoroughly dry.

   • If necessary, use compressed air to aid in the drying process.

2. Reassembly:

   • Reassemble any parts that were removed, such as trays, conveyors, or covers. Ensure everything is securely in place.

3. Visual Inspection:

   • Perform a visual inspection of the machine to ensure no residue, detergent, or water remains on any part of the machine.

   • Ensure the weighing platform and conveyor are free of contamination.

6. Post-Cleaning Activities

1. Label the Equipment:

   • Affix a “CLEANED” label to the machine with the date, time, and operator’s initials.

2. Record the Cleaning Activity:

   • Document the cleaning procedure in the cleaning logbook, including time, date, cleaning agent used, and any issues encountered.

3. Line Clearance:

   • Notify QA for inspection and approval before the machine can be used for the next production batch.

7. Precautions

• Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh cleaning agents that could damage the checkweigher components.

• Ensure that no cleaning solution enters electrical components or sensitive parts of the machine.

• Do not skip the drying step, as moisture could affect the functionality of the weighing mechanism.

• Handle the weighing scale and sensors with care to avoid misalignment or damage.

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