SOP FOR OPERATION & CALIBRATION OF REFRIGERATOR

1. OBJECTIVE:

1. To lay down the procedure for Operation & Calibration of Refrigerator

2. SCOPE: 

1. This procedure is applicable for the Operation & Calibration of Refrigerator of Quality Control Laboratory.

3. RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Quality Control Officer / Executive are responsible to follow procedure as per the procedure mentioned in this SOP. 

2. QC Head is responsible for implementation and compliance of the procedure as per this SOP.

4. ABBREVIATIONS

1. SOP    :    Standard Operating Procedure

2. QC    :    Quality Control

5. PROCEDURE: 

1. Operation

1. Ensure that the refrigerator is clean.

2. If not cleaned, clean the refrigerator with a wet cloth and then wipe out with a dry cloth.

3. Open the refrigerator door by pulling it.

4. Keep the required material in the refrigerator and close the door.

5. Ensure that all the material kept in the refrigerator is identified accordingly.

2. Calibration

1. Open the lower chamber door of the refrigerator. Put a calibrated thermometer on the shelf no. I and close the door immediately. 

2. After 10 minutes open the door and note down the temperature reading in Yearly Calibration of Refrigerator (Annexure I). Take 4 readings in the same manner.

3. Repeat the process for shelf no II and III as per 5.2.1 and 5.2.2.

4. Temperature limit for lower chamber and acceptance criteria: 2°C to 8°C.

5. Open the upper chamber (freezer) door of the refrigerator. Put a calibrated thermometer in the chamber and close the door immediately. 

6. After 10 minutes open the door and note down the temperature reading in Yearly Calibration of Refrigerator (Annexure I). Take 4 readings in the same manner.

7. Temperature limit for upper chamber (freezer) and acceptance criteria: ≥ -8°C.

8. Calibration schedule: Yearly

3. Temperature Mapping 

1. Open the lower chamber door of the refrigerator. Put a glass thermometer (calibrated) suspended in glycerin in the chamber and close the door immediately.

2. After 10 minutes note down the temperature reading in Daily Temperature Mapping of Refrigerator (Annexure II). 

3. Limit is 2 – 8°C.

6. ANNEXURES/REFERENCES :

1. Annexure I: Yearly Calibration of Refrigerator.

2. Annexure II: Daily Temperature Mapping of Refrigerator.