Sop for Monitoring of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Differential Pressure

• Objective

To lay down a procedure for monitoring Temperature, Relative Humidity and Differential Pressure of microbiology lab.

• Scope

This SOP is applicable for monitoring and recording the temperature (⁰C), Relative humidity (%) and differential pressure (mm of water) using digital hygrometers and Magnehelic gauge for Differential Pressure in microbiology lab.

• Responsibility
  • Microbiologist responsible for monitoring and verification of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Differential Pressure.
  • Head-Concerned department is responsible to ensure the prevailing Temperature, Relative Humidity and Differential Pressure is within limits as per SOP.

• Accountability
  • Department Head & QA Head shall be accountable for implementation of this SOP.

• Abbreviations and Definitions

             QA                              :          Quality Assurance

            °C                               :           Degree Centigrade

            RH                              :           Relative Humidity

            mm WC                       :           Millimeter of water column

            Min                             :           Minimum

            Max                             :           Maximum

           HVAC                           :        Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning

• Procedure
  • Check the calibration status of the instrument.
  • Check the temperature and relative humidity displayed in the digital hygrometer monitor.
  • Record the Temperature and Relative Humidity at starting of the shift + 30 min and after every 4 hours ± 30 minutes for production, warehouse till completion of the activity or end of shift whichever is later as per Annexure – I.
  • Location:

• Acceptance Criteria:

Temperature: NMT (Not More Than) 25⁰C

Relative Humidity: NMT 60%

• Procedure for monitoring of Temperature and Relative Humidity by Digital hygrometer (Model: HTC-1)
  • Record the previous day minimum and maximum Temperature and Relative Humidity.
  • Recording of previous day minimum and maximum Temperature & Relative Humidity shall be performed at the time of observing daily initial reading.
  • Record the minimum and maximum Temperature and Relative Humidity by pressing “Memory” key. Press one time memory key to record max. Temperature & max. Relative Humidity of previous day and again press memory key to record min. Temperature & min. Relative Humidity.
  • Delete the minimum and maximum reading from the memory of hygrometer that is required to leave memory space to record the next day min. and max. reading.
  • For resetting the minimum & maximum value, press “RESET” button provided back side of the digital hygrometer with the help of pin.

• Procedure for monitoring of Differential Pressure in Different Areas
  • Enter in the respective area and ensure that all doors of microbiology are tightly closed.
  • Ensure that the HVAC is in running condition.
  • Open the door of respective area and ensure zero (0) set, while door is opened.
  • Take the magnehelic gauge reading in the reference of positive and negative pressure of rooms.
  • Record the value.
  • Location:

Frequency: Twice a day (Morning and afternoon)

Acceptance criteria :

• Forms and Records (Annexures)
  • Temperature and Relative Humidity Record –         Annexure-II
  • Record for Differential pressure             –         Annexure-III

• Distribution
  • Master copy –          Quality Assurance
  • Controlled copies –         Microbiology Lab

• Reference:   

              If any

• History