SOP for Operation and Calibration of UV Cabinet

SOP FOR OPERATION AND CALIBRATION OF UV CABINET

GMP Compliant | QC Laboratory | Pharmaceutical Applications

1. Purpose

To provide a detailed, step-by-step procedure for the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the UV Cabinet to ensure proper UV light exposure, accurate wavelength, and reproducible results for analytical and photostability studies.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all UV Cabinets used for photostability testing, degradation studies, and any UV exposure tests performed in the QC or R&D laboratory.

3. Responsibilities

  • Analyst: Operate the UV Cabinet, perform calibration, and record results.
  • QC Supervisor: Review calibration records and approve operations.
  • QA: Ensure compliance with GMP and review deviations.

4. Safety Precautions

  • Wear PPE including lab coat, UV-protective goggles, and gloves.
  • Avoid direct exposure to UV light to prevent skin and eye damage.
  • Ensure proper ventilation inside the lab.
  • Handle UV lamps carefully; avoid breakage and dispose properly.

5. Equipment Description

  • UV Cabinet with specified wavelength lamps (e.g., 254 nm, 365 nm)
  • Digital or analog UV radiometer / UV intensity meter
  • Timer or exposure controller
  • Calibration standard filters or radiometric standards
  • Cleaning materials (soft cloth, alcohol)

6. Calibration Procedure

6.1 UV Lamp Inspection

  1. Switch ON the UV Cabinet and allow lamps to warm up for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Check lamps visually for any signs of cracks, dark spots, or flickering.
  3. Replace any damaged lamps before calibration.

6.2 UV Intensity Calibration

  1. Place the calibrated UV radiometer at the sample plane inside the cabinet.
  2. Switch ON the UV lamp at the target wavelength (e.g., 254 nm).
  3. Record the intensity reading in μW/cm² or mW/cm².
  4. Repeat measurements at 3–5 different positions to check uniformity.
  5. Acceptance criteria: Intensity within ±10% of nominal lamp output and uniformity ≥80% across sample plane.

6.3 Wavelength Verification

  1. Use a certified wavelength filter or UV calibration standard.
  2. Place the standard at the sample plane and measure transmitted UV light with a radiometer.
  3. Confirm wavelength accuracy against certified value.
  4. Acceptance criteria: Wavelength accuracy within ±2 nm.

6.4 Timer/Exposure Verification

  1. Set UV exposure timer to a known duration (e.g., 10 minutes).
  2. Run a test exposure and measure elapsed time with a calibrated stopwatch.
  3. Acceptance: Timer error ≤ ±1% of set time.

7. Operational Procedure

7.1 Pre-Operation

  1. Verify cabinet is clean and free of dust or debris.
  2. Ensure all lamps are functioning and calibrated.
  3. Check timer and radiometer availability.

7.2 Sample Exposure

  1. Place samples evenly on the sample tray or platform inside the cabinet.
  2. Set required wavelength and exposure time according to method.
  3. Close cabinet doors completely to prevent UV leakage.
  4. Switch ON lamps and timer; monitor exposure periodically.
  5. After completion, switch OFF lamps and carefully remove samples.

7.3 Post-Operation

  1. Clean cabinet interior with soft cloth and alcohol.
  2. Inspect lamps for wear or damage.
  3. Switch OFF power and close doors.
  4. Document all exposure and calibration readings.

8. Acceptance Criteria

  • UV intensity: ±10% of nominal output.
  • UV wavelength accuracy: ±2 nm.
  • Timer: ±1% of set exposure time.
  • Uniformity: ≥80% across the sample plane.
  • Cabinet doors fully functional with no UV leakage.

9. Documentation

  • Record all calibration readings, operational checks, and sample exposures in the instrument logbook.
  • Include date, operator name, and any deviations observed.
  • QA approval required for all calibration and operational records.

10. Troubleshooting & Preventive Maintenance

  • Check lamp intensity regularly; replace if below specification.
  • Clean cabinet and sample platform weekly to avoid contamination.
  • Verify timer and radiometer calibration every 6 months or as per company SOP.
  • Inspect doors and seals monthly to prevent UV leakage.
  • Report any abnormal readings or lamp failures immediately to QC Supervisor.

Prepared By: ____________________

Reviewed By: ____________________

Approved By: ____________________

Effective Date: ____________________

SOP No.: __________    Revision No.: _____

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