Operation and Calibration of Thermo-Hygrometer
Operation and Calibration of Thermo-Hygrometer
1. Purpose
To define the standard procedure for operation, monitoring, and calibration of thermo-hygrometers used for measuring temperature and relative humidity in pharmaceutical controlled areas, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with regulatory guidelines and GMP requirements.
2. Scope
- QC Laboratories
- Stability Storage Areas
- Warehouses and controlled storage areas
3. Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| QC Analyst / User | Routine operation, monitoring, and recording of readings |
| QC Supervisor | Review monitoring logs and ensure compliance |
| Quality Assurance | Oversight, deviation handling, and audit readiness |
| Engineering / Calibration Personnel | Perform instrument calibration and maintenance |
4. Equipment & Materials
- Digital Thermo-Hygrometer
- Reference Thermo-Hygrometer (ISO/IEC 17025 traceable)
- Humidity chamber / salt solution kit (for RH calibration)
- Authorized Log Sheets / Calibration Records
- Valid Calibration Certificates
5. Operation Procedure
- Check instrument for physical damage, clean sensor, and verify battery/power supply.
- Ensure instrument has a valid calibration and label attached.
- Place the thermo-hygrometer at a representative location in the controlled area, away from direct sunlight, doors, HVAC vents, or walls.
- Switch ON the device and allow stabilization for 10–15 minutes or as per manufacturer manual.
- Check display units: Temperature (°C) and Relative Humidity (%RH).
- Record readings on authorized log sheet:
- Date & Time
- Temperature (°C)
- Relative Humidity (%RH)
- Operator Name / Signature
- Monitor readings at defined frequency (continuous via data logger preferred, otherwise at least twice per shift).
- If readings are outside acceptable limits, immediately notify QC Supervisor and initiate corrective actions (adjust HVAC, relocate samples, etc.).
- Maintain log sheets as per GDP and audit requirements.
6. Calibration Procedure
6.1 Pre-Calibration Checks
- Inspect instrument for damage, cleanliness, and proper function.
- Ensure reference standard is valid, traceable, and within calibration due date.
- Allow both instruments to stabilize in controlled environment (30–60 minutes).
- Record instrument details: ID, serial number, model.
6.2 Calibration Frequency
- Routine: Every 6–12 months.
- After repair, battery replacement, or abnormal readings.
6.3 Calibration Method – Temperature
- Use controlled environment or reference thermometer.
- Measure at minimum three points: Low, Mid, High within operating range.
- Allow stabilization at each point for at least 5 minutes.
- Record readings and calculate deviation: Deviation = Instrument – Reference
- Deviation must be within ±2.0°C (or as per manufacturer manual).
6.4 Calibration Method – Relative Humidity
- Use humidity chamber or saturated salt solutions.
- Check at minimum three RH points: Low, Mid, High (30–75%).
- Equilibrate instrument for 20–30 minutes per point.
- Record RH readings and calculate deviation.
- Deviation must be within ±5% RH.
6.5 Post-Calibration Activities
- Affix calibration label with calibration date and next due date.
- Attach calibration certificate to instrument file.
- If any point fails, mark instrument as OUT OF CALIBRATION and remove from use.
- Notify QC Supervisor and QA, perform impact assessment and initiate deviation report.
7. Area-Specific Environmental Limits
| Area | Temperature | Relative Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| QC Lab | 20–25°C | 40–60% RH |
| Stability Area | 25±2 / 30±2 / 40±2°C | 60±5 / 65±5 / 75±5% |
| Warehouse | 15–30°C | ≤65% RH |
8. References
- WHO Technical Report Series – GMP
- ICH Q7, Q9, Q10
- USP <659> and USP <1079>
- EU GMP Guidelines – EudraLex Volume 4
- ISO 9001
- ISO/IEC 17025
- Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual (Thermo-Hygrometer)
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