Standard Cleaning Procedure

Standard Cleaning Procedure is a commonly used term in pharmaceutical industries and its  abbreviation is  SCP.

It is an interesting fact that most of the individuals working in pharmaceutical industries are not aware of the abbreviation SCP.

For easy understanding in this article, we will discuss following,

• What is SCP or Standard Cleaning Procedure?

• Benefits Of Standard cleaning procedure.

• Example Of Standard Cleaning Procedure.

Definition Of Standard Cleaning Procedure

As we discussed earlier SCP is a standard cleaning procedure and is defined as,

• The standard cleaning procedure is a written defined procedure of cleaning used for cleaning of an area or equipment by an individual in the pharmaceutical industry.

Explanation

In pharmaceutical industries, different types of products are manufactured in different areas using different types of equipment.

Different regulatory bodies demand cleaning or washing of  the areas and equipment for the manufacturing of different products.

Meaning when we shift from one product to another product we have to perform cleaning or washing.

We have divided the cleaning into the following types,

• Type A Cleaning

• Type B Cleaning

• Type C cleaning

Read details of these types into following,

Types Of Cleaning

Whatever the type of cleaning is required, it should be performed according to defined procedures which are in writing and are approved by the quality assurance department.

Benefits Of Standard Cleaning Procedure

By using Standard Cleaning Procedure we can get the following benefit,

• By using the Defined cleaning procedures the same level of cleaning can be achieved every time.

• SCP are in written form so easily available for new hires to follow.

• Availability of standard cleaning procedures is a requirement of different regulatory bodies.

• By following SCP higher cleaning level can be achieved with great assurity.

• The same solvent is used every time.

• The same type and quantity of detergents are used every time for cleaning.

• The same type of disinfectant is used as defined in written procedures.

• The standard cleaning procedures can be defined separately for each piece of equipment depending upon its structure.

• Standard cleaning procedures can be defined separately for each area depending upon its requirements.

Example

Let's take the example of the standard cleaning procedure of an equipment used in pharmaceutical industries for blending of powders or granules.

Step 1

Remove the electrical supply of the blender and open the upper and lower lid of the blender.

Step 2

Wash the inside and outside of the blender with tap water.

Step 3

Prepare the defined concentration of food-grade detergent and clean inside and outside of the blender with this detergent solution.

Step 4

After applying the detergent solution, clean it thoroughly with tap water.

Step 5

Rinse outside and inside of the blender with purified water.

Step 6

Take rinsing samples for testing to assure proper washing.

Step 7

Dry the inner and outer surfaces of the blender with a lint-free cloth.

Step 8

Prepare 70% disinfectant solution and disinfect the blender from inside and outside.

Step 9

Apply cleaned equipment label and mention the activity in the logbook of the blender.

Important Topic

Work Instructions