Fridge Freezer TB 07-03 V1.0

08c39e1c4467aecd3ac2019e7ec2adb5.doc

Document type: SOP FRIDGE FREEZER USE AND Document code: TB 07-03 MAINTENANCE Confidentiality: none

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE...... 2 2. SCOPE...... 2 3. RESPONSIBILITIES...... 2 4. CROSS-REFERENCES...... 2 5. PROCEDURES...... 2 5.1 Use of freezer...... 2 5.2 Maintenance...... 3 5.2.1. Defrosting and Cleaning...... 3 5.2.2. Servicing...... 3 6. REFERENCES...... 4 7. CHANGE HISTORY...... 4

This SOP template has been developed by FIND for adaption and use in TB laboratories Release date: ddMMMyy Page 1 of 4 08c39e1c4467aecd3ac2019e7ec2adb5.doc

1. PURPOSE

This SOP describes the use and maintenance of fridge freezers. The fridge freezer is intended for ensuring an environment for material that requires preservation at temperatures below zero. Optimal operation of the fridge freezer is achieved through proper installation and maintenance (control of temperature, defrosting and cleaning).

2. SCOPE

This SOP covers all procedures requiring fridge freezer storage in the ______TB Laboratory.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff members working in the ______TB Laboratory are responsible for the implementation of this operating procedure. All users of this procedure who do not understand it or are unable to carry it out as described are responsible for seeking advice from their supervisor.

4. CROSS-REFERENCES

See: Document Matrix_TB 01-01_V1.0.doc Location:

Refer to SOPs listed under 07-02 (General Procedures).

5. PROCEDURES

5.1 Use of the fridge freezer

 The fridge freezer must have proper electrical isolation, and must be installed according to the manufacturer’s manual.  Ensure good ventilation to allow outward flowing air to escape and to prevent condensation of moisture on the outside of the fridge freezer.  Do not install the fridge freezer close to heat sources.  Ensure that the fridge freezer is placed on a level surface.  To prevent overloading the outlet, do not connect the fridge freezer directly to a power supply supplying other equipment.  Check temperatures daily and record in the appropriate Logbook.

Use: Fridge Freezer Temperature_form.xls Location:

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5.2 Maintenance

5.2.1. Defrosting and Cleaning  Defrost freezers every six months, or more frequently if required, specifically in the event of leakage of biological materials onto the internal surface of the freezer or when the ice build-up on the internal wall reaches 5-6 mm in thickness whichever comes first.  Ensure that materials kept in the fridge freezer are clearly marked.  Identify temperature sensitive reagents/solutions which need to be relocated during defrosting.  Consider safety issues for the temporary space used for biological materials (mycobacterial cultures, specimens etc) while defrosting.  Identify adequate volume of available space in another freezer.  Notify staff of contents of relocation.  Note location of relocated contents in an appropriate fridge freezer logbook.  Disconnect the plug from the main socket. Open the door and leave it open.  To accelerate the process put a pan with warm (not boiling) water into the compartment.  Place another container under the drain hole to catch the defrosted water.  Sponge up any defrosted water.  Once all the ice has been removed, wash with a sponge and cleaning solution.  Dry the internal compartment using paper towels/soft cloth.  Never use a sharp object to chip the ice during the defrosting process.  Never use abrasives.  Dry with a soft cloth.  Connect the fridge freezer to the main power supply and switch on.  Relocate the fridge freezer contents once the required temperature has been reached.  Do not over pack.  Notify staff of contents of relocation.

Clean fridge freezer every three months, or more frequently if required, specifically in the event of leakage of biological materials onto the internal surface of the fridge.

Spills should be wiped up immediately.

See: General Safety Procedures_TB 02-01_V1.0.doc Lab Cleaning and Maintenance_TB 02-05_V1.0.doc Location:

 Make a record on the cleaning in the Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance Logbook.

Use: Laboratory Cleaning and Maintenance Logbook_form.xls Location:

 Clean the condenser every three months with a brush or vacuum cleaner.

5.2.2. Servicing  Check the compressors for unusual sound or overheating. Issue an Equipment Failure Report and alert the technical service for maintenance, even if the equipment is still performing.

Use: Equipment Failure Report_form.doc. Location:

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 Repairs must be performed by a qualified service technician.

Records of the service must be kept in the Equipment Maintenance File

Use: Equipment Maintenance File_form.doc Location:

6. REFERENCES

Thermoscientific Freezer User Manual.

World Health Organization. Maintenance and repair of laboratory, diagnostic imaging and hospital equipment. Geneva: WHO; 1994.

7. CHANGE HISTORY

New version # Old version # No. of Source of Description of changes / date / date changes change request