Product Storage

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that stored product and materials are not damaged or altered prior to use or delivery.  Storage procedures apply to product and material from initial receipt until final shipping and delivery.

Background

Only designated storage areas shall be identified and used to prevent damage or deterioration of the product pending use or delivery.

Scope

Applies to product and materials while on company property during manufacturing, warehousing and shipping.

Responsible Manager and/or Environmental Health and Safety Manager is responsible for:

• Determining special storage requirements
• Creating reference procedures
• Controlling access to secure storage areas

Handler is responsible for:

• Implementing standard and special storage procedures

Definitions

• “Handler” means the person who arranges product for delivery or receives, manufactures, moves, stores or packages the product.
• “Responsible Manager” means the individual directly responsible for ensuring a high-quality organisation by complying with policies or procedures.

Procedure

Storage – General

1. Standard warehousing storage conditions shall be considered acceptable unless special storage is required.

2. Storage through manufacturing and warehousing shall:

1. Preserve lot integrity

2. Prevent mix-ups

3. Protect from damage and/or deterioration

4. Prevent contamination or other adverse effects

5. Prevent unauthorised release

3. Inventory shall be kept in a secure location that is locked when not in use.

4. For product that deteriorates over time, the product shall be stored to facilitate proper stock rotation.  Expiry dates for product shall be clearly marked.  In addition, the condition of the product in stock shall be assessed at appropriate intervals.

5. Where possible, labelling in storage areas shall identify the contents and any relevant physical characteristics (e.g., expiry date, temperature limits).

6. If storage areas other than designated areas (warehouse, laboratory and manufacturing area) are used, the Responsible Manager shall designate these areas and specify any limitations and/or restrictions on storage.

7. Access to the storage and/or stock room shall be restricted as noted.  [Add any affected job descriptions and/or security clearances].

8. If a problem is identified during the manufacturing process, any affected parts shall be identified and segregated in accordance with What do we do with Defective Product.

Special Storage

9. Special storage procedures shall be used as determined by the responsible manager.

10. Special storage procedures shall be prepared and implemented for storing materials that are biological, radioactive, explosive, flammable, highly pressurised, corrosive or reactive. 

11. Proper training shall be implemented, as required, when following special storage procedures, to ensure a safe level of storage.

12. Special handling and storage may be required for temperature-sensitive materials and product.  Heat-sensitive items under temperature control shall be monitored as required.