9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Home » Quality Control » HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) Leave a Comment / By Admin / September 7, 2020 Protocol for Qualification and Re-Qualification or Validation of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for Clean Room. HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) Table of Content – HVAC System Qualification Protocol S.No. Table of Contents 1.0 Protocol Approval 2.0 History Sheet 3.0 Objective 4.0 Scope 5.0 Responsibilities 6.0 Equipment Description https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ Page 1/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines 6.1 System Specification 7.0 Requalification tests 7.1 Air velocity/airflow measurement and calculation of air changes: 7.2 Integrity Test Of HEPA Filter 7.3 Differential Pressure Measurement 7.4 Temperature And Humidity Control Test 7.5 Air Flow Pattern Test 7.6 Non- Viable Particle Count 7.7 Recovery Study 7.8 Passive Air Sampling 7.9 Active Air Sampling 7.10 Re-qualification Criteria 8.0 Deficiency and corrective action report 9.0 Requalification summary report 10.0 Approval of requalification report 11.0 List of forms/Annexure 12.0 References 13.0 Abbreviations 1.0 Approval Sheet of Protocol: Prepared by: Department Name Designation Signature Date Quality Assurance https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 2/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Related: SOP for Qualification of HVAC System Reviewed by: Department Name Designation Signature Date Engineering Concern Quality Control /Microbiology Quality Assurance Approved by: Department Name Designation Signature Date Head Quality Assurance 2.0 History Sheet : Rev. No. Effective date Nature of change/ reason for revision Approved by QA 3.0 Objective –HVAC System Qualification Protocol : The objective of this protocol is to provide an outline for the qualification of the HVAC system and to establish documentary evidence to demonstrate that the Air Handling Units (AHU’s) are qualified to perform well within the predetermined acceptance criteria of performance as per guideline outlined in this protocol. 4.0 Scope –HVAC System Qualification Protocol : The scope of this protocol is applicable for the requalification of Air handling unit (AHU) system, https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 3/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines 5.0 Responsibilities –HVAC System Qualification Protocol : Department Responsibilities Responsible to ensure the overall re-qualification of the HVAC Quality Assurance system. Preparation, review, and approval of protocol and : report. Handling of deviations. To impart training of the team involved in HVAC requalification. Compile and review of reports. User department : To provide execution support during requalification. To review the protocol and report. To review the protocol and report. To perform and provide Quality Control / Microbiology : environmental monitoring reports of the manufacturing area for the microbial load as per schedule to record all the observations. Engineering : External agency : To review the protocol and report. To provide execution support and ensure proper operation of the system. Execution of tests as per protocol. Collection of data and preparation of final test certificates. Execution Team –HVAC System Qualification Protocol : Execution team shall comprise of the representative from the following functions: Department Name Designation Signature Date External agency Engineering Concern Microbiology Quality Assurance https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 4/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Pre Requisite: Daily cleaning of the area. Availability of area Required materials and instruments are available. Calibration and Preventive Maintenance of equipment. The gowning procedure of plant personnel and external agency shall be done as per the respective SOP for Entry and exit to the Aseptic area. Personnel qualification of the external party shall be done as per the respective SOP “Qualification of personnel for working in the aseptic area”. Personnel hygiene of personnel. Fogging cleaning shall be done prior to performing the requalification activity. External party agreement, respective valid SOP, and traceability certificates of instruments. Please elaborate. These are the bullet points. Training records of the external parties. Calibration of instruments or equipment used for testing like Anemometer, Aerosol photometer, Non-viable particle counter, etc. 6.0 Equipment Description / Specification: System Specification: Details of AHU’s are as follow:- Sr. No. AHU NO. Area (In m 2) Room Rooms ID Catered Grade No. No. of / ISO of Return Grade HEPA Risers Capacity ACP CFM (NLT Design Parameters 7.0 Requalification Tests:Detailed below-mentioned parameters shall be performed in the requalification of AHU’s. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 5/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Sr. No. 01 TESTS RE-QUALIFICATION FREQUENCY Air Velocity Measurement and Once every six months. At Every Filter Calculation of Air Changes replacement. 02 Integrity Testing y HEPA Filter 03 Pressure Differential Test 04 05 Once every six months. At Every Filter replacement. For 3 days (Every six month) Continuous monitoring Temperature and Relative For 3 days(Every six month) Continuous Humidity Test monitoring Air Flow Pattern Test Once in a year. Cleanliness Class Verification Non 06 Once in every six months for three Viable Particulate count. At-rest consecutive days at a defined location. At condition and in operation for Every Filter replacement ISO class 5, 6, 7, and 8 Once in every six months for three 07 consecutive days for ISO classes 5, 6, 7, Microbial monitoring and 8 at defined location. Continuous monitoring in critical / core areas. 08 Recovery Test Once in a year. Air velocity, the Air volume, and Air Changes Per Hour (ACPH) measurement: The test shall be performed by the external party as per their respective SOP, reviewed, and accepted by the plant. Refer the Attachment for SOP Reference SOP’s and results should be enclosed with the report. The formula to calculate the ACPH is as followsAir changes per hour (ACPH) = Total CFM X 60 Room volume https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 6/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Apparatus Required:- Anemometer, Capture hood. A calibrated instrument should be used for measurement. Acceptance criteria:- Air velocity and Air Change Per Hour (ACPH) shall be within the design specification. A variation in air volume shall not be ±20% from the design CFM Result:- Refer enclosed file named FORM-A of respective AHU requalification report. Traceability certificates should be enclosed along with the requalification report. Integrity test Of HEPA Filter: The test shall be performed by the external parties as per their respective SOP, reviewed, and accepted by the plant. Refer the Attachment for SOP Reference SOP’s and results should be enclosed with the report. Apparatus Required:- Aerosol Photometer. A Calibrated instrument should be used for measurement. Acceptance Criteria:-The leakage rate is NMT 0.01%. Ensure zero (0 %) leakage at joints. Result:Refer enclosed file named FORM-B of respective AHU requalification report. Traceability certificates to be enclosed along with the report. If any leakage is detected in the joints of filter it shall be repaired with the foodgrade silicon and leak site shall be rescanned. Upstream concentration should be 100%. Differential Pressure Measurement:Differential pressure of the room shall be recorded using the calibrated instrument, once in two hours and it shall be continued for 72 hours. Acceptance criteria:- Pressure differentials should meet the requirement as specified in the system specifications. Result:- Record the differential pressure in the FORM-C of the requalification report. Temperature And Humidity Control Test:The air handling system shall be in operation for at least 15 minutes prior to performing this activity. In the case of manual recording, record the data for 72 hours at an interval of 2 hours frequency. If data loggers are using, record the date for a period of 72 hrs at 5 minutes interval. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 7/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines All lights in the critical and controlled areas should be ON during the testing. Observe the temperature and relative humidity use calibrated thermo hygrometer. Temperature and RH in the area shall be checked and recorded in dynamic conditions. Acceptance criteria:Temperature and relative humidity should meet the requirement as specified in the system specifications. Refer point No. 6.1 system specification for predetermined acceptance criteria. Result:Measure and record temperature and RH using sling psycho meter, thermo hygrometer, or data logger. Record the observations on FORM-D of the AHU requalification report. Air Flow Pattern Test:The test shall be performed by the external party as per their respective SOP, reviewed, and accepted by the plant. The test shall be performed in Rest as well as Dynamic condition. Reference SOP’s and results should be enclosed with the report. Video recording shall be performed for the airflow pattern test. Enclose the unedited CD of flow pattern along with the re-qualification report. Apparatus required:Fog generator, water generated fog, and digital video camera. Acceptance criteria:Air should flow from the higher-pressure zone to the lower pressure zone in the room to room. The air should flow unidirectionally from supply towards the return air filter or grill within the room. In videography show the exact area name and supply return grill’s ID. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 8/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Videography shall be carried out to demonstrate the airflow pattern. Result recording:Observe the airflow pattern as per the procedure mentioned above and record in the FORM-E in the requalification report. Non-Viable Particle Count (NVPC) – HVAC Qualification Protocol:The test shall be performed by the external party as per their respective SOP, reviewed, and accepted by the plant. Reference SOP’s and results should be enclosed with the report. The test shall be performed at rest and in operation both the condition. Attach the print out original and one photocopy of original with the qualification report and data shall also be recorded and compiled in the report. The no. of sample locations shall be calculated according to the belowmentioned table. Refer annexure No.: ­_________ for location details of area. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 9/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Apparatus Required: Particulate Counter. A calibrated instrument should be used for measurement. Acceptance Criteria:- The average particle concentration at each of the particle measuring locations should fall the below-mentioned class limit. Class /Grade Size AT IN REST OPERATION Maximum number of permitted particles per cubic meter equal to or above 0.5 mm 5.0 mm 0.5 mm 5.0 mm A/5 3,500 0 3,500 0 B/6 3,500 0 3,50,000 2,000 https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 10/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines 1. Result Recording 2. Data shall be collected in the datasheet. 3. Measure and Record the particulate count at various locations as the attached sheet. 4. The recording shall be done in FORM-F of the re-qualification report 5. Attach the calibration certificate of Particle Counter. 6. Recovery Study: 7. The test shall be performed by the external parties as per their respective SOP. 8. Reference SOP’s and results should be enclosed with the report. 9. Attach the print outs, original and photocopy provided by the external agency of particle form of clean room from the initial stage of contaminated area till recovery. 10. Ensure that the master instrument is calibrated and enclose the calibration certificate along with the re-qualification report. 11. Recovery study should be performed for Temperature, RH, and Differential pressure. 12. Record the readings and evaluate them with the design specification. 13. Recording frequency should be 02-minute time interval by manual entries or using data loggers. 14. Recovery test for viable counts should be checked on 15 minutes time interval 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1 hour 15. Apparatus: Particulate Counter, Hygrometer, differential pressure gauge. 16. Acceptance criteria: The recovery time should not be more than 15 minutes excluding viable count. 17. Result Recording: Record the observations in FORM-G of the re-qualification report. 18. Microbial Monitoring: 19. To determine the viable particle count test by exposing the settle plate and air sampling in the defined areas. 20. The procedure shall be followed as per the respective SOP. 21. PASSIVE AIR SAMPLING:22. Procedure: 23. Plates shall be exposed on plate exposure stand at the pre-defined locations mentioned in individual format for each stream for not less than 4 hrs. 24. Keep the plates on the upper platform of plate exposure stand, lift, and slide open the lid of the media plate and keep on the lower platform of the plate https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 11/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines exposure stand. 25. 26. Exposed plates shall be recovered after 4 hrs. of exposure and incubate at specified conditions; SCDA plates: 20-25ºC for 72 hrs. Then 30-35ºC for 48 hrs. 27. 28. Plates shall be observed for any microbial growth after 5 days. 29. 30. Frequency: 31. 32. Microbial monitoring shall be done for three consecutive days once every six months. 33. 34. Acceptance criteria: Class / Grade Limit (CFU/Plate) Alert Limit Action Limit Grade A / 5 <1 <1 <1 Grade B / 6 5 3 4 Grade C / 7 50 30 40 Grade D / 8 100 60 80 Result recording: Record the observations in FORM-H of the re-qualification report. Active Air Sampling: Procedure : Battery of the Air Sampler shall be ensured for fully charged. Sterilized sieve shall be used during every monitoring exercise in case of an aseptic area. Active sites of the sampler shall be sanitized properly with filtered 70% IPA before each sampling The pre-incubated media plate shall be placed after opening the lid. The perforated lid shall be placed above the plate & the sampler shall be switched on with feed parameter of 1000 liters of air 1000 liters of the air shall be withdrawn. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 12/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines The plate shall be removed by taking care; not to touch the surface of the media & re-place the lid of the plate. After each sampling Air Sampler perforated lid shall be moped with 70% IPA The plate shall be recovered after sampling and incubate at specified conditions; SCDA plates: 20-25ºC for 72 hrs. then 30-35ºC for 48 hrs. Frequency: Microbial monitoring shall be done for three consecutive days once every six months. Acceptance criteria: Area (Grade) Limit (CFU/m3) Alert Limit Action Limit A <1 <1 <1 B 10 6 8 C 100 60 80 D 200 120 160 Result recording: Record the observations in FORM I of the re-qualification report. Re-qualification criteria: The system should be re-validated under the following conditions. If any major changes or modification in the system is done. Any major changes have been done in the respective room or module, which is affecting the environmental condition. If any major maintenance has taken place in the system which can affect the performance of the air handling system. Periodic re-qualification. 8.0 Deviation (If any): Any deviation observed during re-qualification shall be recorded and investigated A) Description of deficiency and date observed. B) The person responsible for corrective action and date assigned. https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 13/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines C) Corrective actions are taken and the date conducted. 9.0 Re-qualification Summary : The re-qualification report shall consist of a summary document, in narrative form, which shall briefly describe the activity performed along with the observations recorded in relevant exhibits. This report shall also include the related documents and attachments/annexures which were completed at the time of re-validation activity. 10.0 Approval of re-qualification Report: The report shall be evaluated and proper references/conclusions/recommendations shall be recorded by Quality Assurance. The report shall be evaluated and finally approved by Quality Assurance. 11.0 List Of Form/Annexure: List Of Form: Form Title A Air velocity/airflow measurement and calculation of air changes. B Filter integrity test. C Differential pressure measurement. D Temperature and humidity measurement. E Airflow pattern test F Non-viable particle count test. G Recovery H Viable particle count- Passive air sampling https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 14/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines I Viable particle count- Active air sampling List of Annexure: Requalification report shall include the following annexure:- S. No. Annexures 01 Report of Air velocity and ACPH. 02 Report of filter integrity. 03 Report of Temperature and Relative Humidity. 04 Report of Differential pressure. 05 Report of Non-viable particle count. 06 Environment Monitoring Report for Passive air sampling. 07 Environment Monitoring Report for Active air sampling. 08 Recovery study test report. 09 CD of Airflow pattern test. 10 Calibration certificate of Differential pressure gauge. 11 Calibration certificate of data loggers. 12 Calibration certificate of Anemometer. 13 Calibration certificate of the aerosol photometer. 14 Calibration certificate of a particle counter. 15 Training Records. 16 SOP of an external agency. 17 Personal Monitoring report. 18 Traceability Certificates https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 15/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines 12.0 References: WHO-TRS 937 HVAC. SOP for qualification and requalification Of HVAC 13.0 Abbreviations: Abbreviation Definition AHU Air Handling Unit SOP Standard Operating Procedure RC Regulatory Compliance QA Quality Assurance ID Identification CFM Cubic Feet per Minute P Protocol m2 Meter Square HEPA High-Efficiency Particulate Air HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning ISO International Organization for Standardization MOC Material Of Construction ACPH Air Changes Per Hour % Percentage QA Quality Assurance Temp. Temperature RH Relative Humidity https://www.pharmaguideline.net/hvac-system-qualification-protocol-validation/ 16/18 9/7/23, 19:16 HVAC System Qualification Protocol (Validation) - Pharmaceutical Guidelines Abbreviation Definition WHO World Health organization DP Differential Pressure CD Compact Disc NVPC Non-viable particle count SCDA Soya bean casein digest agar NLT Not Less than NMT Not more than HOD Head of Department Ltd. Limited No Number Rev. Revision Sign. Signature A/L Airlock H.P. 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