SOP for Cleaning Procedure for Analytical Balances

OBJECTIVE 

To lay down the procedure for cleaning analytical balances. 

SCOPE 

This SOP shall be applicable for all Analytical Balances, installed in the Quality Control Laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITY 

Execution: Chemist and above-QC department 

PROCEDURE 

Frequency: Daily 

• Switch “OFF” the Instrument. 
• Switch “OFF” the Mains. 
• Open the sliding doors of the balance and remove the pan which is inside the balance. 
• Remove the dust and powder with the help of a soft brush. Soak the tissue paper in Isopropyl alcohol and squeeze out the Isopropyl alcohol and clean the balance to remove oily substances or any spots inside the balance.

• Finally, clean it with tissue paper and let it dry in the air. Care is to be taken for proper drying during the use of isopropyl alcohol. 
• Clean the outer surface with tissue paper wetted with Isopropyl alcohol then clean with dry tissue paper. 

ALSO READ: SOP for Verification/Calibration of Balances by External Team

• Also, clean the sliding doors of analytical balances with Isopropyl alcohol than with dry tissue paper. 
• After cleaning and drying, close the sliding doors of the analytical balances and check the level of balances. 
• After cleaning, restart the balances and recalibrate it as per the current version of SOP.
• After completion of cleaning of the balances, record the cleaning details in the instrument log card as per the current version of SOP. 
• Place the ‘self-indicating’ coarse silica gel inside the balance.

• If the color of the silica gel changes from blue to pink, regenerate the silica gel by keeping it in the oven for some time till it gets blue color again. 

REFERENCE

Operation and calibration procedure for analytical balances 

Use of Instrument Log Card for Instrument / Equipment Status 

ABBREVIATION

SOP - Standard Operating Procedure 

Q.C - Quality control 

No - Number 

ANNEXURE

Nil

REVISION HISTORY

Nil

ALSO READ: SOP for Daily Verification of Weighing Balance