1.0 OBJECTIVE:
1.1 This SOP shall describe the procedure for safe handling and controlled movement of materials and finished goods to prevent mix-ups, contamination, damage, and loss of traceability during warehouse operations.

2.0 SCOPE:
2.1 This SOP shall be applicable to:
2.1.1 Raw materials
2.1.2 Packaging materials
2.1.3 Finished goods

2.2 stored and handled in:
2.2.1 Raw Material Warehouse
2.2.2 Packaging Material Warehouse
2.2.3 Finished Goods Warehouse

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES:
3.1 Warehouse In-Charge shall ensure compliance with this SOP.

3.2 Stores Personnel shall handle and move materials as per defined procedures.

3.3 Quality Assurance (QA) shall monitor compliance and handle deviations.

4.0 DEFINATIONS:
4.1 Handling: Handling refers to all activities involving physical contact with materials or finished goods during receipt, storage, issuance, or transfer.

4.2 Movement: Movement refers to the controlled transfer of materials or finished goods from one designated area to another within the warehouse or between warehouse and production areas.

5.0 PROCEDURE:
5.1 General Requirements:
5.1.1 Materials and finished goods shall be handled in a manner that prevents damage, contamination, and mix-ups.

5.1.2 Only authorized and trained personnel shall handle or move materials.

5.1.3 Material status (Quarantine / Approved / Rejected) shall be verified before movement.

5.2 Handling of Materials:
5.2.1 Materials shall be handled carefully to avoid spillage, breakage, or deterioration.

5.2.2 Containers shall not be dragged, rolled, or thrown.

5.2.3 Damaged containers shall be immediately segregated and reported to QA.

5.2.4 Partially used containers shall be properly resealed and relabeled after handling.

5.3 Movement Within Warehouse:
5.3.1 Movement of materials shall be carried out only between designated and identified areas.

5.3.2 Materials of different status shall not be moved or stored together.

5.3.3 Approved materials shall not pass through rejected or quarantine areas unless physically segregated.

5.3.4 Movement pathways shall be kept clean and unobstructed.

5.4 Use of Handling Equipment:
5.4.1 Trolleys, pallets, forklifts, and other handling equipment shall be clean and in good condition.

5.4.2 Dedicated or clearly identified equipment shall be used where required to avoid cross-contamination.

5.4.3 Equipment shall not be overloaded.

5.5 Movement Between Warehouse and Production:
5.5.1 Only approved materials shall be moved from warehouse to production.

5.5.2 Material movement shall be documented and traceable.

5.5.3 Returned materials from production shall be clearly identified and segregated pending QA assessment.

5.6 Handling of Rejected, Returned, and Recalled Materials:
5.6.1 Rejected and recalled materials shall be moved only with QA authorization.

5.6.2 Such materials shall be transferred to designated, secured areas.

5.6.3 Movement records shall be maintained.

5.7 Handling During Environmental Constraints:
5.7.1 Materials sensitive to temperature or humidity shall be handled and moved promptly.

5.7.2 Exposure to adverse environmental conditions shall be minimized.

5.8 Precautions:
5.8.1 Materials shall not be placed directly on the floor.

5.8.2 Mixing of batches during handling or movement shall be avoided.

5.8.3 Any abnormal situation shall be immediately reported to QA.

5.9 Deviation:
5.9.1 Any deviation from this SOP shall be documented and investigated.

5.9.2 Appropriate CAPA shall be implemented where required.

5.10 Training:
5.10.1 Warehouse personnel shall be trained on this SOP before independent work.

5.10.2 Training records shall be maintained.

6.0 REFERENCE:
6.1 WHO TRS 961, Annex 2

6.2 WHO Good Storage Practices

6.3 EU-GMP Part I, Chapter 3 & Chapter 5

7.0 RECORDS:
Sr No. Title Document No.
NA NA NA

8.0 REVISION HISTORY:
Amendment Date: Update Summary Version No.
NA New SOP 01