SOP for Handling of Alarm System of Stability Chambers
1.0 Objective
1.1 To lay down the procedure for handling and monitoring the alarm system of stability chambers to ensure prompt response in case of abnormal conditions such as temperature, humidity, or power supply failure.
2.0 Scope
2.1 This SOP is applicable to the operation and handling of the alarm system installed for stability chambers.
3.0 Responsibility
3.1 Chemist or above of the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory.
3.2 Electrician or above from the Engineering Department.
3.3 Security Supervisor or above.
4.0 Accountability
4.1 Head – Quality Control
4.2 Head – Engineering
4.3 Head – P&A Department
4.4 Head – Quality Assurance
5.0 Procedure
The control panel and local piezo sounder of the alarm system for stability chambers are installed in the security room.
5.1 Control Panel and Indicators
5.1.1 The alarm control panel is equipped with an 80-character LCD display (4 lines × 20 characters) with a high viewing angle. The display includes a long-life LED backlight that remains illuminated during normal operation.
5.1.2 In case of AC power failure, if the system is not in an alarm condition, the LED backlight will automatically switch off to conserve battery power.
5.1.3 LED indicators are provided to indicate the following conditions:
-
AC Power – Green
-
Alarm – Red
-
Supervisory – Yellow
-
Trouble – Yellow
-
Alarm Silenced Signal – Yellow
5.2 Key Panel
5.2.1 The key panel is mounted on the main circuit board and includes a window for the LCD display and LED indicators.
5.2.2 The key panel remains visible even when the cabinet door is closed and consists of 25 keys, including a 16-key alphanumeric keypad similar to a telephone keypad.
5.3 Function Keys
The alarm panel includes the following function keys:
-
Acknowledge / Step
-
Alarm Silenced
-
Drill (Manual Evacuate)
-
Reset (Lamp Test)
-
Keys labeled 1 to 9
5.4 Membrane / Display Panel
The membrane panel consists of control keys, LCD display, and LED indicators used to operate and monitor the alarm system status.
5.5 Local Piezo Sounder
5.5.1 A piezo sounder is provided to generate separate and distinct pulse rates for alarm, trouble, and supervisory conditions, enabling quick identification of system status.
5.6 Operation Procedure
5.6.1 The alarm system shall be checked at least once daily by the Engineering Department personnel. Records shall be maintained as per Annexure.
5.6.2 The responsible person from the Engineering Department shall ensure that the alarm system is functioning properly and maintained in coordination with the stability chambers.
5.6.3 Any failure in temperature, humidity, or power supply will generate an alarm at the security room as well as at the stability chamber. The LCD display will show the alarm message and the LED indicator will turn red.
5.6.4 The security personnel shall silence the alarm using the Alarm Silence Key. After silencing, the LCD display and LED indicator will change to yellow.
5.6.5 The security personnel shall press the Acknowledge Key to read the alarm message and identify the reason for the alarm.
5.6.6 After identifying the alarm, the security personnel shall immediately inform the Stability In-charge.
5.6.7 The Stability In-charge shall investigate and rectify the problem and coordinate with the security personnel for resetting the alarm.
5.6.8 The security personnel shall reset the alarm by pressing the Reset Key.
5.6.9 After resetting, the security personnel shall verify that no alarm message appears on the display and the LED indicator returns to green.
5.6.10 The Stability In-charge shall also reset the stability chamber using the safety controller, if required.
5.6.11 During off-duty hours or holidays, the security personnel shall immediately inform the Engineering personnel and Stability In-charge about the alarm. The Engineering personnel shall rectify the problem in coordination with the Stability In-charge.
5.6.12 A record of every alarm occurrence shall be maintained as per Annexure.
6.0 List of Annexures
Annexure – I: Log Book for Alarm (Stability Chambers)
Annexure – II: Log Book for Daily Monitoring of Alarm System (Stability Chambers)