Validation of Compressed Air Systems in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The validation of a Compressed Air System in the pharmaceutical industry is typically performed according to the requirements and guidelines provided by regulatory authorities such as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
The ISPE provides a guideline called "Baseline® Guide: Compressed Air Systems for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing" which outlines the best practices and recommendations for the design, installation, qualification, and operation of compressed air systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. This guideline covers various aspects including system design, equipment selection, maintenance, and validation.
The USP, specifically USP Chapter <797> "Pharmaceutical Compounding—Sterile Preparations," provides requirements for the quality of compressed air used in compounding sterile preparations. It includes specifications for air filtration, particulate and microbial contamination, and monitoring of the compressed air system.
In addition to compounding regulations, there are other regulations and guidelines that may apply to the validation of Compressed Air Systems in the pharmaceutical industry. Some of these include:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): GMP regulations provide a framework for the manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance of pharmaceutical products. They often include requirements for the validation of critical systems, including compressed air systems.
- ISO Standards: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed standards related to compressed air quality and system validation. For example, ISO 8573-1 specifies the quality classes of compressed air in terms of particulate, moisture, and oil content.
- Pharmaceutical Quality Systems (PQS): PQS guidelines, such as those outlined in the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q10 guideline, emphasize the importance of a quality management system that includes validation activities. This may include the validation of critical utilities such as compressed air systems.
When validating a Compressed Air System, the following aspects are typically considered:
- Design and installation qualification: Ensuring that the system is designed and installed according to the appropriate standards and guidelines.
- Operational qualification: Verifying that the system operates within the defined parameters and meets the specified requirements.
- Performance qualification: Demonstrating the consistent performance of the system over a defined period of time under normal operating conditions.
- Monitoring and maintenance: Establishing a routine monitoring program to ensure the ongoing performance and quality of the compressed air system. This may include regular testing for particulate and microbial contamination, pressure differentials, and other relevant parameters.
It is important to consult the specific regulatory requirements applicable to your region and industry to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and guidelines for validating a Compressed Air System in your pharmaceutical facility.