Guide6.5
Cleaning checklists
Daily cleaning after operation
- 1Isolate and unplug the machine.
- 2Remove excess powder with a bagless vacuum.
- 3Clean the capsule hopper, powder hopper, magazine, tooling and auger in detergent solution one part at a time; rinse, dry immediately and sanitise.
- 4Wipe down all other surfaces with a damp cloth.
- 5Lubricate all grease points. Store tooling in a container with a light coat of grease.
- 6Clean the surrounding equipment: scales, vacuum cleaners, vacuum pump and filters, work bench, scoops and tools, powder drums and transfer containers.
- 7Apply CLEAN status labels and complete cleaning records.
Weekly and monthly equipment deep clean
| Equipment | Weekly | Monthly (in addition) |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule filling machine | Dismantle removable parts; clean all product-contact surfaces; inspect seals, guards, dosing disc and tamping pins; sanitise and dry. | Full strip-down of accessible parts; deep clean frame, guards, dosing system and hard-to-reach areas; inspect wear components. |
| Capsule hopper / feeder | Remove, wash, sanitise; inspect for cracks. | Deep clean; inspect for wear and staining. |
| Capsule polisher | Dismantle brushes and screens; clean, inspect, sanitise, dry. | Disassemble completely, including housing. |
| Bench and floor scales | Clean platform and underneath; inspect. | Deep clean surrounding area; check calibration label. |
| Vacuum cleaners | Empty container; clean filter; inspect hose and cord. | Replace bag if required; inspect wheels; verify suction. |
| Vacuum pump and filters | Clean exterior; inspect filters, hoses, connections. | Replace damaged filters. |
| Work bench and ladder | Move and clean underneath; sanitise; inspect ladder fittings. | Inspect ladder steps, feet and locks. |
Area and GMP inspection
| Item | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floors, walls and doors clean | ● | ● | ● |
| Waste bins emptied and cleaned | ● | ● | ● |
| Air vents and exhaust grilles clean | ● | ● | ● |
| No pallets in the production room | ● | ● | ● |
| Finished product crates labelled and stored correctly | ● | ● | ● |
| Powder drums labelled, closed and stored | ● | ● | ● |
| Toolbox and tools clean and stored | ● | ● | ● |
| Glass and brittle plastic register checked; no unregistered items | ● |
ATP verificationDaily: where required by the SOP.Weekly: 3–5 critical food-contact surfaces (FCS).Monthly: 3–5 food-contact and 2 non-food-contact surfaces (NFCS). Record the RLU result and surface ID. A CAUTION or FAIL result triggers the out-of-specification procedure.
Release criteria
- All equipment cleaned, sanitised and completely dry.
- No visible product residue, including hard-to-reach areas.
- Equipment inspected and serviceable; defects reported.
- ATP results acceptable and calibration labels valid.
- Equipment labelled CLEAN; cleaning records complete and signed.
- Supervisor and QA approval obtained before production.
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