Not just testing the waters
Tirumala Rau K
Water used in pharma manufacturing must meet the highest quality standards. Tirumala Rau K, CEO, KVR Best Property Management Pvt Ltd explains how an FM service providers must monitor water quality through rigorous testing and permitted interventions.
Testing parameters
Water quality metrics include chemical, physical, and biological qualities, which can be evaluated or monitored depending on the desired water parameters of concern. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, ORP and turbidity are some of the water quality parameters that are frequently measured or monitored.
Tech for tests
We can identify numerous dangerous compounds in water using current technology. The ever-expanding list of available tests might be intimidating, and the great majority of procedures need state-of-the-art lab equipment. The good news is that low-tech variants of these tests are available for circumstances when funds are constrained.
Required frequency
Tests for chemicals, pH, conductivity, TVC, TOC are conducted on a daily basis. Total viable count is measured once in a week.
Keeping water germ-free
If water remains stagnant in the water distribution system, biofilm growth occurs in a relatively short amount of time. The water system should always be in continuous recirculation with a smooth surface.
Small fractures and holes, which are typically undetected by the human eye, are important entry points for bacteria and mould to enter and nest in your water storage tank.
Although frequent cleaning and chlorination are required to meet water hygiene rules, we always advocate applying a permissible chemical coating to function as a protective barrier against future harm. It also keeps steel and other surfaces from corroding more.
Tests for pharma sector
Bacterial endotoxins testing (BET), also known as pyrogen testing, is a test that detects the presence of bacterial endotoxin in water. The Quality Control Chemist is responsible for the implementation of the process. The Quality Control Manager is responsible for the execution of the procedure. Their day to day procedure includes:
- Purified water IP (Indian Pharmacopoeia) should be used for all manufacturing purposes.
- To ensure the quality of the water, it should be subjected to all the tests as per BP daily and the report for water analysis should be filed.
- Tests to be carried out every day include the following: pH, conductivity, oxidisable compounds, chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, and evaporation residue
- To ensure the full analysis of water as per government guidelines, it should be sent to a designated government chemist laboratory once every two months.
Water audits
These can assist in uncovering water saving strategies in day-to-day operations. Reducing ordinary water consumption can save energy, save long-term expenditures, and improve a facility’s resiliency in an emergency.
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