STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE LAB EQUIPMENT - SINGLE PAN ANALYTICAL BALANCE (Make: AFCOSET & CITIZEN)

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SUBJECT :                     LAB EQUIPMENT - SINGLE PAN ANALYTICAL BALANCE (Make: AFCOSET & CITIZEN)

DEPARTMENT           : QA SOP NO.                      : Page No                       : Effective Date             : Next Review                : SOP REVISION           :

1.0       OBJECTIVE:

To provide guidelines for Operation & Maintenance of Single Pan Balance.

2.0       POLICY:

Balance is the heart of the system .Its accuracy is of vital importance in the analysis so it should be handled in accordance with the SOP.

     

3.0       PROCEDURE:

3.1       Check the spirit level and ensure that the balance is in stable position.

3.2       To switch on the balance connect the plug to the main and put the switch on.

3.3       Press the ON/OFF button. The display will be 0.0000g.

3.4       To weigh place a piece of butter paper on the pan close the side doors and wait until the display is stable.

3.5       The displayed reading is the weight of the paper.

3.6       To tare the weight press” Tare” knob. The weight gets tarred and the display will be 0.0000g.

Place the object to be weighed on the butter paper and close the doors. Wait until the display reading is stable. The display reading is the weight of the object.

3.6.1        Repeat the same operations from step 3.4 to step 3.6 for further weighing.

1.8.            When weighing is done for Assay purpose do not tare the weight of butter paper instead record the weight of butter paper and then add the desired quantity of sample and determine the weight. Record the weight of sample with butter paper. Transfer the sample into the required glassware for testing and reweigh the butter paper. The difference in weight is the sample taken for Assay. This need to be done while weighing standards and samples for Assay testing so as to reduce the error if any at lower weight ranges.  

3.5         Afcoset balance is used for weighing regents for preparation of volumetric solutions, test solutions

      and other preparations used for analysis.

 3.10    MAINTAINENCE

3.9.1        When the work is over switch off the balance.

3.9.2        Always keep the pan dust free and dry, clean it with small brush provided if necessary.

3.9.3        Always keep the side glass doors closed while taking the readings to get accurate weight of the object and also keep it closed while it is not in use to avoid dust accumulation on the pan.

3.9.4        Always keep the balance away from vibrations.

3.9.5        Balance must not be over loaded.

3.9.6        Hot objects should be cooled to room temperature before putting on the balance pan.

3.9.7        Should any spillage occur during the weighing it should be cleaned immediately?

3.9.8        A stoppered container must be used for weighing volatile liquids or hygroscopic solids.

3.10.9 Switch off the balance and clean the pan and platform of the balance with tissue paper frequently    

            after weighing.

4.0       FREQUENCY:  As and when required. Calibration once in three months.

           

5.0       RESPONSIBILITY:  Executive Q.A.

6.0       REVIEW GUIDE: Calibration record.

7.0       ANNEXURE: -------

8.0       SOPs DISTRIBUTION:

            This SOP shall be distributed to following Departments:

Name of the Department	Master Copy	Circulatory Copy
QA/QC	√	√
Production	x	x
Warehouse	x	x
General	x	x
Maintenance	x	x