Operation and Calibration of BOD Incubator

1.0 OBJECTIVE

To lay down the procedure for the Operation and Calibration of BOD Incubator.

2.0       SCOPE

This procedure is applicable to operation & calibration of BOD Incubator used for fungal incubation in Microbiology laboratory of Quality control department .

Make / Model              : ABC

Instrument ID No        : XYZ

Operating range         : 20-25^oC

Location                      : Incubator room

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY

Microbiologist

4.0 DISTRIBUTION

Master copy                :           Quality Assurance Department

Controlled Copy – 1     :           Quality Control Department

5.0 PROCEDURE 

5.1 Operation Procedure:

• Ensure the instrument is clean and free from dust.

• Insert the incubator plug into the main power socket. 
• Press the power switch.
• Switch ON the incubator by pressing the “MAINS” key, provided on the front panel of the machine. 
• After pressing the “MAINS” key orange color light will glow which indicate the machine has started. 
• The digital temperature controller of the incubator on the front of incubator, displays the set temperature in green colour and actual inside chamber temperature in red colour.

• A “BLACK” key is provided on the front of incubator for “COOLING” purpose.
• Inside the instrument chamber three trays are provided.
• Load the stuff in the tray and close the door.
• A Validation port is also provided in side of incubator for validation purpose.

5.2      Setting the Incubator Temperature:

• The temperature controller has three SEL, ▼ and ▲ keys.

• Gently press the “SEL” key to save the change.
• Operating range of this BOD incubator is 20-25^oC and set the required temperature at  22.5^oC by up “▲” and down “▼”key.

• Set temperature starts displaying on the lower display.  

5.3 Calibration:

• Calibration Frequency: Monthly
• Follow the operating procedure for the operation.

• The incubator thermometer will be calibrated using the calibrated thermometer.
• Record the temperature 15⁰C, 20⁰C, 22.5⁰C, 25⁰C, 30⁰C at the set temperature.
• Record the results of calibration in the respective calibration record.Action to be taken in case of out of calibration.
• After calibration affix the calibration label as per the label .

5.4 Acceptance Criteria:  

Temperature difference between the incubator thermometer and Calibrated thermometer shall be ± 1°C.

5.5 Maintenance :

• Inform the Maintenance Department in case of malfunctioning is observed.
• Stick the label of “UNDER MAINTENANCE”.

5.6 Precautions:

• All the electric wires should be properly insulated. Temperature setting should not be disturbed once set.

• Only authorized persons handle the instrument.