A pharmaceutical warehouse or pharmacy sales area is a strictly controlled zone where compliance with sanitary standards is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory legal requirement. Particular attention in this process is paid to equipment for storing medicines, since temperature violations or microbiological contamination can lead to damage to expensive drugs and serious fines during Roszdravnadzor inspections. The question of how to treat a refrigerator in a pharmacy is constantly faced by front-line workers and warehouse managers, requiring a clear understanding of the regulations and properties of various chemicals.
Unlike household use, where it is enough to simply remove dirt and unpleasant odors, in a pharmacy the disinfection procedure must be carried out strictly according to schedule using certified preparations. The wrong choice disinfectant can damage rubber seals, cause corrosion of metal shelves, or leave a toxic residue that will later end up in medication packaging. Therefore, the approach to the choice of chemistry and washing method should be exclusively professional and documented.
In this article we will analyze the regulatory framework in detail, list the approved drugs, describe a step-by-step algorithm of actions and answer frequently asked questions that arise during the sanitary treatment of medical refrigeration equipment. Compliance with these rules guarantees not only Passing inspection, but also the preservation of the quality of medicines entrusted to you for storage.
Regulatory requirements of SanPiN for the cleanliness of refrigeration equipment
The main document regulating the rules for storing medicines in the Russian Federation is GOST R 52245-2004 Sanitary rules of the joint venture 2.1.7.2799-10 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the location, structure, equipment, maintenance and operating hours of pharmaceutical organizations.” According to these standards, all surfaces in contact with medications must be resistant to detergents and disinfectants and easy to clean.
Regulations on the frequency of cleaning are also strictly prescribed: wet cleaning in storage areas should be carried out daily, and general cleaning with washing walls, ceilings and equipment - at least once a month. For refrigerators where heat-labile drugs are stored, the requirements are even stricter: the internal chambers must be treated regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can cause spoilage of vaccines, serums and insulins.
⚠️ Attention: The use of household cleaning products that are not certified for medical institutions (for example, ordinary kitchen sprays from a supermarket) may be the basis for an order from inspection authorities. All drugs used must have a certificate of state registration (SGR).
It is important to understand that disinfection in a pharmacy is not just the removal of visible dirt. This is the process of destroying pathogenic and opportunistic microflora. Therefore, the temperature and cleaning log kept for each refrigerator must record the date of treatment and the product used. The absence of such records is equivalent to the absence of cleaning itself.
Classification of approved disinfectants
The choice of a drug for treating a refrigerator in a pharmacy is limited to the list of products approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for use in health care facilities (health care institutions). The main groups of substances used for these purposes are chlorine compounds, oxygen-containing preparations, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and alcohols.
Chlorine-containing agents, such as various forms chloramine or sodium hypochlorite, have a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action and are effective against viruses. However, they have a significant drawback - an aggressive effect on metals and rubber seals, which can shorten the service life of an expensive pharmaceutical refrigerator. In addition, they often have a pungent odor, which can be adsorbed by cardboard packaging of medicines.
Medicines based on HOURS and alcohols are considered more gentle and modern. They do not cause corrosion, do not have a strong odor and often have cleaning properties, which makes it possible to combine the processes of washing and disinfection. For refrigeration equipment, where it is important to maintain the integrity of seals and plastic shelves, this is the most preferable option.
Below is a table comparing the main groups of disinfectants used in pharmacy:
| Substance group | Examples of drugs | Advantages | Disadvantages for refrigerators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine-containing | Javel, Chloramine B | High efficiency, low cost | Metal corrosion, odor, destruction of rubber |
| HR (Quaternary ammonium compounds) | Alaminol, Optimax | Safe for materials, no odor | May leave a film that requires washing off |
| Oxygen-containing | Hydrogen peroxide, Virkon | Environmentally friendly, decomposes into safe components | Instability of working solutions, bleaching effect |
| Alcohol-containing | Ethyl alcohol 70%, Saniol | Quick drying, no need to rinse | Fire hazard, risk of rubber drying out with frequent use |
Step-by-step instructions for sanitization
The process of cleaning a refrigerator in a pharmacy should be structured in such a way as to minimize the time that drugs are outside the temperature range. To do this, the procedure is divided into several stages: preparation, defrosting (if required), mechanical cleaning, disinfection and final ventilation.
The first stage is the preparation of the workplace and preparations. It is necessary to prepare clean rags (it is better to use disposable spunlace wipes), containers for the working solution and a thermal bag with cold elements for temporary placement of medications. If the refrigerator operates in normal mode, quick processing allows you not to remove the preparations completely, but to sort them out in small groups.
Next follows mechanical removal of contaminants. Even if the shelves are visually clean, dust and microparticles can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Wiping is carried out from top to bottom, from the far wall to the door. Particular attention is paid to corners and joints where condensation often accumulates.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for washing
After mechanical cleaning, apply disinfectant solution. Depending on the instructions for a particular drug, exposure (exposure time) can range from 1 to 60 minutes. For example, when using CHAS group products, 15 minutes of exposure is often sufficient. If the drug requires rinsing (which is typical for chlorine-containing products), the surfaces are wiped with sterile water or 70% alcohol.
Features of processing different types of refrigerators
Pharmacy refrigerators are divided into several types: pharmaceutical (for finished dosage forms), refrigerators for thermolabile drugs (vaccines, insulins) and freezers. Each type has its own processing characteristics.
Refrigerators for thermolabile drugs require the fastest possible processing, since even a short-term violation of the temperature regime (going beyond +2...+8°C) can lead to the write-off of expensive vaccines. For such chambers, the “no defrosting” technique is often used using quickly evaporating alcohol solutions or special wipes with a disinfectant that do not require rinsing.
Freezers where drugs are stored at temperatures down to -20°C or lower require periodic defrosting. In this case, the treatment is carried out after complete thawing and removal of moisture. It is important to thoroughly dry the chamber before turning it on, since any remaining moisture will instantly turn into ice, disrupting the operation of the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects or heating devices (hair dryers, fan heaters) to defrost freezers. Mechanical damage to the evaporator will lead to refrigerant leakage and equipment failure.
Refrigerators with the system require special attention No Frost. Although they do not require manual defrosting, their drainage holes and condensation channels need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected, as biofilm - a slime containing bacteria and mold - often forms there. For cleaning, you can use special brushes and solutions that are safe for plastic.
What is biofilm and how is it dangerous?
Biofilm is a complex colony of microorganisms enclosed in a mucous substance they produce. It attaches to surfaces (walls, drains) and protects bacteria from the action of disinfectants. If the biofilm is not removed mechanically or with special enzymatic means, conventional disinfection will be ineffective, and microbes will continue to multiply, threatening the sterility of stored drugs.
Elimination of foreign odors and prevention of mold
The appearance of a foreign smell in a pharmacy refrigerator is an alarming signal. Medicines, especially in cardboard packaging, have a high sorption capacity and can absorb the smell of spoiled product or chemicals, which will make them unsuitable for sale. In addition, the smell often indicates the proliferation of microorganisms.
To eliminate odors, you cannot use household flavors, coffee or lemon, as is done at home. Only inert sorbents, such as activated carbon in tablets or granules, or specialized odor absorbers for medical equipment, are allowed in the pharmacy. Charcoal tablets are laid out on shelves in an open container for 24-48 hours.
Mold prevention is to maintain dryness and proper air circulation. Mold most often grows in places where condensation accumulates: on sealing rubber bands, in the corners of chambers and on the bottom. Regular wiping of these areas with 70% alcohol or hydrogen peroxide creates an environment unfavorable for the development of fungi.
Documentation and quality control of cleaning
In pharmaceuticals there is a golden rule: “If not recorded, not done.” Each refrigerator processing procedure must be recorded in the appropriate log. Usually this is a temperature control log, where there is a column “Sanitary treatment” or a separate cleaning log.
The entry must indicate: the date and time of the procedure, the name of the employee who carried out the treatment, the name of the disinfectant used, its concentration and the series/batch number (for traceability in case of claims). The start and end times of disinfectant exposure are also recorded.
Cleaning quality control can be carried out visually (absence of stains, stains, dust) and laboratory (washing off surfaces). Flushes are taken from the inner surface of chambers, shelves and door handles. The presence of E. coli bacteria or Staphylococcus aureus in swabs is unacceptable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can ordinary 70% alcohol be used to wipe refrigerator shelves?
Yes, ethyl alcohol 70% is an approved disinfectant. It is effective against most bacteria and viruses, evaporates quickly and does not require rinsing with water, which is convenient for refrigerators. However, with frequent use, it can dry out the rubber seals, so it is recommended to periodically lubricate them with glycerin.
How often should you carry out general cleaning of a refrigerator in a pharmacy?
According to SanPiN, general cleaning using detergents and disinfectants is carried out at least once a month. However, ongoing disinfection (wiping of surfaces) should be carried out regularly, as it gets dirty or according to the pharmacy’s internal schedule (for example, weekly).
What to do if an ampoule of medicine breaks in the refrigerator?
It is necessary to immediately remove the fragments and spilled liquid using tweezers and an absorbent cloth. Thoroughly treat the area of contamination with a disinfectant (twice with an interval of 15 minutes), then rinse with water (if required according to the instructions for the disinfectant) and wipe dry. All used materials should be disposed of as Class B medical waste.
Is it allowed to store food or personal belongings of employees in pharmacy refrigerators?
It is strictly prohibited. Storing foreign objects, food, and personal items in refrigerators intended for storing medicines violates sanitary standards and rules for storing medicines. This can lead to cross-contamination and changes in the properties of the drugs.
Is it necessary to wash off the disinfectant after treating internal surfaces?
This depends on the instructions for the specific drug. Alcohol-based products and some modern HAC complexes often do not require rinsing. Chlorine-containing products and concentrated solutions, as a rule, require mandatory rinsing with water to avoid aggressive chemicals getting on medication packaging. Always read the label.