E-drug: Storage of drugs matters (con't)
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Dear e-druggers,
In response to Kim Bessell's message from 28 Aug 2001 requesting
standards or guidelines for drug storage, I am attaching storage
guidelines developed by the DELIVER Project, a USAID-funded
project strengthening health programs logistics in developing
countries to increase the availability of critical health products for
customers.
DELIVER's Guidelines for Proper Storage of Health Commodities is
available in English, French, and Spanish as a wall chart or
laminated sheet. It lists 13 key points that should be followed by all
storage facilities along the supply chain to ensure quality health
commodities for the end user. You can visit the DELIVER website to
order a hard copy, http://deliver.jsi.com/Index/index.html (go to the
publications section, then the Manuals and Guidelines subsection),
or look below to see the list.
DELIVER uses these basic guidelines in training desgined for
logistics managers and policymakers as well as during onsite
technical assistance visits. The wall charts are printed on sturdy
bright yellow plasticised canvas so they might be hung in
warehouses and other storage facilities as memory aides for those
responsible for managing the storage conditions of health products.
Guidelines for Proper Storage of Health Commodities
1. Clean and disinfect storeroom regularly.
2. Store health commodities in a dry, well-lit, and well-ventilated
storeroom. Do not store in direct sunlight.
3. Secure storeroom from water penetration.
4. Make sure that fire safety equipment is available and
accessible and that employees are trained to use it.
5. Store latex products away from electric motors and
fluorescent lights.
6. Maintain cold storage, including a cold chain, for commodities
that require it.
7. Keep narcotics and other controlled substances in a locked
place.
8. Store flammable products separately with appropriate safety
precautions.
9. Stack cartons at least 10 centimeters (4 inches) off the floor,
30 centimeters (1 foot) away from the walls and other stacks,
and no more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) high.
10. Arrange cartons so that arrows point up (e) and identification
labels, expiry dates, and manufacturing dates are visible.
11. Store health commodities in a manner that facilitates "First
Expiry, First Out" (FEFO) stock management.
12. Store health commodities away from insecticides, hazardous
materials, old files, office supplies, and equipment.
13. Separate damaged or expired health commodities without
delay and dispose of them in accordance with established
procedures.
DELIVER is a John Snow, Inc. project funded by the United States
Agency for International Development. Contract number:
HRN-C-00-00-00010-00.
All the best,
Paula
Paula Nersesian, RN, MPH
JSI/DELIVER
1616 N Fort Myer Dr, 11th Fl
Arlington, VA 22209 USA
phone 703.528.7474
fax 703.528.7480
paula_nersesian@jsi.com
deliver.jsi.com
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