Best practice

Maximise your pharmacy refrigerator’s performance

Several factors can affect how well your refrigerator operates. To ensure it performs at its best, follow these handy guidelines.

Optimal placement for your refrigerator

The location of your refrigerator is important for its effective operation and longevity. To prevent unnecessary stress that could shorten its lifespan, follow these tips to ensure your vaccine fridge is positioned correctly:

1.

Keep your fridge cool

Always place your refrigerator away from heat sources like direct sunlight or radiators. This helps ensure it operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.

2.

Ensure proper air circulation

Always maintain a 10cm gap around and above your refrigerator to ensure good air circulation. This helps the fridge operate efficiently and prevents overheating.

3.

Prepare and position your fridge properly

Allow your refrigerator to stand for 24 hours before switching it on. Additionally, always place it on a level surface to ensure optimal performance.

Stocking your fridge

Vaccines are valuable, so it’s crucial to store them correctly in your refrigerator to prevent costly wastage. Here are some tips to help you do this effectively:

The MHRA recommends stocking your refrigerator to no more than 75% capacity to ensure optimal performance.

Always leave a 1cm gap between your contents wherever possible to ensure optimum air circulation.

Never allow vaccines to come into contact with the back or sides of the unit, as this could cause freezing and render the vaccines useless.

Please refrain from stacking vaccines above the fan, as this may obstruct or limit the airflow around the unit.

Be aware that when the refrigerator door is open, warm air will enter the unit. Ensure that restocking is performed as efficiently as possible. Once the door is closed, the temperature will quickly return to its normal operating range.

Good practice

  • Regular Cleaning
    Clean the interior and door seals with a mild disinfectant regularly to help prevent contamination. Ensure all vents are clear of dust and debris.

  • No Food Storage
    Do not store food in the pharmacy refrigerator. Food requires a more stringent temperature range than 2 to 8°C.

  • Annual Servicing
    As recommended by The Green Book, have a maintenance contract that includes yearly servicing, calibration of temperature gauge and performance checks verifying the refrigerator’s components are functioning properly.

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