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SOP for Cleaning of Conveyor Belt (Example Template)

Last reviewed 29 Oct 2026 · 4 min read

Contents
  1. Why this cleaning matters
  2. 1. Objective
  3. 2. Scope
  4. 3. Responsibility
  5. 4. Procedure
  6. 4.1 Health, safety and environment
  7. 4.2 Product-to-product and batch-to-batch cleaning
  8. 4.3 Hold time after cleaning (example in-house criteria)
  9. 5. Records
  10. 6. Training
  11. 7. Distribution
  12. 8. Abbreviations
  13. Frequently asked questions
  14. Is conveyor cleaning the same as line clearance?
  15. Why is the conveyor mostly dry-cleaned?
  16. See also
  17. References

In short: This example SOP describes how packing staff clean a packing-line conveyor belt between products and batches. It covers safety, a part-by-part cleaning checklist, status labels, hold times and records. Adapt the parts, times and forms to your own quality system before use.

Why this cleaning matters

A conveyor carries packs, cartons and loose items such as foil pieces or tablets along the packing line. Leftovers from the previous batch can end up in the next one. Three GMP expectations apply:

  • 21 CFR 211.67 (US FDA, Equipment cleaning and maintenance) requires written cleaning procedures covering responsibility, schedules, detailed methods, removal or obliteration of previous batch identification, protection of clean equipment before use, and inspection for cleanliness immediately before use. Cleaning records and logs are covered by §§211.67(c) and 211.182.
  • EU GMP Part I, Chapter 5 (Production), paragraph 5.50 expects that, before packaging starts, the work area, packaging lines, printing machines and other equipment are clean and free from products, materials or documents from the earlier operation.
  • EU GMP Chapter 5, paragraphs 5.13 and 5.21 expect equipment and areas to be clearly labelled with their status, and list the cleaning status labelling of equipment among the measures that prevent cross-contamination.

1. Objective

To describe the procedure for cleaning the conveyor belt and effectively removing residue of the previous product or batch.

2. Scope

This example SOP applies to cleaning of the packing-line conveyor belt in the manufacturing facility. Replace the placeholders with your own site and equipment details.

3. Responsibility

  • Packing officer / authorised designee: clean the conveyor as per this procedure and record it.
  • Head of Packing: ensure the procedure is implemented and followed.
  • Quality Assurance: verify line clearance and review the cleaning records.

4. Procedure

4.1 Health, safety and environment

  • Switch off the electrical supply before starting cleaning.

4.2 Product-to-product and batch-to-batch cleaning

  1. Switch off the power switch of the conveyor belt.
  2. Remove the “USE FOR” (in use) label from the machine and affix a “TO BE CLEANED” label as per your site SOP.
  3. Remove all packs, foil pieces and tablets (if any) from the conveyor belt.
  4. Using a clean, dry, lint-free duster, clean the following in turn (refer to the machine manual or your site’s diagrams):
    • stainless steel motor guard
    • tray or platform of the conveyor
    • the endless belt, lifting it to clean the underside
    • the area below the conveyor belt
  5. Clean the body of the conveyor and its rollers with a clean, damp lint-free duster, then with a clean, dry lint-free duster. Clean the coding or printing unit installed on the conveyor as per its manual.
  6. Remove the “TO BE CLEANED” label and affix a “CLEANED” label showing the equipment code, previous product, SOP number, cleaned by (signature), date, and the date until which the cleaning remains valid (“CLEANED VALID UP TO”).
  7. Record the cleaning in the area and equipment usage and cleaning log.

4.3 Hold time after cleaning (example in-house criteria)

  • If the cleaned conveyor stays unused for 48 hours, or if dust or powder is visible on its outer surfaces, wipe it with a damp lint-free duster followed by a clean dry lint-free duster.
  • If it stays unused for more than 72 hours after cleaning, clean it again before use.

5. Records

Keep the cleaning log and status label records as part of the packaging documentation. Records must be retained for at least 1 year after the expiry date of the respective product batch (EU GMP Part I, Chapter 4, paragraph 4.11; 21 CFR 211.180(a)), or longer if local law or the marketing authorisation requires.

6. Training

  • Trainer: Head of Packaging or designee.
  • Trainees: Packing and QA staff who clean or check the equipment.

7. Distribution

Controlled copies to Head of Quality Assurance and Head of Packaging; original with Quality Assurance.

8. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice

Frequently asked questions

Is conveyor cleaning the same as line clearance?

No. Line clearance checks that the packing line and area are free of previous materials and documents before a new batch starts (EU GMP Chapter 5, paragraph 5.50). Cleaning the conveyor is one step that supports it. Both are recorded.

Why is the conveyor mostly dry-cleaned?

Conveyor drives and electrics are damaged by water, so dry wiping is the routine, with a damp cloth only on the body and rollers. Whether you need more, such as a swab check, depends on your own risk assessment.

See also

References

  1. US FDA, 21 CFR Part 211, §211.67 Equipment cleaning and maintenance, §211.180(a) General requirements (records) and §211.182 Equipment cleaning and use log, current eCFR text.
  2. European Commission, EudraLex Volume 4, EU GMP Part I, Chapter 4 (Documentation), paragraph 4.11, and Chapter 5 (Production), paragraphs 5.13, 5.21 and 5.50 (in operation since 1 March 2015).

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