The procedure for storing ethyl alcohol in medical organizations
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Question:
How is ethyl alcohol currently stored in the pharmacy of health care facilities, as well as in the departments and treatment rooms of health care institutions?
In accordance with paragraph 30 of the “Rules for the storage of medicines” approved by Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation dated August 23, 2010 (as amended on December 28, 2010), pharmaceutical substances that require protection from volatilization and drying, including ethyl alcohol of various concentrations , should be stored in a cool place, in hermetically sealed containers made of materials impermeable to volatile substances (glass, metal, aluminum foil) or in the manufacturer’s primary and secondary (consumer) packaging. The use of polymer containers, packaging and closures is permitted in accordance with the requirements of the state pharmacopoeia and regulatory documentation. According to paragraph 51 of these Rules, storage of flammable medicines with flammable properties, including alcohol and alcohol solutions, must be carried out separately from other medicines. At the same time, according to paragraph 56 of the Rules, storage of flammable and highly combustible medicines in completely filled containers is not allowed. The degree of filling should be no more than 90% of the volume. Alcohols in large quantities are stored in metal containers filled to no more than 75% of the volume. According to paragraph 57 of the Rules, it is not allowed to store flammable medicines together with mineral acids (especially sulfuric and nitric acids), compressed and liquefied gases, flammable substances (vegetable oils, sulfur, dressings), alkalis, as well as with inorganic salts that give rise to organic explosive mixtures (potassium chlorate, potassium permanganate, potassium chromate, etc.).
Open storage
Liquids containing alcohol cannot be stored open for long. Even if a bottle of vodka is closed very tightly, it will still lose quality in a short time.
The uncorked container with ethyl alcohol should be placed in a separate cabinet, where there are no sources of strong odor, and kept tightly closed there for no more than 3 months.
Strong alcohol in an open bottle begins to “fizzle out”, losing its strength. The speed of this process will depend on the volume of remaining liquid. The smaller the amount of drink left, the faster it will lose quality.
Rules for storing ethyl alcohol in a pharmacy
The rules for storing medicines are regulated by the order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia dated August 23, 2010 No. 706n “On approval of the rules for storing medicines.” These Rules apply, inter alia, to pharmacies with the appropriate license and determine the requirements for premises for storing medicines and prescribe the conditions for storing these medicines.
In the Rules, the specifics of storing ethyl alcohol are indicated in two sections, since it belongs to both the “flammable drugs” group and the “drugs requiring protection from volatilization and drying” group. Let's look at the rules in more detail.
In pharmacies, isolated rooms with modern fire protection systems and alarm systems are designed for storing ethyl alcohol and other flammable medicines.
It is allowed to contain in production and other premises the amount of alcohol required for packaging and manufacturing of medicines for medical use for one work shift. At the end of the working day, the remaining quantity is returned to the main storage location or handed over to the next shift.
Ethyl alcohol is a pharmaceutical substance that requires protection from volatilization and drying out. This group also includes alcohol tinctures, alcohol concentrates, etc. Medicines in this group must be stored in a cool place, in sealed containers made of glass, metal, or in the manufacturer’s primary and secondary packaging. The use of polymer containers, packaging and closures is permitted in accordance with the requirements of the state pharmacopoeia and regulatory documentation.
Ethyl alcohol also belongs to the group of flammable drugs (alcohol and alcohol solutions, alcohol and ether tinctures, alcohol and ether extracts, ether, turpentine, lactic acid, chlorethyl, collodion, organic oils).
It is allowed to store alcohol as a flammable substance in a pharmacy outside premises for storing flammable medicines: in a volume of up to 10 kg in fireproof built-in cabinets located away from heat sources, with doors at least 0.7 m wide and at least 1.2 m high. In this case, the alcohol should be in a tightly sealed glass or metal container to prevent liquids from evaporating.
Bottles, cylinders and other large containers with flammable and highly combustible medicines should be stored on shelves in one row in height. It is prohibited to store them in several rows in height using different cushioning materials.
Bottles, cylinders and other large containers with flammable and highly combustible medicines are prohibited from being stored near heating devices; the distance between them must be at least one meter.
Containers for storing bottles must reliably protect against mechanical shocks. It is not allowed to completely fill the container: the degree of filling should be no more than 90% of the container volume. Alcohols in large quantities are stored in metal containers filled to no more than 75% of the volume.
It is not allowed to store flammable medicines together with mineral acids (especially sulfuric and nitric acids), compressed and liquefied gases, flammable substances (vegetable oils, sulfur, dressings), alkalis, as well as with inorganic salts that produce explosive mixtures with organic substances ( potassium chlorate, potassium permanganate, potassium chromate, etc.).
Is it possible to store alcohol in plastic containers?
Alcohol is an aggressive medium that can dissolve plastics. As a result, carcinogens (formaldehyde, styrene) that are dangerous to humans are formed. This can be understood by the formation of sediment at the bottom of the plastic container. But even if there are no pronounced signs (appearance, taste, smell), you cannot be sure that there are no toxic substances in the liquid if it was stored in a plastic container. Therefore, the clear answer to this question is no. Plastic can only be used during transportation, if the transportation period does not exceed 1-3 days.
The best option is to store alcohol in a factory container, glass jar, or bottle.
Rules for storing ethyl alcohol
Attention! When using articles, consultations and comments, we ask you to pay attention to the date the material was written
Question:
In the hospital pharmacy there is ethyl alcohol of 95% and 70% concentration in 100 ml volumes. The secondary packaging states that alcohol should be stored at a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees. Does it need to be stored in a specially equipped refrigerator safe or can it be stored in a regular pharmaceutical refrigerator that is locked with a key? Is it necessary to allocate a separate refrigerator for storing alcohol or is it enough to store it on a separate shelf?
“Rules for the storage of medicines” were approved by Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation dated August 23, 2010 N 706n (as amended on December 28, 2010). According to paragraph 30 of these Rules, ethyl alcohol of various concentrations should be stored in a cool place, in hermetically sealed containers made of materials impermeable to volatile substances (glass, metal, aluminum foil) or in the manufacturer’s primary and secondary (consumer) packaging. The use of polymer containers, packaging and closures is permitted in accordance with the requirements of the state pharmacopoeia and regulatory documentation. Moreover, in accordance with paragraph 51 of the Rules, the storage of flammable medicines, including alcohol and alcohol solutions, alcohol tinctures, alcohol extracts, must be carried out separately from other medicines. From the totality of the above standards, we can conclude that ethyl alcohol should be stored separately from other medicines. Since storing alcohol on a separate shelf of the refrigerator will not ensure fire safety for other medicines, we can conclude that ethyl alcohol and other flammable medicines that require storage in a cool place should be stored in a separate refrigerator.
Release form, packaging and composition of the drug Ethyl alcohol
The solution for external use and preparation of dosage forms is transparent, colorless, with a characteristic alcoholic odor.
| 100 g | |
| ethanol 95% | 36 g |
Excipients: purified water 64 g.
50 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 100 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 50 ml - glass bottles (70) - cardboard boxes. 100 ml - glass bottles (40) - cardboard boxes. 10 l - polyethylene canisters. 21.5 l - polyethylene canisters. 31.5 l - polyethylene canisters.
The solution for external use and preparation of dosage forms is transparent, colorless, with a characteristic alcoholic odor.
| 100 g | |
| ethanol 95% | 67.5 g |
Excipients: purified water 32.5 g.
50 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 100 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 50 ml - glass bottles (70) - cardboard boxes. 100 ml - glass bottles (40) - cardboard boxes. 10 l - polyethylene canisters. 21.5 l - polyethylene canisters. 31.5 l - polyethylene canisters.
The solution for external use and preparation of dosage forms is transparent, colorless, with a characteristic alcoholic odor.
| 100 g | |
| ethanol 95% | 92.7 g |
Excipients: purified water 7.3 g.
50 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 100 ml - glass bottles (1) - cardboard packs. 50 ml - glass bottles (70) - cardboard boxes. 100 ml - glass bottles (40) - cardboard boxes. 10 l - polyethylene canisters. 21.5 l - polyethylene canisters. 31.5 l - polyethylene canisters.
Ethyl alcohol storage order
The procedure for dispensing alcohol from pharmacies is established by Order No. 785, according to Appendix No. 1 to which ethyl alcohol
refers to medicinal products subject to subject-quantitative accounting in pharmacies, drug wholesale trade organizations, medical institutions and private practitioners. We note that the procedure for recording medicines that are subject to subject-quantitative accounting is not established by current legislation. Internal control of pharmacy employees’ compliance with the procedure for dispensing medicines subject to subject-quantitative accounting is carried out by the head (deputy head) of the pharmacy or a pharmaceutical worker authorized by him (clause 4.1 of Order No. 785). Consequently, ethyl alcohol must be recorded in a journal in a form approved by an internal order of the head of the institution. For pharmacies, Order No. 14 is currently in force, which establishes the AP-10 form “Logbook of poisonous, narcotic, other medicines and ethyl alcohol.” Medical institutions can also use this form for subject-quantitative accounting of alcohol or develop their own version based on it. Order No. 14 approved recommendations for filling out the AP-10 log. The magazine is open for a year. For each packaging, dosage and name of medicines, a separate sheet (spread) is provided. The receipt is reflected in the journal for each receipt document separately, indicating the number and date. Consumption is recorded as daily totals, subdivided into dispensing for outpatient prescriptions and dispensing to medical institutions, pharmacy points and departments of pharmacies and stores. The journal is filled out by the head of the pharmacy (department), the foreman or their deputies. In the column “Actual balances” the signature of the person who checked the presence of valuables is also placed. For medical institutions, in addition, it is advisable to keep records separately for each packaging and dosage, reflecting receipts for each document, and expenses - in daily totals. Filling out the log is usually assigned to the chief or senior nurse, who check the actual availability of valuables at the end of the day.
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What to store in
in a tightly closed stainless steel flask for the same amount of time as in a glass container. But there is an important condition: metal containers must be made by welding. If its seams are sealed, flux residues may get into the alcohol. After this, it will no longer be possible to use it for medical purposes. The stopper of such a flask must have a sealing gasket made of MBS rubber so that the ethyl does not “corrode” it. Otherwise, it will turn brownish-pink and have an unpleasant taste.
Is it possible to store alcohol in plastic bottles or aluminum canisters ? According to experts, it’s impossible. There is a high probability of a chemical reaction between these materials and alcohol, as a result of which it can become toxic. A film will appear on its surface, and after some time a sediment will form, which will make the product unsuitable for use.
An interesting fact is that you can’t keep alcohol in crystal glassware for a long time either. Over time, it will become hazardous to health, since crystal contains lead oxide, in some cases up to 30%.
Conditions affecting the shelf life of moonshine (vodka, alcohol)
Cloudiness of crystal clear moonshine (if more than 10 days have passed after dilution with water) and (or) the appearance of sediment in the form of flakes is a sign of improper storage. Often not only the appearance, but also the quality deteriorates. We will consider the parameters that affect the shelf life of moonshine. By creating the right conditions, the drink can be left for decades. But just one mistake can irrevocably damage the product. All of the above tips are also relevant for other strong drinks: vodka, ethyl alcohol, cognac, whiskey, etc.
1. Container. The most important factor on which the shelf life of strong alcohol depends by 80-90%, since alcohol is an active substance that reacts with most materials, which can lead to the release of harmful impurities. At home, the ideal packaging options are glass bottles, carboys and cans for preservation.
It is better to use bottles from official vodka (with the “original” cork), into which no other substances were poured. If food or liquids have been in containers for even a short time, then before use the container must be thoroughly washed and dried, and then checked for the presence of third-party odors that could spoil the aroma of the distillate.
Another mandatory condition for containers for storing moonshine is tightness. In open air, alcohol evaporates quickly. Even a poorly screwed cap (cap) can cause a decrease in strength due to evaporation, leaving only water. The corks should fit snugly to the neck of the bottle.
It is better to roll up jars with steel lids, since they are more reliable and safer than nylon lids. Nylon is one of the types of plastic that, when in contact with alcohol, can release harmful substances, this will be discussed further.
Metal lids are preferable to nylon ones
You cannot pour moonshine into containers where non-food products, such as gasoline or glue, were previously stored, since it is very difficult to wash such containers and the risk of irreversibly spoiling the distillate is very high.
For very large volumes, stainless steel barrels used in industry are recommended. Food grade stainless steel, like glass, does not react with alcohol and is therefore safe. But aluminum cans and enamel cookware are not suitable.
Food grade stainless steel barrels are a good solution for large volumes
Storing moonshine and other alcoholic beverages with a strength higher than 15-20 degrees in plastic containers is strictly prohibited, the only exception is special plastic intended for strong alcohol, but this material rarely appears in retail sales.
Alcohol corrodes most plastic bottles, as a result the moonshine becomes cloudy, flakes or loose sediment appear at the bottom, and an unpleasant odor appears. There have been cases when alcohol “burned through” thin plastic.
Cloudy moonshine in a plastic container
But even if moonshine has not visually changed after storage in a plastic bottle, this does not mean that the drink is safe; many harmful substances cannot be determined organoleptically (by taste and smell). When alcohol reacts with different types of plastic, carcinogens such as formaldehyde (phenol) and styrene are released.
Many home distillers prefer to store moonshine in oak barrels. Sometimes such a decision is justified, but this method has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, you need to purchase and prepare a barrel for use, create normal storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, then periodically check the safety of the barrel. Secondly, evaporation should be taken into account - regardless of the volume, losses in the best case will amount to about a liter of poured distillate per year. Thirdly, the taste of moonshine will change. Therefore, I consider barrels as a method of preparing an individual drink, but not as a storage container.
After aging in a barrel, moonshine changes color and taste
2. Composition. Moonshine may contain third-party additives (except alcohol and water): sugar, citric acid, herbal extracts, fruits, berries, other substances that improve the aroma or taste of moonshine, as well as essential oils and other impurities remaining due to improper distillation and (or) cleaning. It is impossible to predict how all these substances will behave after prolonged exposure.
It all depends on the composition, concentration and chemical reactions of third-party components between themselves on the one hand, and alcohol on the other. Typically, natural additives precipitate or become cloudy when exposed to direct sunlight, which only worsens the visual perception of the drink, but does not affect the quality.
The general rule here is to store moonshine with additives for no more than a year, and for several years or longer, store only well-purified distillate or alcohol diluted with high-quality water without adding third-party substances.
3. Conditions. Proper temperature and humidity along with a lack of sunlight will block or slow down most chemical reactions. This is very important when storing moonshine with additives, but it is also desirable to create optimal conditions for “pure” distillate, especially if the drink is stored for a long period - 3-10 years.
I recommend placing the container with moonshine in a dark room (or at least away from direct sunlight) with a temperature of 5-20°C and a relative humidity of 85%. Be sure to periodically check the appearance of the drink and its tightness.
Another mandatory condition for containers for storing moonshine is tightness. In open air, alcohol evaporates quickly. Even a poorly screwed cap (cap) can cause a decrease in strength due to evaporation, leaving only water. The corks should fit snugly to the neck of the bottle.
