Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles in the UK

As the world becomes more reliant on the transport of temperature controlled goods, especially Pharma products, the need for Temperature Mapping of refrigerated vehicles has increased significantly. With perishable goods, temperature control is critical to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage during transit. This is where mapping of refrigerated vehicles comes in, as it ensures that the temperature is regulated and monitored at all times. In this blog, we will explore mapping of refrigerated vehicles in the UK, including its definitions, advantages, disadvantages, and terminology.

First a quick plug – Our sister companies Fresh Pharma whom are GDP Compliant Pharma couriers and ‘Fresh Fridge Hire‘ are our (compliant GDP) refrigerated vehicle hire.

Introduction

The physical survey is an essential process that ensures the reliability and accuracy of temperature-controlled transport. In the UK, refrigerated vehicles are widely used to transport perishable goods such as food, medicines, and vaccines. Mapping of these vehicles is crucial to ensure that the temperature is controlled and monitored accurately throughout the journey, ensuring the quality of the transported goods.

What is Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles?

Temperature mapping is the process of measuring and recording temperature data in a controlled environment to determine the temperature distribution throughout a given area or space. In the context of refrigerated vehicles, it is the process of determining the temperature distribution throughout the vehicle’s interior, including the walls, floors, ceiling, and doors. The data collected during the mapping process is used to identify temperature variations, which can affect the quality of the transported goods. The mapping is carried out with all work scenarios and analysed accordingly

Why is Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles important?

The survey is crucial for refrigerated vehicles as it helps to ensure that the temperature-sensitive products are transported under optimal conditions. The temperature inside the vehicle must be maintained at a consistent level to prevent spoilage, damage, or loss of quality of the goods being transported. Inaccurate temperature control can lead to significant financial losses, product recalls, or even legal actions against the transport company.

Temperature mapping is also important for refrigerated warehouses?

 because it helps ensure that the products stored inside are being kept at the correct temperature. Similar to refrigerated vehicles, perishable goods such as food and medicine can spoil or become ineffective if they are not stored at the appropriate temperature.

The survey involves measuring the temperature at different locations within the warehouse and recording the data over time. This data can then be analysed to identify any temperature inconsistencies or “hot spots” within the facility, allowing for adjustments to be made to the cooling systems if necessary.

Identify refrigeration issues

By regularly conducting mapping, refrigerated warehouses can ensure that they are maintaining consistent temperature levels and meeting regulatory requirements for product safety. This helps to prevent spoilage, reduces the risk of product recalls, and ultimately protects the health and safety of consumers.

Temperature mapping is typically carried out by professionals who specialize in temperature-controlled environments, such as refrigeration engineers or specialised mapping companies. These professionals use specialized equipment to measure and record temperature data at various points within the refrigerated vehicle or warehouse.

Train your own people

In some cases, internal quality control or maintenance teams may also conduct mapping as part of their routine checks or maintenance activities. However, it is important to ensure that those carrying out mapping have the necessary training and equipment to accurately measure and record temperature data in a consistent and reliable manner.

Regardless of who carries out Mapping, it is important to ensure that it is done regularly and according to established protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the temperature data collected.

How regular should temperature mapping be carried out?

The frequency of Mapping will depend on several factors, including the type of products being stored or transported, regulatory requirements, and the specific needs of the facility or transport operation.

In general, mapping should be carried out on a regular basis to ensure that temperature-controlled environments are maintaining appropriate temperature levels. This may involve conducting Mapping on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the needs of the facility.

Regulatory bodies may also have specific requirements for mapping frequency. For example, the MHRA recommends that Mapping be conducted at least once per year for facilities storing or transporting perishable Pharma products.

Ultimately, the frequency of mapping should be determined based on the specific needs of the facility or transport operation, as well as any regulatory requirements that may apply. Regular Mapping helps to ensure the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive products, and can also identify issues with cooling systems or other equipment before they lead to product spoilage or other problems.

Terminology

• Temperature Mapping: The process of measuring and recording temperature data in a controlled environment to determine the temperature distribution throughout a given area or space.
• Refrigerated Vehicles: Vehicles designed to transport temperature-sensitive products in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Cold Chain: The supply chain process that maintains the temperature of perishable products from production to consumption.
• Temperature Probe: A device used to measure temperature accurately.
• Validation: The process of verifying that the temperature control system of the refrigerated vehicle is working correctly.

Temperature Mapping Process

Surveying refrigerated vehicles is a complex process that involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Planning: This involves identifying the products to be transported, their temperature requirements, and the transport route.
2. Equipment Setup: The mapping equipment is installed in the vehicle, including the temperature probes, data loggers, and other monitoring devices.
3. Pre-conditioning: The refrigerated vehicle is pre-cooled to the required temperature before the mapping process begins.
4. Mapping: The temperature probes are placed in strategic locations throughout the vehicle to record temperature data. The mapping process usually takes several hours to complete.
5. Data Analysis: The temperature data collected during the mapping process is analysed to identify any temperature variations or hotspots.
6. Report Generation: A report is generated, which includes the temperature data, any deviations from the required temperature, and

Mapping Equipment

Mapping of refrigerated vehicles requires specialised equipment, including temperature probes, data loggers, and monitoring devices. These tools are used to collect accurate temperature data during the mapping process, which is essential for ensuring that the temperature is regulated and monitored accurately throughout the journey.

Advantages of Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles

Surveying refrigerated vehicles offers several advantages, including:

• Ensuring product quality: Mapping helps to ensure that temperature-sensitive products are transported under optimal conditions. Maintaining their quality and preventing spoilage.
• Reducing product waste: Accurate temperature control during transport can help to reduce product waste and losses.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance: Mapping helps to ensure that transport companies comply with regulatory requirements. As those set by the MHRA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
• Identifying temperature variations: Mapping can help to identify temperature variations, which can indicate problems with the refrigeration system or the vehicle’s insulation.

Disadvantages of Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles

Despite its many advantages, temperature mapping of refrigerated vehicles has some disadvantages, including:

• Time-consuming: The mapping process can be time-consuming, taking several hours to complete.
• Costly: The equipment and resources required for mapping can be costly. This can increase the overall cost of transporting temperature-sensitive products.
• Potential for human error: The mapping process relies on human input. Which can be subject to error, leading to inaccurate temperature data.
• Data analysis challenges: The analysis of temperature data collected during the mapping process can be challenging. Thus requiring specialised expertise and equipment.

How to Optimise Temperature Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles

To optimise mapping of refrigerated vehicles, transport companies can take the following steps:

• Invest in quality equipment: Investing in high-quality temperature mapping equipment can help to ensure accurate temperature data. Furthermore, reduce the risk of equipment failure.
• Train personnel: Providing training to personnel involved in the mapping process can help to reduce human error. Thus ensuring that the process is carried out correctly.
• Monitor and maintain equipment: Regular monitoring and maintenance of the mapping equipment can help to prevent equipment failure. Ensuring accurate temperature data.
• Follow best practices: Following best practices for mapping can help to ensure that the process is carried out correctly. Thus giving credibility that the data collected is accurate.

Regulations and Standards

Several regulations and standards govern temperature mapping of refrigerated vehicles in the UK. These include:

• Good Distribution Practice (GDP): This regulation sets out guidelines for the distribution of medicinal products for human use. It requires transport companies to maintain proper temperature control during transport.
• EU Directive 2013/C 343/01: This directive sets out guidelines for the transport of temperature-sensitive products. Including medicines and vaccines, and requires mapping of transport vehicles.
• ISO 9001: This international standard outlines quality management requirements for organisations and can be applied to mapping processes.

Best Practices

To ensure that mapping is carried out correctly, transport companies should follow these best practices:

• Plan ahead: Proper planning is essential for mapping to ensure that the correct equipment and resources are available.
• Ensure accuracy: Accurate temperature data is critical, so it’s essential to ensure that the mapping equipment is calibrated. Personnel must be trained to carry out the process correctly.
• Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of the refrigeration system and mapping equipment can help to prevent problems before they occur.
• Document everything: Proper documentation of the process. Include data collection and analysis, is essential for regulatory compliance and quality control.

Conclusion

Mapping of Refrigerated Vehicles is an essential process for ensuring that temperature-sensitive products are transported under optimal conditions, maintaining their quality and preventing spoilage. While the process can be time-consuming and costly, it offers significant advantages, including regulatory compliance and reduced product waste. To optimise mapping, transport companies should invest in quality equipment. Furthermore, provide personnel training, monitor and maintain equipment, and follow best practices. Regulatory compliance is also essential, with guidelines set out by Good Distribution Practice, EU Directive 2013/C 343/01, and ISO 9001. Proper planning, accuracy, regular monitoring, and documentation are all critical components of successful surveying