Introduction: Why WHO PQS Cold Chain Compliance Matters
WHO PQS cold chain compliance is essential for safe and effective vaccine distribution. Whether you run a national immunization program or a private facility, maintaining a reliable cold chain helps protect public health — and builds trust in your operations.
The World Health Organization’s Performance, Quality, and Safety (PQS) standards define the minimum criteria for vaccine storage equipment. But being compliant isn’t just about installing PQS-approved freezers and fridges — it’s also about maintaining them, monitoring performance, and being audit-ready.
This guide breaks down what WHO PQS compliance really means and shows how to manage your cold chain the right way.
Vaccine vials stored in a WHO PQS-compliant cold chain environment.
1. What Is WHO PQS Cold Chain Compliance?
WHO PQS cold chain compliance means using equipment that meets WHO’s approved performance standards — and maintaining it according to best practices. Approved cold chain equipment includes:
- Vaccine refrigerators and freezers
- Cold boxes and vaccine carriers
- Digital temperature monitoring devices
- Solar-powered direct-drive cold rooms
This compliance is mandatory for UN and Gavi-funded programs, and widely adopted by private providers who want to meet global quality benchmarks.
2. Why It’s Critical to Follow PQS Standards
Here’s why WHO PQS compliance is non-negotiable:
- Keeps vaccines within the safe 2–8°C range
- Reduces risks of spoilage or temperature excursions
- Helps you qualify for global immunization initiatives
- Strengthens trust among stakeholders, partners, and end-users
But compliance isn’t just about the equipment — it’s about the processes that support it.
3. Key Maintenance Tasks for PQS Equipment
To maintain a WHO PQS cold chain, your team should regularly perform the following tasks:
TaskFrequencyWhy It MattersRecord min/max temperaturesDailyCatch fluctuations early and keep reliable logsInspect seals, fans, doorsWeeklyPrevent air leaks and uneven coolingTest alarms and backup systemsMonthlyEnsure alerts trigger correctlyCalibrate sensors & loggersQuarterlyMaintain temperature accuracyClean condenser coils/filtersMonthlyImprove energy use and performance
Regular maintenance keeps your cold chain resilient and audit-ready.
4. Documentation for WHO PQS Cold Chain Compliance
Proper documentation is key to passing inspections. You should have:
- Daily temperature monitoring logs
- Maintenance and calibration records
- Service and installation logs
- Alarm event reports
- Validation and commissioning files
Digital storage of these documents helps with traceability and simplifies audits.
5. How a CMMS Helps Maintain WHO PQS Compliance
A CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) like MaintBoard simplifies cold chain management by:
- Automating maintenance scheduling
- Digitally recording every task and calibration
- Storing temperature logs, sensor data, and maintenance files in one place
- Generating PQS audit-ready reports with one click
- Tracking downtime, alarm responses, and corrective actions
This reduces manual error, increases accountability, and boosts long-term cold chain performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: Be Ready. Be Compliant. Be Trusted.
Following the WHO PQS cold chain standard isn’t just a regulatory box to check — it’s a commitment to vaccine safety. By maintaining your equipment properly and documenting every step, you keep your cold chain strong and resilient.
Tools like MaintBoard’s CMMS make the process easier, more consistent, and fully auditable — so every vaccine reaches the people who need it, at the right temperature, every time.
👉 Book a demo of MaintBoard or Download our free WHO PQS Maintenance Checklist (coming soon) to get started.