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nabim Standard For Intake Laboratories
Aim
1. The nabim Standard for mill intake laboratories is designed to help establish and maintain common standards of wheat testing at mills. It aims to increase confidence in the accuracy of test results.
Scope
2. Those tests required to define the quality of wheat purchased by flour millers. A list of the tests is set out in Annex 1.
Laboratory Management
3. A competent member of staff shall be responsible for the organisation of the laboratory and its day-to-day operation. There must be a list of those authorised to alter calibrations (item 9) and adjust records (item 17).
4. The company must be able to demonstrate commitment to this scheme at senior (e.g. Board) level through company policy and resource allocation. Laboratory personnel should not be involved in the negotiation of wheat purchase contracts.
Facilities and Equipment
5. Laboratory accommodation, test areas, lighting, heating, ventilation equipment and supplies must allow analysis to be performed safely and effectively.
6. Attention must be paid to external factors that would affect test results such as dust, electromagnetic interference, humidity, mains voltage fluctuations, water pressure, temperature and vibration. If any of these factors could compromise accurate analysis, action must be taken to minimise the risk.
7. Equipment used for testing must be fit for the purpose. It should be maintained, serviced and checked according to manufacturer's instructions or in-house procedures that should cover initial use and action after moving.
8. Each significant item of equipment must be uniquely identified and have a record detailing:
- servicing and maintenance schedules;
- any faults and repairs;
- calibration routines;
- a copy of the manufacturer's operating instructions, where available;
- regular performance check results against defined tolerances for the equipment.
9. Alterations to calibrations shall only be carried out by an authorised competent person.
10. A record of approved suppliers (including service providers) critical to the laboratory must be maintained.
Staffing
11. All staff must be competent in those tests that they are expected to undertake.
12. Records shall be maintained for all staff who carry out analyses, detailing their levels of training, certification where appropriate, and competence in the use of items of equipment and test procedures in the laboratory. Performance must be reviewed regularly.
Analytical Methods
13. For the tests set out in Annex 1, the methods of analysis used must be traceable to the reference procedures where indicated.
14. The laboratory must have a record of the methods used, and access to the relationship between the in-house method and the reference method, where indicated, for each test.
15. For each method in Annex 1, a documented system must be established to ensure that the method is being carried out correctly. Where non-conformances are identified, corrective action must be taken and recorded.
Recording of Results
16. The laboratory must have a written procedure for handling of test samples from their entry into the laboratory until dispatch of final results.
17. Test results must be recorded correctly and clearly. Changes to records may only be made by authorised persons.
18. All records must be kept for a defined period that allows claims to be dealt with. The laboratory shall maintain documented procedures for handling complaints and disputes over test results. A record shall be maintained of complaints and any follow-up action taken by the laboratory.
Proficiency Tests
19. For those tests in Annex 1 where proficiency testing is required, each participating laboratory must take part in the nabim intake proficiency scheme.
20. The laboratory's proficiency will be assessed against the industry reference values established as set out in Annex 2.
21. The proficiency scheme requires:
- that samples are tested at least monthly;
- that laboratories analyse each sample.
Accreditation
22. If they wish, accreditation will be awarded to laboratories demonstrating compliance with the Intake Standard and meeting minimum performance criteria for 12 sample sets in the intake proficiency scheme.
Demonstration of compliance will be fulfilled by evidence (supplied to nabim) of one of the following:-
- Inclusion of the standard within an independent audit of an accredited quality system, e.g. ISO 9000.
- Independent method certification for method-based accreditation, e.g. CLAS or UKAS.
- Audit by accredited third party auditors where there is no other recognised accreditation.
Note: because of the nature of the visual examination test, it may not be possible to obtain independent accreditation for this method. In this instance, evidence that there is a written method in place must be included in the documentation sent to nabim.
23. A review panel (the panel) consisting of an independent chairman and one representative each from nabim and CCFRA staff will review performance and assess accreditation. The panel will meet twice a year, usually in January (to cover the period January to December of the previous year) and July (to cover the period from July of the previous year to the current June). The panel will also consider management issues relating to the scheme: other representatives may be invited to this part of the meeting. Laboratories will be notified of the date of the panel meeting.
Following an audit, the panel must be informed of instances of non-compliance relating to the nabim Intake Standard and the corrective action(s) that will be taken.
Where a laboratory believes it will fail accreditation criteria it may submit in writing to the panel (addressed to nabim) at least one week before the meeting, any extenuating circumstances that the panel might take into consideration when assessing their performance and accreditation status.
24. Laboratories failing to gain accreditation initially or that have their accreditation withdrawn are actively encouraged to take corrective action and to re-apply for accreditation once they fulfil the requirements of clause 22.
There is the right of appeal to the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee at nabim.
Annex 1
Intake Tests
| Test | Proficiency Required | Reference Method | | Falling Number | Yes | CCFRA FTWG 06 | | Protein | Yes | CCFRA FTWG 19 | | Moisture | Yes | CCFRA FTWG 08 | | Hectolitre weight | No | CCFRA FTWG 20 | | Screenings | No | BS method in preparation; until then procedure set out in nabim Intake Code of Practice. | | Hardness | No | CCFRA FTWG 22 | | Gluten washing | No | | | Visual examination | No | |
Annex 2
Industry Reference Values
CCFRA will supply one hard and one soft wheat sample (a set) to each participating laboratory at least monthly.
Nominated reference laboratories accredited to perform the reference methods will test each sample in duplicate and submit the results to CCFRA within an agreed time.
CCFRA will calculate the median values for the reference laboratories for protein and moisture and for all participating laboratories for Hagberg Falling Number. These will then be the agreed reference values for that sample.
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