7 replies to this topic

[Chris @ Safefood 360°]

Let me apologize up front if this is a repeat question. I have tried searching for a related topic but I couldn't find a definitive conclusion. My question is in regards to document control. We have developed a visitor "tri-fold" that covers the major food safety and GMP requirements that visitors need to be aware of. This would be handed to all visitors upon their arrival. This is not necessarily a record, as it won't be filled out or retained by the company. It is more or less a brochure. Does this need document and revision #'s. and be logged into the document register? Or can I simply put the current year "2011" on the front page to indicate that it is current? I have an idea of the direction we should probably head and that is to simply register it as a controlled document.

[Martinblue]

Hi Thermophile,
I would say it should be come under the umbrella of ‘Controlled Documents’ and so should be in register. Handing over a brochure does not show any commitment or pledge of following the rules your company a set for any visitors. Signing in a document after reading bounds him in a counteract to observe the set rules while paying visit to your premises.

Regards
Martin Blue

[Chris @ Safefood 360°]

Excellent point. Thank you for the input.

[Martinblue]

i hope it was helpful

Regards

Martin blue

[GMO]

I would definitely have this as a controlled document (but I think all signage should be controlled as well) but because this document is specifically designed to communicate food safety to visitors, I think it's very important to have document control (and easy to achieve too.) Imagine if you don't and you, say, brought in a different rule on clothing, you would want to make sure that the documents in reception are the right ones. Having it as part of the document control system also ensures it comes under your review remit too. It would be easy to change a rule with your permanent staff and forget to inform visitors of the change but having it under a formal review will remind you to check.

[D-D]

I was told the following story by a customer auditor:
They have visitor hygiene and safety rules that the visitor is meant to go through and then sign acceptance at the end (same as we operate). They had a BRC auditor who went through the document then handed it back without signing (deliberately) then when nobody noticed duly awarded them a non-conformance...!

[GMO]

I was told the following story by a customer auditor:
They have visitor hygiene and safety rules that the visitor is meant to go through and then sign acceptance at the end (same as we operate). They had a BRC auditor who went through the document then handed it back without signing (deliberately) then when nobody noticed duly awarded them a non-conformance...!

I hate auditors trying to catch you out. It's childish IMO.

[mgourley]

I do too. However.. IF you have a policy, procedure, program, etc in place and are not following it... well. Shame on you.