Fire sprinklers alcove unlocked - can this be an Nonconformance?
During an SQF audit, the auditor found the alcove for our main sprinkler system unlocked outside the gates. Can this become a NON-conformance? Or Can I dispute the finding?
It's a food security risk. Something that should be addressed during your Food Security Facility Risk Assessment. This would be under 2.7.1.2 (iii) The methods implemented to protect sensitive processing points from intentional adulteration. But honestly what would happen if they open the sprinkler system? The water pressure will drop and send an alarm but no harm will be done to the people or the product. As long as you address the possibilities and what is to be done in your Food Security Facility Risk Assessment or Business Continuity Planning if someone does turn the key for the riser for the sprinkler system, evacuate the people, certain precautions to be done with the product, who makes decisions of HOLD/Release of the product. Maybe even show records of when it was last serviced from your Alarm/Sprinkler Inspection outfit you use.
:welcome: RVazquez and Good Luck.
:welcome: :welcome:
Thank you all. That helps.
I agree that this could be a facility security or food defense noncompliance, although a very minor one. Keep in mind - food security by definition from the World Health Organization is related to having enough food. Food defense is about preventing tampering or attacks.
" but no harm will be done to the people or the product. " In which case it should have nothing to do with SQF! What section of the code did the auditor say you were not in conformance with?
During an SQF audit, the auditor found the alcove for our main sprinkler system unlocked outside the gates. Can this become a NON-conformance? Or Can I dispute the finding?
RVasquez,
So how did the audit go? Did you get a non-conformance for the Fire sprinklers alcove unlocked?
RVasquez,
So how did the audit go? Did you get a non-conformance for the Fire sprinklers alcove unlocked?
The Audit went well. As a perfectionist I would have liked a better scored but I am okay. However, this was not noted as a non-conformance.