9 replies to this topic

[Martyn]

Hi 

 

Does the Pest Control Survey mean a biologist inspection ?

 

The standard in version 6 states typically quarterly but based on risk and V7 states must be completed periodically (as least annually)

 

We are contracted to 8 routine, EFK quarterly and 4 filed biologist inspection. I am correct in thinking that we will comply with clause. ?

 

Many Thanks 

 

 

[mgourley]

I would think so, as long as the report your field biologist leaves covers the bullet points in the clause.

 

Marshall

[trubertq]

Yup that'll do it

[DavidAR]

 

We are contracted to 8 routine, EFK quarterly and 4 filed biologist inspection.

 

Actually yes this will cover it, but the purpose is to identify by risk whether or not those 4 field inspections (surveys) are required.

 

some pest activity is seasonal, and some locations are such that perhaps there are minimal risks and occurances of issues which would indicate that 4 inspections is over the top, the reverse is true where some sites have known issues due to location (next to waste lands or forests or even residential areas)

 

The point being that those inspections should be as frequent as required based on the risks inherant to your buisiness.

 

We currently have 4 visits a year by a field biologist to inspec our site and conduct an audit of sorts, but im reducing that this year to twice a year because for 3 years nobody reviewed this frequency and there has been next to no activity on site internal or external during that time.

 

also dont forget reviewing internal bait boxes, 5yr ago we had an issue before my time of mice, they put out lots and lots of boxes. (got it under control) but the boxes remain with no detection for 3 yrs. Again im going to review this and have these boxes halved and just have boxes around site in key entry point issue areas.

[Martyn]

Thank you for your advise ! 

 

Really appreciated, Kind Regards

[Charles.C]

Hi Martyn,

BRC7 4.14.9

An in-depth, documented pest control survey shall be undertaken at a frequency based on risk, but as a minimum annually, by a pest control expert to review the pest control measures in place. The survey shall:

•  provide an in-depth inspection of the facility for pest activity
•  review the existing pest control measures in place and make any recommendations for change.
The timing of the survey shall be such as to allow access to equipment for inspection where a risk of stored product insect infestation exists.

 

 

BRC6 4.13.8

An in-depth, documented pest control survey shall be undertaken at a frequency based on risk, but typically quarterly, by a pest control expert to review the pest control measures in

place. The timing of the survey shall be such as to allow access to equipment for inspection where a risk of stored product insect infestation exists.

 

 

I would have thought that "minimum annually" means exactly that unless the risk assessment requires more where the "more" would seem to be totally "arbitrary".

 

Unless perhaps the Standard somewhere states that the Interpretation Guidelines may supercede the Standard. Does it ? (SQF specifically states the opposite in the event of any disagreement).

[EvanAUS]

Your auditor will look first at your risk assessment that justifies the frequency of the Field Biologist's surveys. This must be a UK-centric requirement because "Field Biologist" is a recognised profession there. In Australia, every client that I have audited has justified annual surveys (appropriately). The tyranny of distance in Australia and the scarcity of Field Biologists equates to horrendously expensive surveys. As long as you are having surveys conducted by an appropriately qualified Field Biologist at the frequency justified by your risk assessment (minimum annual), you will meet the requirements of the Standard.

[Charles.C]

Your auditor will look first at your risk assessment that justifies the frequency of the Field Biologist's surveys. This must be a UK-centric requirement because "Field Biologist" is a recognised profession there. In Australia, every client that I have audited has justified annual surveys (appropriately). The tyranny of distance in Australia and the scarcity of Field Biologists equates to horrendously expensive surveys. As long as you are having surveys conducted by an appropriately qualified Field Biologist at the frequency justified by your risk assessment (minimum annual), you will meet the requirements of the Standard.

 

Hi Evan,

 

Thks for input but I'm unclear as to the need to hunt for a "Field Biologist".

 

Perhaps para. 4.14.9 (my previous post) is textually more explicit in the Australian version (rich country?)

 

Some Google offerings for "expert"  -
 

a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of, or skill in, a particular area

a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field

having or showing special skill or knowledge because of what you have been taught or what you have experienced

 

On the other hand i did notice this under F.B. in Google -

 

 field biologist.png   487.14KB   1 downloads

[EvanAUS]

Thanks Charles. My experience is only in Australia and New Zealand, but the "Experts" that conduct these surveys are employed by the Pest Control Contractors and there is some question about the impartiality of the reports that result from these "surveys". Most (all) manufacturers that are certificated to BRC pay for Pest Control Contractors to manage pest control.

[Charles.C]

Thanks Charles. My experience is only in Australia and New Zealand, but the "Experts" that conduct these surveys are employed by the Pest Control Contractors and there is some question about the impartiality of the reports that result from these "surveys". Most (all) manufacturers that are certificated to BRC pay for Pest Control Contractors to manage pest control.

 

Hi Evan,

 

Yes, after a little searching, i found the 20(11-12) threads below which look to agree with yr comment. If  "in-depth" / BRC expectations remain similar these may clarify the terminologies/situation a little.  Perhaps should be noted that this additional burden was only introduced in brc6 (operational 2012)  but I haven't yet noticed any relevant threads post 2012.

 

http://www.ifsqn.com...ontrol-surveys/

 

http://www.ifsqn.com...-expert-survey/

(post 16 is notable)

 

BRC also issued a "Guidance" in 2014 which states "In-depth pest control surveys are carried out by an experienced pest control expert, who usually, although not always, operates under the title of field biologist....."