SQF Code 2.5.4.2 Environmental program - Annual proficiency testing
SQF code 2.5.4.2 Onsite Personnel that conduct Environmental or product testing participate in an applicable proficiency testing program at least annually to ensure accuracy of results.
Hi!
Does anyone have recommendations for this annual proficiency testing they have used or are using?
Thanks in advance,
Lindsay
For product testing I have given the same product sample (with known results) to all my lab personnel and have them perform the required analysis. You can use the results to show your people know how to perform the tests and the equipment is capable of giving accurate consistent results.
Correct me if i'm wrong, but proficiency testing is testing personnel NOT lab methods
Take your SOP, shadow employees, verify they are following SOP as written, document. Voila, you're done
Correct me if i'm wrong, but proficiency testing is testing personnel NOT lab methods
Take your SOP, shadow employees, verify they are following SOP as written, document. Voila, you're done
I second what Scampi said.
Because I'm in manufacturing of packaging material, it's a little easier for us. What we did was take good parts and bad parts and mixed them up. Then took our key employees that are involved in approving questionable parts. Individually, tested them by writing down which parts were good and which parts were bad with comments on what were bad about them.
Then our warehouse personnel were tested on using a micrometer to test the gauge of our raw material that come in and make sure they are competent in their job. So what we had to do with them was take a couple samples of raw material and have them write down at designated points throughout the materials to determine width and gauge of material, and if they would accept or reject it.
Perhaps doing something similar in your industry to where you can have the individual tested on what is acceptable versus what is not.
Hope this helps.
Correct me if i'm wrong, but proficiency testing is testing personnel NOT lab methods
Take your SOP, shadow employees, verify they are following SOP as written, document. Voila, you're done
Hi Scampi,
There have already been several forum "debates" over this clause which appear to lack a definite conclusion. You may be, at least partially, incorrect however it's probably about time SQF gave a direct answer if not yet available
See for example -
https://www.ifsqn.co...42/#entry120017
Correct me if i'm wrong, but proficiency testing is testing personnel NOT lab methods
Take your SOP, shadow employees, verify they are following SOP as written, document. Voila, you're done
I've done this.
Was asked by my SQF auditor last audit (transition to edition 8), showed him my record for on-site of my QA staff, viola! no further questions. Passed the audit.
We do not have micro/chemical testing done in-house but send samples to the lab. So my proficiency testing is to verify how my QA staff conduct sampling and collection procedures, and conducting internal audits.
I've done this.
Was asked by my SQF auditor last audit (transition to edition 8), showed him my record for on-site of my QA staff, viola! no further questions. Passed the audit.
We do not have micro/chemical testing done in-house but send samples to the lab. So my proficiency testing is to verify how my QA staff conduct sampling and collection procedures, and conducting internal audits.
Hi majoy.
Thks. I think you have verified that SQF auditors are confused also.
Hi majoy.
Thks. I think you have verified that SQF auditors are confused also.
You can say some are confused or there's just too many different way of interpreting this proficiency testing. Clearly SQFI should update the guidance and include scenarios applicable to wide array of food sector categories.