3 replies to this topic

[PropTech]

I have an issue where the business wants to get our recently employed site engineer to carry out services of food processing machinery. The engineer has a lot practical experience with his previous employer and has demonstrated good practice but does not have many formal qualifications (some electrical certification). I have confidence he can carry out the repairs/maintenance however will be deemed competent to an auditor? Any thoughts appreciated.

[SQFconsultant]

Most time an auditor may or may not request to see the specialized training documentation to show that the engineer has the expertise to work on certain types of equipment - consider it on-going continuity training.

 

The last audit I attended the Auditor requested to see documentation that showed the maintenance engineers were qualified to effect repairs on a specialized type of sanitary liquid fill carton machine.

 

When the equipment was installed the company that made the equipment sent in two techs to train the staff on routine PM - in this case the manufacturer of the carton machine provided training documentation for each member of the staff and that was accepted by the Auditor.

[dfreund]

I don't have an engineer and our equipment is not incredibly complicated.

 

I expect you would be better served to evaluate the end results of the work completed and measure against hygienic design criteria to prove a competent repair has been affected.  A good work order form can flush out the measures to be met at the completion of the job.

 

By this, you can also hire a service contractor and measure their competence of duty the same way.

 

I may be missing something but measure the work not the person.

Dave

[Charles.C]

I have an issue where the business wants to get our recently employed site engineer to carry out services of food processing machinery. The engineer has a lot practical experience with his previous employer and has demonstrated good practice but does not have many formal qualifications (some electrical certification). I have confidence he can carry out the repairs/maintenance however will be deemed competent to an auditor? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

Logically, the expectations may relate to the specific type of food business/machinery involved. For example refrigeration engineering is a specialised topic.