6 replies to this topic

[Gallego]

Hi,

 

My mantenaince manager is telling me that we have an importan breakdown in an equipment due to the use of NSF H1 Oil, because this oil cannot work properly with the high pressure used in this equipment.

 

 

is there any possibility of using standard mineral oils and implement a procedure or another measure to detect oil leaks???

 

 

Thanks in advance for your answers

[GMO]

I have worked in factories where food safe and non food safe lubricants have been used.  It's possible to control it but obviously needs close supervision.

 

Things which can help:

 

• Careful risk assessment of where it can be used (only for good reason and what is in place to prevent accidental cross contact even at a minor level).
• Separate storage.
• Clear labelling of food safe and non food safe.
• Clear communication on where it can and can't be used in multiple places ideally into PPM instructions.
• Part of audits checking what was used where and storage.
• Part of compliance checks during works that the correct lubricant is in use.

[Gallego]

Thanks.

 

We have everything in place.

 

The question is that the lubricant of one place where the risk assesment says that a NSF H1 must be used, is causing maintenance problems.

 

Can a non food lubricant be used, with the argument that another measure (control of leaks, for example) is used instead?

 

I have worked in factories where food safe and non food safe lubricants have been used.  It's possible to control it but obviously needs close supervision.

 

Things which can help:

 

• Careful risk assessment of where it can be used (only for good reason and what is in place to prevent accidental cross contact even at a minor level).
• Separate storage.
• Clear labelling of food safe and non food safe.
• Clear communication on where it can and can't be used in multiple places ideally into PPM instructions.
• Part of audits checking what was used where and storage.
• Part of compliance checks during works that the correct lubricant is in use.

 

Edited by Gallego, Yesterday, 09:33 AM.

[GMO]

Thanks.

 

We have everything in place.

 

The question is that the lubricant of one place where the risk assesment says that a NSF H1 must be used, is causing maintenance problems.

 

Can a non food lubricant be used, with the argument that another measure (control of leaks, for example) is used instead?

 

Your risk assessment said there was a risk so that's the place I'd start.  Is it genuinely a risk?  Was the team overly cautious?  Or can you mitigate that risk in some way?

 

So, for example, if the area it will be used is over a food contact area, can the food contact stream be moved?  Where is it leaking onto?  

 

Perhaps if you can describe the set up better we might be able to help more with specifically how the food safety risk can be mitigated?  Also in the short term is it worth trying alternative suppliers of food grade oil to see if another does not cause the problems you've had?

[Gallego]

Your risk assessment said there was a risk so that's the place I'd start.  Is it genuinely a risk?  Was the team overly cautious?  Or can you mitigate that risk in some way?

 

So, for example, if the area it will be used is over a food contact area, can the food contact stream be moved?  Where is it leaking onto?  

 

Perhaps if you can describe the set up better we might be able to help more with specifically how the food safety risk can be mitigated?  Also in the short term is it worth trying alternative suppliers of food grade oil to see if another does not cause the problems you've had?

 

We are reviewing the risk assement.

 

The food ubricant is used in the top of the machine, where a leakage can introduce it into the product.

 

But this is not the place where high preassures are used, they are in another part of the equipment where a leakage is giving no risk. So I think that we will implement the solution of splitting the lubricant circuit. 

[GMO]

Yep I think it has to be some kind of answer like that. 

 

Even if there's no leak if there is the possibility of it leaking onto product, then it should be avoided.  I think you've come up with a very pragmatic solution.

[Scampi]

what specific product are you using?  there is probably an NSF H1 alternative that works better