Explore the specifications outlined in BRCGS Version 9 and discover how Klipspringer's Cleaning Equipment acts as a direct response to these requirements.

Version 9 of the Global Food Safety Standard from BRCGS has played a huge role in the industry’s understanding of health and safety – helping sites to ascertain what it takes to secure customer satisfaction from the leading retailers, along with that all important audit compliance.  

Auditable since February 2023, Version 9 features clause 4.11.6, with this clause placing a real emphasis on the requirements for cleaning equipment.  

It states, cleaning equipment must be: 

  • Hygienically designed and fit for purpose 
  • Suitably identified for intended use  
  • Cleaned in a hygienic manner to prevent contamination 

Determined to support you in your efforts to meet the BRCGS requirements, we decided to take a closer look at them – exploring the ways in which Klipspringer cleaning equipment has been designed to meet each one.

#1 Cleaning equipment must be hygienically designed and fit for purpose 

Put simply, this means the tools at your site need to be easy to clean and should in no way risk the safety or quality of your product through contamination. As experts in the food and beverage industry for over 20 years, we believe it is our duty to supply such equipment, so we wanted to talk you through the ways in which we have ensured our cleaning utensils are fully compliant with the standards of BRCGS V9. 

Klipspringer cleaning equipment conforms to EHEDG hygienic design principles 

During the development stage of our cleaning equipment, we paid close attention to the hygienic design principles of the EHEDG, otherwise known as the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group. An acute awareness of these principles led us to ensure our equipment is completely free from crevices, rough surfaces, and bug traps that could harbour bacteria. Not only will this make it easier for your operatives to suitably clean the equipment and extend its lifespan, but it will also help you to drive standards of hygiene and safety – significantly reducing the risk of both bacterial and foreign body contamination.  

Klipspringer cleaning equipment is food contact approved 

Another example of hygienic design, our cleaning equipment is made from a food contact approved polymer, otherwise known as ‘food grade’ material. This eliminates the risk of any harmful substances or chemicals being transferred into your product. It is likely that you were already aware of this requirement, as it is very common for auditors to ask for proof during inspections. What you might not know is that Klipspringer has launched a free online portal for the storage of this evidence, with all the declarations of compliance for your Klipspringer products stored conveniently in one place. The second that you catch wind of an audit, you can simply download the relevant documents at the click of a button. 

#2 Cleaning equipment must be suitably identified for intended use  

During our time in the industry, we have heard the horror stories of brush heads being moved from low risk to high-risk zones, operatives using the wrong tool because the right tool is missing, and perfectly good equipment being damaged because it has been stored incorrectly. If you are going to prevent your site from falling into these traps, it is essential that you drive accountability at every turn and eliminate the risk of confusion amongst your workforce. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring the cleaning equipment at your factory is easy to identify. Here are two ways that Klipspringer equipment has been developed with this challenge in mind.

Klipspringer cleaning equipment supports colour-coding 

Although there isn’t an industry-wide standard assigning specific colours to specific applications, it is expected that a site will make at least some attempt to colour-code its equipment. This colour-coding should ensure that different processes are effectively segregated to eliminate contamination risks. For example, food contact equipment should be kept entirely separate from non-food, floor, drainage, and cleaning equipment. Similarly, equipment for low risk areas should be kept apart from equipment for high risk, high care, and ambient high care zones. Colour-coding will also be of the utmost importance if your site handles different allergens. Fortunately, Klipspringer cleaning equipment is available in up to 11 colours, allowing you to have a different colour for every zone or application. If you have any questions about the correct approach to colour coding, the Klipspringer team would be happy to advise, simply contact 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com.    

Klipspringer cleaning equipment can be further identified with IndeliMarking 

Klipspringer’s cleaning equipment is open to further personalisation through the food safe process of IndeliMarking. This process involves specialist lasers that create a contrasting ‘impression’ on the surface of your equipment. This permanent mark in no way compromises hygiene or food safety requirements, allowing you to identify your equipment without taking any unnecessary risks. From asset numbers and allergens to factory zones and even the names of your operatives, the opportunities for personalisation are endless. You can even add your company logo to reduce the risk of equipment being removed from site.

#3 Equipment must be cleaned in a hygienic manner to prevent contamination 

It is unsurprising that the BRCGS followed two specifications about the quality of cleaning equipment with the expectation that this equipment will be suitably maintained. After all, even the best tools will struggle to contend with the various hygiene risks if they are poorly treated by your operatives. That is why you need to ensure the cleaning equipment at your site is treated with respect. The best way to do this? Well, we have designed a bespoke storage solution to help you with this goal. 

Klipspringer supplies bespoke Shadow Boards for the storage of your cleaning equipment 

The requirement to clean your equipment in a hygienic manner is a vitally important part of driving hygiene and safety standards across your factory. If you are currently relying on a simple colour-coded wall rail and hook system, now is the time to consider the introduction of one or more Shadow Boards. Designed to store and segregate a wide range of equipment items, Klipspringer Shadow Boards will help you to ensure your site’s processes are compliant with the relevant BRCGS standards, as these innovative storage solutions are the best way to segregate different processes to eliminate contamination.

Shadow Boards will also make life easier for your hygiene team, as operatives will be able to find their cleaning equipment quickly and easily, without having to worry that important tools have been used for the wrong application or moved to a different zone. As for cleaning the Shadow Boards themselves, if you opt for a magnetic mounting, this will not only prevent wall damage, but will also make it incredibly easy for your teams to lift the boards on and off the walls for cleaning.  

So there you have it, an in depth answer to the question: Does Klipspringer cleaning equipment comply with expectations outlined in Version 9 of the Global Food Safety Standard from BRCGS? We hope that along with a greater understanding of what these expectations are, you have also come away with a clear vision for the future of cleaning equipment at your site. Instead of worrying that your equipment is sub par and could potentially cause problems with customers and auditors, you can rest assured that any Klipspringer cleaning utensils will not only meet the relevant standards but surpass them.

If you would like further guidance relating to your cleaning equipment, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below to arrange a free consultation.