Reference Measuring Equipment: How to secure compliance against Version 9 of the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard.

Helping factories to ensure product quality and food safety, Reference Measuring Equipment has a vital role to play in the food production industry.

It is also essential to securing audit compliance, as Version 9 of the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard highlights the importance of checking measuring devices against a defined method that is traceable to a recognised national or international standard.

With this in mind, we have put together a brief overview of the BRCGS clauses that relate to Reference Measuring Equipment. The following article will also take you through the process of finding the right Reference Measuring Equipment for your site and documenting your results.

The BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard, Version 9

Version 9 of the Global Food Safety Standard outlines BRCGS expectations surrounding the calibration and control of measuring and monitoring devices.

Clause 6.4.2 states that “All identified measuring devices, including new equipment, shall be checked and, where necessary adjusted”. It stipulates that this should take place “at a predetermined frequency, based on risk assessment” and “to a defined method traceable to a recognised national or international standard where possible.” It also states that “results shall be documented” and “equipment shall be readable and be of a suitable accuracy for the measurements it is required to perform.”

Clause 6.4.3 then outlines procedure for the effective management of Reference Measuring Equipment. It states that this equipment must be “calibrated and traceable to a recognised national or international standard”. The clause also highlights the importance of considering “the uncertainty of calibration” when “equipment is used to assess critical limits.”

What is Reference Measuring Equipment?

Reference Measuring Equipment is a type of is equipment that has been calibrated by an accredited laboratory and comes with a calibration certificate that is traceable to national standards (ISO17025).

This equipment is commonly used by food factories to carry out the in-house verification of other on-site measuring devices.

If the results of a standard measuring device mirror the results of the Reference Measuring Equipment it is being tested against, this can be used as evidence of the accuracy and suitability of the standard measuring device.

However, if the results are different, the measuring device will need to be adjusted (if possible).

If this isn’t possible, the Correlation Factor will need to be recorded for future reference. This is the difference between the reading produced by the Unit Under Test (UUT) and the Reference Measuring Equipment.

It’s vital that the Correlation Factor is considered during all future measurements, especially if a measurement sits at the upper or lower limits of an accepted range. Here, accounting for the Correlation Factor could be the difference between a pass and fail result.

How to find the right Reference Measuring Equipment for your site?

As mentioned above, BRCGS expects the technical equipment at your site to be “calibrated and traceable to a recognised national or international standard.” That is why your first priority should be to secure Reference Measuring Equipment that is supplied alongside the relevant certification.

For example, if you are looking to introduce a reference thermometer to your site, you will want to select an instrument that comes with UKAS (ISO17025) certification.

You should also pay attention to which temperature points the thermometer has been certified to, as the calibration points need to reflect the temperature range of the equipment used on site. Say all the products at your site are produced within the temperature range of -18 to 60°C, calibration covering -18, 0, 40, and 70°C would be sufficient.

However, for total peace of mind, our Reference Thermometers are calibrated to : -18, 0, 40, 70, and 100°C, so they are suited to a wide range of applications, offering an even wider range than most sites require.

The next point to consider is the durability and versatility of your Reference Measuring Equipment. After all, it is likely going to be transported around your site and exposed to a range of environments. This is when features such as an IP67 rating or a Manufacturer’s Warrantee are advisable.

At Klipspringer, we also supply Reference Kits in protective, portable cases with bespoke foam inserts. This will make it easier for you to move Reference Measuring Equipment around your site without the risk of damage or breakages.

View our range of Reference Kits

So that brings us to the end of our guide to Reference Measuring Equipment and the relevant clauses from Version 9 of the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard.

If you have any questions about the guidance or solutions shared throughout this article, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help.

You can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.

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