Feb
7
Written by:
SuperUser Account
2/7/2012 3:08 PM
BRC’s top tips for implementing the requirements of the Packaging Standard:
- Read and understand the Standard
- Gain Senior Management Commitment
- Get the right resources – human and financial
- Get training
- Do a GAP analysis
- Use external resources and knowledge where needed
- Validate your hazard and risk analysis
The most vital element of implementing the requirements of any Standard is senior management commitment. Without this in place, it is highly unlikely that a company will be able to implement the requirements as effectively as is demanded. This need is demonstrated through all of the other elements as senior management will have the ability and drive to implement training programmes or invest in external traning; and allocate human and financial resources for implementation, gap analysis and to validate the hazard and risk management system. A successful audit and continued certification is evidence that these aspects are fully in place.
An Interpretation Guideline is now available for the Packaging Standard. It is not a compulsory document, but one that can assist new and existing sites to understand and implement the requirements and bring the Standard to life. It gives worked examples and case studies of each of the clauses, enabling sites to clearly interpret what is and is not acceptable.
Once the site’s implementation team has understood the requirements, they should contact a Certification Body. Many Certification Bodies are able to offer pre-audit assessments, a third party who can independently identify any gaps in the site’s implementation of the requirements. Not all sites will find this necessary as they may already have the resources and skills necessary to conduct this sort of activity internally but for many, the sites may benefit through this activity either from a Certification Body, or an independent technical expert.
Jo Griffiths, Packaging Technical Manager