Standards are subject to change and updating, just like European legislation which means engineering and HACCP managers are under constant pressure not only for production efficiency improvements, but also incremental risk-reduction initiatives to pass commercially important audits,.

Without the correct maintenance chemicals, expensive equipment will fail and production line efficiency will be dramatically reduced. However, maintenance chemicals such as lubricants, degreasers and wipes are often overlooked as an intrinsic part of the engineers’ toolkit. They are also specifically referenced in the BRC audit guidelines, issue 7, as well as many other audits. Therefore, maintenance chemical products need to be at the heart of the maintenance HACCP audit to ensure department compliance.

Prevention

There are several methods employed by maintenance chemical brands to reduce risks: from simply offering NSF certified products to marketing messages about 'guaranteed audit pass', or more advanced metal and x-ray detectable plastic components. Ambersil has taken the next logical step to reduce risk in food processing areas: Perma-Lock. 

Perma-Lock is a non-detachable spray system with dual position spray. There are no pieces that can fall off (which would lead to physical contamination of goods): the system does away with the cap entirely, and locks in the straw to the button as a 2-way spray. In most other aerosol maintenance sprays, these components are able to become detached and therefore expose food manufactures and processors to costly batch quarantine or even a market recall. Perma-Lock reduces the need for x-ray or metal detection equipment. Preventing food contamination is better than detecting food contamination. 

Features include:

• Secure spray straw that locks in place

• Traditional spray in the 'down' position

• Precision application in the 'up' position
• Ctch curb that prevents an oily can

• Non-slip grip

Launched in the USA and Australia by CRC Industries (parent company to Ambersil), the Perma-Lock system has been adopted by multiple global brands as an integral aspect of their risk reduction programme, whether HACCP or HARPC. In the UK the launch of Perma-Lock on all Ambersil NSF H1 aerosol products coincides with a fresh new look for the product labels. The redesigned labels keep brand design components, ensuring product recognition, but use strong 'green for go' colouration, along with the green Perma-Lock button. 

In order that there is constancy across the range, all Ambersil H1, 3H, and D2 NSF certified products will carry the new design, indicating that they may be used in all areas, even during food processing/production. All other products retain their blue and orange style – covering NSF category codes A7, A8, C1, K1, K2, K3 and P1. These products are still Food Processing Safe but precautionary measures should be put in place prior to use in food processing areas, normally ceasing production for planned-maintenance. 

The Perma-Lock system is fully compatible with existing risk reduction systems such as StopLight, a facility zoning system based on HACCP audit for chemical contamination.