Chemical Traceability in Processes

Chemical traceability is the ability to know which product and which batch was used in each process, where, when and at what dose.

It has two parts, linked by the batch number. At the manufacturer, the batch printed on the container links the product to the raw materials used, its manufacturing record and the checks carried out. At the user, the usage records link that batch to the installation, equipment or surface treated. If an incident occurs, such as an abnormal cleaning result, damage to a material or a complaint, it is possible to reconstruct what was used and, if necessary, locate the remaining containers from the same batch.

In practice, traceability in the use of cleaning products relies on:

• The label, with the product name, the batch and, for disinfectants, their registration number.
• The technical data sheet, with the dose and method of use, and the safety data sheet (SDS), whose format is set by the REACH Regulation, both in their current version.
• A cleaning and disinfection plan stating which product is applied in each area, at what concentration, how often and by whom.
• Records of each operation and its verification: date, product, batch, concentration, person responsible and result.
• Control of goods received and of the store, so that it is known which batches are in use.

In the food industry, these records form part of the HACCP prerequisites and are reviewed in audits against standards such as BRCGS or IFS. At a manufacturer, batch traceability is usually part of its quality management system, for example under ISO 9001.

More information: Cleaning and disinfection plan · Biocide registration · REACH