FIAS 2021 Standard, Online Version

The Company shall ensure that relevant product safety and quality attributes are managed during the development of all new products or changes to existing products. [R]

Examples of characteristics that should be considered during the product
development process are:

• self-sustaining decomposition
• resistance to detonation
• caking tendency
• dust formation
• compatibility
• thermal cycling
• quantity of product being manufactured
• length of time in storage

Refer to:
Appendix 1: The Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulation 1996
Appendix 2: Fertilizers Europe Guidance for Compatibility of Fertilizer Blending materials

MP2.1

The Company shall comply with all relevant legislation for labelling and the supply of product safety information.

Where there is no requirement in legislation to provide product safety information, as a minimum the Company shall make such information available on request.

Legislation requires the Company to document safety information about their products and provide this under specific circumstances, for example, Safety Data Sheets.

MP3.1

The Company shall ensure that the manufacturing operation is carried out under controlled conditions to ensure production processes comply with specification and legislative requirements.

To demonstrate due diligence, controlled conditions would typically include:

• documented procedures
• blend formulations
• calibrated equipment
• defined process parameters
• competent personnel

MP4.1

A product inspection and testing regime shall be planned and implemented to ensure compliance with all legal, Company and customer requirements. [R]

Inspection and testing may include nutrient analysis and product weight.
Refer to Appendix 1.

MP5.1

The Company shall ensure that all packaging is suitable for the classification and analysis of product.

Packaging specifications take into account safety factors, suitability, labelling and any other legal requirements.
Packaging material / construction specifications for hazardous products must comply with ADR Regulations.

Further information on specifying suitable packaging can be found on the FIBCA website https://fibca.com/

MP5.2

The Company shall comply with legal requirements for the labelling of all fertiliser.

The fertiliser may be in bags, containers or bulk and the product information or statutory declaration either with the material or the delivery documents.
Packaging labelling and marking requirements for hazardous products must also comply with ADR Regulations.
In addition to statutory labelling requirements, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) recommend that fertiliser bags carry the “Secure your fertiliser” logo.

MP6.1

The Company shall have a documented procedure for handling non conforming product and materials which shall include, where relevant, any legal obligations.

Systems shall ensure that any non- conforming material is identified, segregated, evaluated for any potential risk to safety and dealt with in accordance with this procedure. [R]

See Appendix 2 Codes of Practice and Guidance Documents including:

• FERTILIZERS EUROPE guidance for safe handling and utilization of nonconforming fertilisers and related materials for fertiliser producers.
• AIC/Defra/HSE guidance note for manufacturers, importers, blenders, transporters, storekeepers and suppliers of ammonium nitrate based fertilisers.

MP6.2

Where there is the potential for DRT failed Ammonium Nitrate material to be present, then the Company must have a contingency plan in place. [R]

Refer to: AIC/Defra/HSE guidance note for manufacturers, importers, blenders, transporters, storekeepers and suppliers of ammonium nitrate based fertilisers.

MP7.1

The Company shall calibrate all equipment that is used to confirm compliance with either legal or specified product requirements.

The Company shall maintain a schedule of calibration for all equipment requiring compliance and shall keep a record listing

• the re-calibration interval
• the accuracy required
• the calibration results or certificate
• the calibration method

[R]
If equipment is found to be outside the accuracy tolerance when calibrated, the Company shall carry out an investigation to check the consequences of the failure on the legality of the product. [R]

Incorrect calibration or operating outside the tolerance required may lead to product recall or reprocessing of material.
Trading Standards may visit site and request evidence of compliance with legal requirements.

MP8.1

The Company shall identify raw materials and finished products to enable recognition and traceability to the extent required by the business process risk assessment and legislation.

The level of traceability for different products will vary. For example, in the case of “relevant” AN, it is necessary to identify and trace the finished product to all destinations. For all other products, the principle of “one up/one down” traceability should be applied.

Refer to AIC Code of Practice for the Transfer and Traceability of Fertiliser classified as Dangerous Goods.

The Ammonium Nitrate Materials (High Nitrogen Content) Safety Regulations 2003