Archives: Oferta

Certification of management systems

 

J.S. Hamilton Poland – Certification Body based in Siemianowice Śląskie offers certification of quality management systems for compliance with the requirements of the standard:

PN-EN ISO 9001 “Quality management systems. Requirements”.

We provide certification of quality management systems in the following industries:

  • machines and their accessories – IAF code 18,
  • electrical and optical equipment – IAF code 19.

As Notified Body NB 2057, we carry out conformity assessment modules on management systems respectively:

(a) for Directive 2006/42/EC (MD):

Module H: full quality assurance – Annex X

(b) in respect of Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX):

Module D: conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process – Annex IV

Module E: conformity to type based on product quality assurance – Annex VII

In the field of explosion-proof construction equipment, we confirm the quality assurance module by compliance with the requirements of PN- EN ISO/IEC 80079-34 “Explosive atmospheres Part 34: Application of quality management systems in equipment manufacture”.

As an IECEx CB Unit, we carry out the conformity assessment module on management systems with regard to the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 80079-34.

IECEx certification

IECEx evaluation schemex.

The IECEx Scheme is a system for confirming the correct and safe construction of explosion-proof equipment. Documents issued by Scheme participants are recognised globally in all countries participating in the IECEx system. In Europe, IECEx certification is optional, however, opening the door for a manufacturer to distribute its products globally throughout the explosive atmospheres industry.

The IECEx certification and testing scheme is based on the TC31 technical committee. The first concept for the organisation was established in 1992, so that already in 2000 the first IECEx tests could be carried out and the first IECEx CoC certificate issued. Since August 2003, the system has been operating on the basis of a publicly accessible website. The language of the IECEx system is English. All issued documents in the scheme (IECEx CoC certificates, ExTR reports, QAR quality system assessments) are freely accessible on the website www.iecex.com, which makes the system transparent because any user can confirm at any time that the equipment in use complies with the requirements set by the IECEx organisation. Just as in Europe the most important document accompanying a product is the EU Declaration of Conformity, with the IECEx system the most important is the certificate, which is available online at all times.

By 2021, 36 countries had joined the IECEx scheme, Poland joined in 2008. J.S Hamilton Poland has the status of ExCB certification body and ExTL testing laboratory,  

The overall structure, scope of activities, schemes of conduct and responsibilities are presented in IEC documents published on the website www.iecex.com

An ExCB certification body cannot exist without an associated ExTL testing laboratory. Similarly, a testing laboratory cannot exist without an affiliation with the ExCB.

ExCB and ExTL J. S. Hamilton are located in Siemianowice Śląskie, our scope of activities is IECEx testing and IECEx certification.

The test reports (ExTL) issued by the laboratory (ExTR) are verified by the ExCB unit. The ExCB supervises the testing (scope and test programme) performed by ExTL.

The IECEx CoC certificate can be issued after the body (ExCB) has carried out both laboratory testing (ExTL) and a production quality assurance assessment in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 80079-34.

We specialise in the testing and IECEx certification of Ex electrical equipment and components such as cable entries, cable ducts, insulators, Ex d hollow covers, junction boxes, luminaires, electric and combustion motors, transformers, sensors, transducers, barriers, and a whole range of non-electrical Ex equipment such as pumps, mixers, disolvers, mechanical and pneumatic conveying equipment, cells, gears, brakes, skids, and many others. All in compliance with the following standards:

  • IEC 60079-0 – Electrical equipment
  • IEC 60079-1 – flameproof enclosure Ex d
  • IEC 60079-2 – flameproof enclosure Ex p
  • IEC 60079-7 – reinforced construction Ex e
  • IEC 60079-11 – intrinsically safe equipment Ex i
  • IEC 60079-15 – non-sparking equipment Ex n
  • IEC 60079-18 – encapsulation Ex m
  • IEC 60079-25 – intrinsically safe systems
  • IEC 60079-26 – Category 1 equipment, EPL Ga
  • IEC 60079-28 – optical radiation Ex op
  • IEC 60079-31 – equipment for dusty atmospheres Ex t
  • IEC ISO 80079-36 – non-electrical equipment Ex h
  • IEC ISO 80079-37 – Non-electrical equipment Ex h
  • IEC/TS 60079-46 – Kits

 

IECEX

Our scope of activities: https://www.iecex.com/information/excbs/httpwww-iecex-comdirectorybodiesbodies1-aspid5/

We look forward to working with you!

Food safety certification QA Solutions

QA Solutions is a company providing comprehensive services in the field of certification of quality and food safety management standards and systems.

Since 2011 we have been operating on the Polish and foreign markets, and since 2017 we have been a member of the J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp. z o.o. Capital Group.

Through responsible and continuous development we have our ever-growing contribution to maintaining the highest technical, scientific and operational level in sectors directly related to people and their environment. Our areas of activity include quality, food safety, product certification, packaging, logistics, responsibility and social communication.

We demonstrate an ongoing commitment to disseminating and improving quality in the wider v.

 

BRCGS FOOD

BRC Global Standard For Food Safety is an international food standard developed by the British Retail Consortium.

The form and content of the standard are designed so that a supplier can be assessed on its premises (its management system, procedures) by an auditor, thus standardising food safety criteria and monitoring processes and procedures.

The BRC standard sums up the requirements contained in ISO 9001, Codex Alimentarius, GMP and GHP and defines the requirements that must guarantee safety and the required, repeatable quality level of the finished product. An additional element to which great attention is paid is the compliance of the product with food law.

Auditing of the plant according to the BRC standard is carried out according to a checklist (by certification bodies), which determines whether and how effectively the manufacturer complies in the following areas:

 

  • Management and continuous improvement
  • HACCP Food Safety Plan – implementation in accordance with Codex Alimentarius requirements.
  • Quality and Food Safety Management System (Quality Book, supervision of documentation, records, conducting audits, specifications, conducting corrective actions, complaints, handling of non-compliant products, product withdrawal, incident management).
  • Facility standards- implementation of GMP and GHP principles (building construction, plant safety, product flow, machinery, equipment, water, ice, air, maintenance, cleaning, waste, pests, storage, logistics operations, metal detection).
  • Product control – product design and development, allergen management, product packaging, delivery inspection and testing plans, in-process and finished product inspection by in-house laboratory, definition of product release criteria, definition of non-conforming product handling.
  • Process Control – control of operations, control of quantities, calibration and control of monitoring and measuring instruments with equipment.
  • Staff – training staff, controlling staff hygiene, medical examinations, use of protective clothing, hygiene of social areas.
  • High-risk, high-caution and uncooled production areas.
  • Requirements for traded products – optional.

 

IFS Food

IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) is an international food standard developed by representatives of German and French retailers in cooperation with retailers from other countries. IFS has been developed for the purpose of evaluating suppliers to retail chains, so-called private label manufacturers, who are required by the retail chains to comply with the IFS standard. It only applies to areas of activity where there is a risk of product contamination, i.e. food manufacturers and companies processing and/or packaging food products. IFS Food does not apply to:

  • importers and exporters,
  • food transport,
  • storage and distribution.

The IFS standard consists of 4 parts:

  1. IFS Food certification protocol – the result of the assessment, the execution of the assessment, the individual steps towards certification, etc.
  2. IFS Food Assessment – a list of requirements in 6 chapters:
  • Management and commitment;
  • Quality and Food Safety Management System;
  • Resource management;
  • Operational processes;
  • Measurement, analysis, improvement;
  • food defence plan.
  1. Requirements for Accreditation Bodies, Certification Bodies and Auditors
  2. Reporting.

 

FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a standard developed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification. The standard was approved in 2013 by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) and is based on the integration of ISO 22000, the requirements of ISO Technical Standards or Technical Specifications and additional specific requirements.

FSSC 22000 certification covers the following categories:

  • Farming of animals (category A),
  • Food manufacturing (category C),
  • Animal feed production(category D),
  • catering (category E),
  • retail and wholesale trade (category F),
  • transportation and storage (category G),
  • Production of food packaging and packaging materials (category I),
  • Production of (Bio) chemicals (category K).

 

ISO 22000

In Poland, the standard has been issued by the Polish Committee for Standardisation as PN-EN ISO 22000. The full name is “Food safety management system – Requirements for every food chain organisation”.

ISO 22000 is the international standard that specifies requirements for food safety management systems used by organisations with a place in the entire food marketing chain. The standard is aimed at the full chain of activities from producers through processing to wholesalers retailers and the hotel and restaurant industry and transport system.

IFS Logistics

The IFS Logistics standard is dedicated to companies not involved in processing, but dealing with: foodstuff storage, transport, logistics.

The IFS Logistics requirements cover six chapters:

  • Responsibility of senior management
  • Product quality and safety management system
  • Resource management;
  • Implementation of services
  • Measurement, analysis, improvement
  • Product protection.

 

IFS Broker

The IFS Broker standard is dedicated to companies that do not have their own warehousing and transport facilities and only deal with brokers without direct contact with the product, such as brokers and importers. The requirements of the standard include: a quality and product safety management system, resource management, planning and service processes, defence of the product against intentional contamination or interference by third parties, as well as measurement, analysis and improvement and top management responsibility.

Product categories for IFS Broker certification include:

  • food products,
  • personal hygiene products,
  • household chemicals,

 

BRC PM 

The purpose of developing the BRC PM (Packaging and Packaging Materials) standard is to protect the consumer by providing a common basis for certification of companies that supply packaging to food manufacturers.

Since its first publication in 2001, the standard has been regularly updated to reflect the latest product safety requirements. It is now used worldwide, not only by food packaging manufacturers, but also by packaging manufacturers at every stage of the supply chain.
The standard provides a framework for all packaging manufacturers to help them produce safe packaging materials and manage product quality to meet customer requirements while remaining legally compliant.

Certification to the standard is recognised by many brand owners, retailers, foodservice companies and manufacturers around the world when evaluating suppliers.

 

GlobalG.A.P. IFA

GlobalG.A.P. is a food safety assurance standard for primary production on farms (Integrated Farm Assurance). It applies only to fresh, unprocessed products and is aimed at producers of fresh fruit and vegetables.

This standard covers the entire production chain, from sowing or planting the crop in the ground, through care and harvesting of the crop, including post-harvest handling, such as storage, packaging and conditioning. One of the main objectives of the standard is to reduce the use of fertilisers and crop protection products to the minimum necessary in order to reduce the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment, as well as to ensure the longest possible use of agricultural land.

The GlobalG.A.P. certificate is international, recognised in Poland, Europe and the world. The GlobalG.A.P. standard is required by retail chains and other customers as a confirmation of quality and safety of produced food.

The GlobalG.A.P. standard includes the following sub-bands:

  • FV – Fruit and Vegetables
  • CC – Combinable Crops
  • FO – Flovers and Ornamentals
  • PPM – Plant Propagation Materials

 

GlobalG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC)

The GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody standard provides supply chain validation that goods have been produced in accordance with GlobalG.A.P. requirements and come from certified entities. All companies handling and/or trading GlobalG.A.P. certified product can apply for certification.

The standard specifies requirements for the handling of certified products and the proper segregation of certified and non-certified products. The standard does not directly cover food safety requirements.

The certificate is issued for processes carried out by the certified entity, and the status covers the entire food chain certified according to GlobalG.A.P., i.e. crop production, animal production, aquaculture, as well as animal feed production.

Additional modules developed by GlobalG.A.P.

GRASP – GlobalG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice

GRASP is a voluntary module developed to assess social practices on the farm, such as specific aspects of health, safety and welfare of workers. This module helps to establish a good management system on the farm.

The implementation of the GRASP module provides opportunities to support the establishment of communication channels between management and employees, guarantees compliance with international and national labour law, and raises the manufacturer’s position among suppliers and buyers.

Any manufacturer with a GlobalG.A.P. certificate can apply for a GRASP assessment certificate. The GRASP module covers social risk assessment and is not related to GlobalG.A.P. certified products.

SPRING – Sustainable programme for irrigation and groundwater use

SPRING is an add-on that helps producers, retailers and traders demonstrate their commitment to sustainable water management and can be implemented in conjunction with the GlobalG.A.P. IFA for crops.

SPRING is a wide range of criteria for assessing sustainable water management on farm. These include:

  • the legality of water sources and extraction rates,
  • good practice in water management (e.g. use of tensiometers),
  • protection of water sources,
  • monitoring of water consumption,
  • the impact of producers on sustainable river basin management.

 

AH-DLL GROW

The AH-DLL GROW add-on was developed in collaboration with retailers Albert Heijn (AH) and Delhaize (DLL) and launched in August 2020.

AH-DLL GROW assesses risk management in relation to hygiene, pesticide residues and foreign bodies. The module has been developed to better meet increasing consumer demands for food quality and safety and to raise awareness among producers.

The AH-DLL GROW assessment is conducted for both individual growers and producer groups who deliver fruit and vegetables directly or through their suppliers to Albert Heijn in the Netherlands or Delhaize in Belgium.

 

TESCO NURTURE

TESCO NURTURE module is a programme launched by the international retail chain TESCO in 1992. The main objective of this programme is to provide customers with a guarantee that fruit and vegetables from TESCO suppliers are grown in an environmentally friendly way. To this end, the programme is based on the implementation of stricter requirements than those laid down by law regarding the use of plant protection products and upper limits for residues of plant protection products in fresh produce.

GlobalG.A.P PLUS module for McDonald’s

A scheme providing requirements for any agricultural producer involved in supplying fresh fruit and vegetables to the McDonald’s chain.

FSA (Farm Sustainability Assessment)

The principles of the FSA (Farm Sustainability Assessment) have been developed by the global Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI Platform). Confirmation of the implementation of the farm sustainability requirements can be demonstrated through self-assessment or verification by independent certification bodies. Independent verification gives the opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised Letter of Attestation document.

Sustainable agriculture is based on three pillars – Planet, People, Profit. It comprises actions that reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the environment, while enabling a more efficient and profitable use of resources such as water, soil, fertilisers, energy, seeds or plant protection products, and maintaining the profitability of agricultural production and respect for people.

The FSA verification process is driven by three available options:

  1. Benchmarking principle – confirmation of compliance with requirements based on other certified standards recognised by SAI Platform with an indicated grade level.
  2. Carry out a self-assessment and have it verified by the audit of the certification body.
  3. Hybrid option as a combination of 1 and 2 – acceptance of meeting part of the FSA requirements on the basis of other certified standards recognised by the SAI Platform and assessment in addition to the remaining requirements. This option is e.g. certification of the GlobalG.A.P. standard with the GGFSA addendum.

INTEGRATED CROP PRODUCTION

Integrated Plant Production is a voluntary food quality system which uses technical and biological progress in cultivation, plant protection and fertilization in a sustainable way and pays special attention to environmental protection and human health.

The farm is assessed by an authorised inspector from the Certification Body, who verifies the farm’s management as regards its compliance with the obligatory and additional requirements for the species and with the basic requirements and recommendations for the farm laid down in the methodologies developed by PIORiN.

The obtained certificate of Integrated Plant Production allows the producer to mark his products with the IP logo, which confirms that the permissible levels of residues of plant protection products, heavy metals, nitrates and other elements and harmful substances were not exceeded in the produced crops.

REGIONAL AND TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS

In Poland, we have 44 products registered as Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG). Of these, at QA Solutions sp. z o.o. we certify Grójeckie Apples and Galician Garlic, which are Protected Geographical Indication products.

These products have unique quality parameters which are characteristic only for the region in which they were produced, which distinguishes the certified articles from other, generally available ones. A producer who successfully completes the process of verifying the requirements of the specification approved by the European Commission is awarded a PGI certificate and may mark his products with the Protected Geographical Indication logo.

ESTA

European Seed Treatment Assurance was developed by the European Seed Association (ESA). It ensures the quality of seed treatment and treated seeds, as well as their compliance with current legislation and industry requirements. Seeds are treated with the lowest possible amount of plant protection products, which minimises the environmental impact of agricultural activities while maintaining maximum efficacy of the product.

Control audits at the plants are carried out by Certification Bodies authorised by the Polish Seed Chamber. Each stage is subject to a management system to guarantee the quality and safety of the treated seeds. ESTA certification is granted for each species and for each location of treated seed. It covers facilities that clean, treat, deliver, pack or repack seed. ESTA certification covers all stages of treatment, from the reception of raw material to the delivery of treated material.

 

Mechanical, strength and vibration tests

The test laboratory in Siemianowice Śląskie carries out tests in the following areas

  • tensile strength of metals and metal components in the range up to 1000 kN, measurement of elongation in the range up to 100 mm. Tests are performed in accordance with the accredited methodology described in the PN-EN ISO 6892-1 standard,
  • tensile strength of plastics and plastic parts in the range up to 1000 kN, together with measurement of nominal strain.

Tests are performed in accordance with accredited methodologies described in the following standards

PN-EN ISO 527-1, PN-EN ISO 527-2, PN-EN ISO 527-4

  • bending strength of metals and metal components in the range up to 1000 kN. Tests are performed in accordance with the accredited methodology described in PN-EN ISO 7438.
  • testing of steel and plastic nets within the scope of: evaluation of surface condition, geometric measurements, bending strength, strength of the material used in nets, weld shear force,
  • strength of stirrup yokes,
  • tensile strength of bolts, determination of bolt strength class,
  • strength of washers and nuts,
  • mining anchors, in terms of: line measurements, straightness, rod bending, tensile and shear strengths,
  • impact strength,
  • free fall strength,
  • strength of metal and plastic products, elements of building structures, elements of flat textile products coated with rubber or plastics,
  • Charpy impact tests (fracture test) according to EN ISO 148-1
  • measurement of hardness of metals using the Rockwell and Brinell methods,
  • determination of hardness of plastics and hard rubber by the pressing method with the use of a hardness tester (Shore hardness),
  • testing of flat woven synthetic fibre slings, general purpose,
  • tensile and compressive forces up to 250kN,
  • determination of the abrasion resistance of the outer layer of rubber hoses,
  • thrust and traction force, control buttons and levers up to 1000 N,
  • vibration tests including sinusoidal vibrations, mechanical shocks.

The laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation for mechanical and strength testing.

Full scope of our accreditation AB 1552

Physicochemical testing

Physicochemical testing of dietary supplements provides the necessary information on the product’s composition, the presence of micro and macroelements, vitamins, impurities (e.g. the level of heavy metals, pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or dioxins) and additional substances. Thanks to testing, you can check whether the product meets the legal requirements of a market, regarding the content of impurities and/or the limits for active substances.

We offer physicochemical analysis for dietary supplements, herbs and vegetal raw materials. The tests we perform include:

  • pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids
  • protein
  • dry weight
  • humidity
  • fat
  • capsule/filling weight
  • acid number and fat number
  • net weight
  • sugars
  • dietary fibre
  • nutritional value.

Using modern equipment and instrumental methods, we determine:

  • vitamins B content, including folic acid
  • vitamins A, E, D3, K content
  • vitamin C content
  • content of mineral ingredients: chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), phosphorus (P), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), potassium (K), selenium (Se), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), silicon
  • fatty acid profile, including Omega 3, DHA, APA
  • aminoacids
  • polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As)
  • pesticide content
  • mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone.

Dermatological tests (patch test)

Dermatological tests (patch tests) are carried out in terms of irritating and allergenic properties, mainly using the patch test method under the supervision of a dermatologist. Performing a dermatological test allows for the use of the declaration “dermatologically tested”.

Our offer includes the following types of dermatological tests:

  • open test – recommended for potentially irritating products (e.g. urea products, high/low pH products, AHA peelings, depilatory products)
  • semi-open test (including HRIPT) – for most cosmetic products, using panels:
    • normal,
    • sensitive,
    • mixed,
  • closed test – a more restrictive test, possible for most cosmetic products,
  • T-shirt test – recommended for products for washing and rinsing fabrics, intended for sensitive skin, for children,
  • single application test.

Our dermatological tests complies with:

  • Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Of The European Parliament And Of The Council Of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products,
  • Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association (formerly COLIPA) Guidelines – Product test Guidelines for the Assessment of Human Skin Compatibility 1997,
  • Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association (formerly COLIPA) Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cosmetic Products 2008,
  • testing procedures and technical instructions applicable at J.S. Hamilton International Sp. z o.o.

Coal, coke, crude oil and petroleum products inspection services

J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. offers a full range of services such as independent inspection and testing of coal, coke crude oil and petroleum products. Our services are offered to coal companies, power plants, importers, refineries, distributors and customers interested in reliable, independent information on the quality of solid and liquid fuels conducted in accredited laboratory. Test results can be the basis of financial settlements. Our extensive network of branches on the eastern border guarantees full support for the inspection of imported solid fuels, from countries, such as: Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Hamilton labs, for companies covered by European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, have prepared monitoring of CO2 emitted amounts into circulation.

 

Our offer:

  • inspection, quantity control, supervision of truck, wagon and shipment loading and discharging
  • quality and quantity inspections of crude oil, petroleum products, biofuels, fuel components, chemicals, LPG during vessels’ loading and discharging operations in ports and terminals
  • bunker and condition surveys, on/off hire
  • weighing supervision
  • sample collection from stockpiles, wagons, trucks
  • sieve analysis, lab analysis
  • wagons, stockpiles and ship cleanliness inspections
  • draft survey
  • stockpile measurements by laser survey
  • routine and ultimate analyzes performed in our labs in Gdynia and Katowice, quality supervision
  • arbitrary and comparative analysis
  • determination of CO2 emission covered in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme
  • on-site biomass moisture measurement analysis

 

Coke and coal, slag and fly ash (combustion waste) testing services

  • moisture test (total and flow)
  • ash content
  • volatile matter content
  • sulfur, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen content
  • heat of combustion (calorific value)
  • fusibility temperature of ash
  • coal and ash elemental content
  • chlorine, phosphorus and other elements content
  • Audibert-ARNU Dilatometer, Giesler
  • RI number

 

Combustion waste (slag and fly ash)

  • moisture content
  • ash content
  • carbon content

 

CO2 emission

  • CO2 level
  • oxidation

Accredited J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. laboratory with over 50-years-experience in fuel testing (former Central Chemical Laboratory Polcargo) provides results of the research which are the basis for financial settlements and provide reliable information on quality of solid fuels. Our well-equipped research coal labs are in Gdynia and Katowice.

 

Load and discharge supervision and inspection significance

The constant presence of J.S. Hamilton’s inspectors in ports, terminals and border crossings minimizes our customer financial losses during reloading operations and ensures supervision on the quality of the goods. Additionally, our vast network of branches provide a full range of inspection activities in the area of industrial plants anywhere in the country.

DDD Services

Pest control services – disinfection, disinsection and deratisation

As specialists of pest control services, we are implementing pest control protection system developed by our specialist according to GMP, GHP standards and HACCP system.
We are also conducting emergency pest control treatments (disinfection, disinsection and deratisation), such as spraying, thermal and cold fogging and gel treatment.

OUR OFFER:

  • stores, warehouses disinfection
  • agricultural and foods containers disinfection
  • deratisation
  • pest control system
  • water treatment in tanks
  • stores, warehouses and silos disinsection

In our work we use the best resources and latest technology to ensure the highest quality of customer services.

Inland inspections

J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. provides comprehensive quality and quantitative of agriculture products inspections across country.

 

Inspection services:

  • weight determination of break bulk – weighing supervision (calibrated scales, weighbridge etc.) measurement is warehouses
  • supervision of cargo loading, discharging and storage
  • sampling
  • storage conditions in warehouses
  • photographic reporting
  • inspection reports in Polish and English languages
  • training and advisory
  • tank and hold cleanliness

 

Additionally, we offer a range of services regarding commodity inspections across country:

  • pre-shipment inspections
  • damage assessment expertise
  • determination of the amount of stored commodities
  • loading and discharge supervision
  • guidance, advisory and training

 

As we have an extensive network of foreign partners we can provide such services not only across Europe but also in other countries. We also issue certificates of unloading of commodities in the form required by the Agricultural Market Agency.

Mechanical Tests and Flammability

The Laboratory of J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp. z o.o. offers toy safety testing, performing mechanical and physical property tests and flammability tests.

THE TESTS ARE CARRIED OUT IN METHODS PURSUANT TO THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS:

  • EN 71-1 – Safety of toys – Mechanical and physical properties,
  • EN 71-2 – Safety of toys – Flammability,
  • EN 71-8 – Safety of toys – Activity toys for domestic use,
  • EN 14988 – Children’s high chairs,
  • EN 1130 – Cribs,
  • EN 16890 – Mattresses for cots and cribs,
  • EN 597 – Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases. Ignition source smouldering cigarette,
  • EN 716 – Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use,
  • EN 12221 – Changing units for domestic use,
  • EN 12227 – Playpens for domestic use,
  • EN 16232 – Infant swings,
  • EN 12790 – Reclined cradles,
  • EN 1888-1 – Wheeled child conveyances. Pushchairs and prams,
  • EN 1888-2 – Wheeled child conveyances. Pushchairs for children above 15 kg up to 22 kg,
  • EN 1466 – Carry cots and stands,
  • EN 17191 – Seating for children,
  • EN 14350 – Drinking equipment,
  • EN 14372 – Cutlery and feeding utensils,
  • EN 1400 – Soothers for babies and young children,
  • EN 12586 – Soother holder.

Plastics packaging and materials

At J.S. Hamilton, we conduct various tests for plastic packaging and materials:

  • Overall and Specific Migration into all food simulants
  • Specific migration of:
    • Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs) and Annex II Metals,
    • Plasticizers, antioxidants, monomers and other additives acc. EU 10/2011 Annex I and Swiss Ordinance,
    • Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) Screenings by methods: GC-MS/FID, LC-QToF-MS, Headspace-GC/MS
    • Bisphenols A, B, S, F and epoxy resin derivatives BADGE, BFDGE and NOGE in coated materials, plastics and adhesives,
    • Mineral oils (MOSH/POSH & MOAH),
  • Isocyanates and azo-dyes,
  • Set-off effect of printing inks and specific migration UV-initiators, acrylates, BHT, PAAs, etc.,
  • Sensory analysis acc. DIN 10955, EN 1230-1/-2,
  • Colorfastness acc. EN 646, DIN 53160-1 / -2,
  • Barrier properties against gases: oxygen (OTR), water (VWTR), CO2TR.

The most comprehensive specific EU measure is Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. It sets out rules on the composition of plastic FCMs, and establishes a Union List of substances that are permitted for use in the manufacture of plastic FCMs. The Regulation also specifies restrictions on the use of these substances and sets out rules to determine the compliance of plastic materials and articles.

OVERALL & SPECIFIC MIGRATION

Food packaging can be a source of chemical food contaminants.

The chemicals transfer from FCMs into food is called migration. The extent to which migration occurs depends on various factors: the physico-chemical properties of the migrant, of the packaging material, and the food (e.g. fat content, acidity), temperature, storage time, size of the packaging in proportion to the foodstuff volume (smaller size packaging has a larger surface to volume ratio).

Food simulants acc. (EU) 10/2011
A – Ethanol 10% (hydrophilic food)
B – Acetic acid 3% (hydrophilic food pH<4.5)
C – Ethanol 20% (alcoholic more lipophilic food)
D1 – Ethanol 50% (lipophilic/alcoholic food; oil in water emulsion), milk products
D2 – Vegetable oil; (lipophilic food; surface free fats) or alternative D2 food simulants Ethanol 95%, isooctane
E – Poly (2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide) (dry food), Tenax®, MPPO

 

The types of chemicals that can migrate from packaging into food are highly diverse and depend on the type of packaging material. For inert materials (stainless steel, ceramic, glass), only chemicals from the inside surface, directly in contact with the foodstuff, can migrate. Chemical diffusion from within the packaging material or from the outside (printing inks, adhesives) is not possible.

Non-inert materials, like paper and board or plastics, can be a direct source of migrants. Chemicals may also migrate from the outside through the packaging. An example are printing inks compounds that may migrate through paper into dry foods.

A special case of migration is SET-OFF migration, when outside layer of a food packaging (printed) can transfer chemicals to the inside, direct food contact layer when both layers are in direct contact with each other. Set-off migration occurs when printed film foil is stored in rolls, or when paper cups are stacked into each other.

The most comprehensive description and detailed migration testing rules is given by Plastic Regulation EU 10/2011. Safety assessment mechanism  of plastic materials is based on use of migration limits. These limits specify the maximum amount of substances allowed to migrate to food.

For the substances on the Union list the Regulation sets out Specific Migration Limits (SML). These are established by EFSA on the basis of toxicity data of each specific substance. To ensure the overall quality of the plastic, the overall migration to a food of all substances together may not exceed the Overall Migration Limit (OML) of 60mg/kg food, or 10 mg/dm2 of the contact material.

Although migration testing in the food prevails, migration is usually tested using ‘food simulants’. These simulants are representative for a food category, e.g. Acetic acid 3 % is assigned for acidic foods, 50% Ethanol for milk and dairy products. Food simulants are used as substitutes for food due to the simplification of chemical analysis. Chemical detection and quantification requires specific analytical methods for each chemical of interest, specially developed for each food and food simulant type.

The migration testing is done under standardized time/temperature conditions, representative for a certain food use, and covers the maximum shelf life of packed food and special thermal treatment conditions.

To ensure the safety, quality and compliance of plastic materials, adequate data on the composition of (intermediate) materials has to be communicated via the manufacturing chain, up to but not including the retail stage. For this purpose a Declaration of Compliance (DoC) needs to be provided. The DoC is based on supporting documentation which documents the reasoning on the safety of a plastic food contact material, and which must be provided to enforcement Authorities on their request. The supporting documentation also provides an important link to the manufacturer’s responsibility under GMP (Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006).

 

NON-INTENTIONALLY ADDED SUBSTANCES

During the life cycle of food contact materials, unexpected and potentially harmful substances may migrate from packaging materials to food products.  The term NIAS was introduced for plastic FCMs in the legal context (EU) 10/2011. However, NIAS are not limited to plastics but also occur in all other non-plastic FCMs. Article 3(9) of EU 10/2011 defines NIAS as an impurity in the substances used or a reaction intermediate formed during the production process or decomposition or reaction product. Thus NIAS have various sources, it may be side products, breakdown products, and contaminants. Side products are often formed during the production of starting substances and all further manufacturing stages. Polymers, fibers as well as additives (e.g., antioxidants, UV-stabilizers) are often degraded during manufacture and use, thus leading to various different breakdown products. Starting substances often contain impurities or environmental contaminants which may remain in the final FCM. Processing and especially recycling can also introduce many different contaminants in FCMs. Typical recycling-related NIAS are mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs), bisphenols, phthalates, and photoinitiators in recycled paper or flavor compounds, oligomers, and additives in recycled plastics.

According to the legislation, NIAS have to be assessed using scientifically recognized principles of risk assessment. Non-Intentionally Added Substances have to comply with the general safety requirements of Article 3 of Regulation (EC)1935/2004  and are subject to a risk assessment by the business operator in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation EU 10/2011.

Has this article been interesting to you? Contact us for more detail – or schedule tests for your plastic packaging and contact materials.

Load tests

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TEST?

Stress testing is used to assess the growth potential of a selected microorganism (δ) and aims to demonstrate that ready-to-eat foods meet food safety criteria throughout their shelf life. The knowledge gained can be used by the manufacturer:

  • in the development of new or revised products,
  • in the development of new processes or their modification,
  • in the classification of products as ready-to-eat foods in which growth of the test micro-organism may occur or as ready-to-eat foods in which growth of the test micro-organism does not occur during the shelf-life,
  • if the initial contamination level of the test micro-organism is known, the growth potential allows the estimation of the final concentration for an identical food, identical strain and the same storage conditions,
  • when the growth potential can also be used to calculate the initial concentration in the food that will allow the food to comply with the target limit at the end of its shelf life,
  • in the preparation of new packaging.

HOW ARE THE TESTS CONDUCTED?

Our experts collaborate with the technology/quality department to design stress tests for a specific product and microorganism, considering production conditions and manufacturing parameters. Essential to the project is the knowledge of:

  • the pH of the product,
  • water activity,
  • the temperature,
  • storage time,
  • added preservatives and the presence of starter cultures.

During a site visit, our microbiologist takes intraoperative swabs from which he isolates and phenotypically evaluates strains natural to the production environment. The test product is then contaminated with the strain mixture and incubated at a time and temperature agreed with the customer. The growth potential is calculated from the equation log10 cfu/g T End – log10 cfu/g T0.

WHO ARE THE TESTS FOR?

Load testing is mainly aimed at manufacturers of ready-to-eat foods. If you are a manufacturer and would like to test your products – or learn more about our methods and services, do not hesitate to contact our team today.

Basic physicochemical parameters

In order to assess the quality of food products it is possible to perform analytical tests on a number of basic physical and chemical parameters characteristic for a given foodstuff, which are often included in product specifications along with specific criteria. Requirements for some of them can also be found in the legal acts in force. The most common ones include:

  • protein, fat/oil/fatty matter, ash, moisture/water and volatile matter/dry matter, which are essential constituents of foodstuffs for nutrition labeling, but are also important quality parameters for certain types of foodstuffs, e.g. meat and meat products, milk, cheese, oilseeds, etc.,
  • net mass is an analysis carried out mainly in pre-packaged products, the permissible negative values of the unit pack quantity error,
  • acid value/free fatty acids, peroxide value, anisidine value are analysed in oils and fats and in fat extracted from a range of products containing it, in order to assess their quality in terms of the changes associated with fat rancidity,
  • collagen, whose content is determined by hydroxyproline analysis, is a connective tissue protein found in meat and meat products. Regulations specifiy the maximum connective tissue content (collagen content in meat protein) of various types of meat,
  • total acidity, pH are quality parameters characteristic of milk, fermented beverages, fruit and vegetable preparations and soft drinks, among others,
  • volatile acidity, total extract are mostly determined in soft drinks and fruit and vegetable preparations,
  • insoluble ash in hydrochloric acid solutions makes it possible to determine the level of impurities of mineral origin, such as sand in fruit, vegetables and their preparations, confectionery, herbs and spices,
  • total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N)) and histamine are determined in fish and fish products as an indicator of freshness. The TVB requirements for certain fish species are contained in Commission Regulation (EC) No 2074/2005 of 5 December 2005. Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 of 15 November 2005 on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs, as amended, sets out criteria for histamine,
  • glaze content is an analysis carried out on frozen fish and seafood that is glazed, i.e. covered with a layer of ice in order to protect the product from changing colour, loss of resilience, drying and spoilage. Verification of this parameter is important from the point of view of commercial quality because information on the glaze content must be included on the package,
  • the falling number, wet gluten, Zeleny sedimentation index and bulk density of the grain are, in addition to protein and moisture content, parameters specific to the qualitative assessment of cereal grains,
  • carbon dioxide used in the production of waters and other carbonated beverages, beer is analysed in order to confirm the degree of saturation of the tested product with this compound. The Ordinance of the Minister of Health of 31 March 2011 on natural mineral waters, spring waters and table waters (Journal of Laws No. 85, item 466) presents the criteria for the classification of waters according to the degree of saturation with carbon dioxide,
  • density is used in liquid foodstuffs as a quality parameter e.g. in juices, oils or to convert parameters expressed as weight percentages into units of volume.

In the field of quality assessment of animal feedingstuffs, tests are performed on basic analytical components such as protein, fat, ash, crude fibre and others. Tolerances for the declared contents in feed materials and mixtures are indicated in Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Council Directive 79/373/EEC, Commission Directive 80/511/EEC, Council Directives 82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Commission Decision 2004/217/EC, as amended, and for pet food the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice for Pet Food.

The laboratory of J.S. Hamilton Poland performs tests of the above quality parameters using accredited methods of weighing, titration, potentiometry, refractometry, spectrophotometry, pressure, oscillation. Should you need tests of any of these kinds, do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialists.

Certification of the “B” trademark

As part of the agreement with the Polish Association for Technical Research and Accreditation,.S. Hamilton Poland – Certification Body, based in Siemianowice Śląskie, conducts voluntary certification for the “B” safety mark (guarantee product).

The certification is based on safety requirements specified by national and international standards, technical specifications, regulations and other legal requirements.

The principles of certification for the Common Guarantee Mark “B” are defined in the Scheme of Product Certification for the Common Guarantee Mark “B”.

The rules for certification for the Common Guarantee Mark “B” are laid down in the Product Certification Scheme for the Common Guarantee Mark “B”.

Tests of physical properties

Testing of physical properties

In terms of physical property testing, we carry out tests in:

  • geometrical, linear, angular measurements
  • surface roughness measurements
  • coating and film thickness measurements
  • thickness measurements of protective and protective coatings
  • thickness measurements by ultrasonic method,
  • testing of adhesives, foams, fabrics, adhesives, plastics, rubber products, chemical materials,
  • checking of ISO general purpose metric threads,
  • thermal imaging measurements
  • flow measurements fully compensated for variations in pressure and temperature with conversion to volume under normal conditions (101.325 kPa abs, 0 °C) or mass flow,
  • flow measurement of working medium independently of pressure, density and viscosity of the medium
  • mass measurements with an accuracy of 0.001 g.

The laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the field of geometric measurements.

The full scope of our accreditation is AB 1552.

ATEX tests

The laboratory of the J.S. Hamilton Notified Body has testing capabilities in the field of explosion-proof construction equipment, competence, appropriate equipment, our own flameproof enclosure testing chamber and flexibility are our advantages.

We perform tests in the field of:

  • measurement of geometrical dimensions,
  • the pressure resistance of shields, static and dynamic pressure
  • and dynamic pressure,
  • protection against the transmission of explosions,
  • measurement and determination of reference pressure,
  • electrical strength of insulation,
  • insulation clearances,
  • cell and battery capacities,
  • short-circuit resistance of cells and batteries,
  • testing of transformers,
  • hot thermal resistance
  • cold thermal resistance,
  • free fall strength,
  • thermal tests, temperature rise,
  • IP degree of protection,
  • explosive gas concentration measurements
  • measurements of explosive gas and air flows,
  • non-standard – engineering tests.

 

We perform tests of electrical equipment operating in potentially explosive atmospheres:

flameproof covers “d”,

gas shields with overpressure “p”,

equipment with equipment protection level (EPL) Ga,

dust explosion protection equipment enclosure type “t”

reinforced construction “e”

intrinsically safe execution “i”,

non-sparking execution type “n”

hermetic protection “m”,

sand shielding “q”,

optical power testing “op is”

oil shields “o”.

The laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation for testing flameproof casings for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

In-use tests

In-use tests and efficacy tests are necessary to confirm the marketing declarations (claims) of a cosmetic product and verify its properties and effectiveness.

In-use test is based on the subjective assessment of the product by volunteers who use the product at home. After the end of the application period, the results are collected in the form of a questionnaire prepared in advance and approved by the client.

Our offer includes application tests under the supervision or control of specialist: dermatologist, ophthalmologist, pediatrician, gynecologist, dentist. In addition, in selected cases, we can establish cooperation with a hairdresser or a beauty salon.

Allergens

Food allergens have become the subject of quality control. Regulation No. 1169/2011 of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers lists 14 substances or products causing allergies or intolerances to be declared on the label.

In dietary supplements, we can analyze, among others, gluten, lactose, soy, milk protein.

Testing supplements for allergens is very important due to the risk to the consumer’s health and life.

Motor fuel testing

Motor fuel testing

The purpose of fuel quality monitoring is to ensure the highest fuel quality on all gas station chains. Motor fuel testing services provide brand promotion of gas station chains, boosts brand awareness and effective management system of fuel quality.

 

Our offer of independent quality control of motor fuel includes:

  • sample collection of gasoline, diesel, LPG at gas stations, shore tank cargo storage facilities and during supply in compliance with standards: PN-EN ISO 3170, PN-EN 14275 or PN-EN 4275
  • fast delivery of fuel samples to our accredited laboratory under conditions which prevent from any changes of physico-chemical parameters
  • fuel testing: gasoline, diesel fuel, LPG compliance with the current regulations on the motor fuels quality in our accredited laboratories
  • certificate issuance of tested fuel quality
  • intervention fuel quality monitoring anywhere in the country, comprehensive quality monitoring FQMS

Accreditations

The highest standard of sampling and motor fuels testing facilities confirmed by the accreditation issued by Polish Centre of Accreditation No. AK 011 and AB 079. We assure that our tests are carried out with highest precision and run to required industry standards.

Our offer:

Gasoline testing. We provide full rage of testing in cohesion with PN-EN 228:

  • octane number RON (Research)
  • octane number MON (Motor)
  • lead content
  • density at 15°C
  • sulfur content
  • induction period method
  • unwashed (left) and washed (right) gum content of gasoline
  • copper strip corrosion
  • appearance
  • aliphatic compound, olefins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content
  • benzene content
  • oxygenates and oxygen content
  • vapor pressure
  • PAH content
  • fractional composition
  • vapor lock index

 

Diesel fuel testing. We provide full rage of testing in cohesion with PN-EN 228:

  • cetane number
  • cetane index
  • density at 15°C
  • PAH content
  • sulfur content
  • flash point
  • carbon residue
  • ash content
  • water content
  • contamination content
  • copper strip corrosion
  • fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content
  • oxidation stability
  • lubricity (HFRR)
  • kinematic viscosity
  • fractional composition
  • cloud point
  • cold filter plugging point (CFPP)

 

Heating oil testing (light and heavy). We provide full rage of testing heating oil testing in cohesion with PN-C-96024:2011 also petroleum products:

  • density
  • calorific value
  • flash point
  • kinematic viscosity
  • fractional composition
  • pour point
  • carbon residue
  • sulfur content
  • water content
  • contamination content
  • ash content
  • oxidation stability
  • lubricity (HFRR)
  • vanadium content
  • carbon content
  • carbon dioxide emission factors
  • Biodiesel B20, B100/FAME, RME
  • Waste oils
    • Identity of impurities in technological and utility installations
  • Biofuels

 

For companies operating on biocomponents and biofuels J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. offers:

  • lab testing outsourcing. Laboratory performs quality monitoring of the crude oil supplies. Also runs routine checks of the process and provides extensive biofuel quality control. Moreover issues appropriate quality certificates for consumers of biocomponents.
  • lab testing:
    • fatty acid methyl esters (FAME, B100) in cohesion with PN-EN 14214
    • bioethanol
    • rapeseed oil used as fuel
    • glycerin analysis
    • bioheating oil
  • blending evaluation of FAME and diesel blend in compliance with Regulations issued by Ministry of Economy regarding biofuels
  • identification and determination of FAME and diesel blends
  • biocomponents sample collection from tanks, cisterns to quality standards

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development authorized our laboratory to conduct quality tests on biocomponents and issue quality certificates (Regulation of the Minister of Economy and Labour of 19 October 2005 regarding biocomponents and quality testing method of biocomponents).

Laboratory also tests glycerin in cohesion with Pharmacopoeian methods.