Quality Control of Pesticide Products

1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

1.1. Structure, responsibilities and authority of individuals in the laboratory - Awareness on national and international regulatory framework. - Comply with national pesticide standards (eg: FAO, WHO). - Up-to-date methods of analysis. - Key areas of responsibility presented clearly.

1.2. Quality assurance schemes - Management review of all systems and procedures once a year to identify improvements needed. - Laboratory quality manual consisting of quality planning, key procedures and record keeping for effective traceability.

1.3. Documents and data recording - Analytical methods, product specifications, standard operating procedures. - Consistent systems for maintenance of records (samples, COA from suppliers). - Quality records include Supplier lists Analytical test results Calibration records Customer complaints Training records and plans

1.4. Internal quality audits - By trained auditors. - Ensure corrective actions taken by follow-up audits.

2. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

- Trained personnel (technical aspects, personal development and management skills). - Key competencies Ability to see problems through Ability to think analytically and logically Ability to assess the impact of their work Ability to think creatively Ability to work to focus on detail - Training programmes, records and associated procedures regularly audited.

3. FACILITIES

3.1. Library and access to electronic database - FAO, WHO specifications - CIPAC methods - Pesticide manual - Information provided by pesticide manufacturers.

3.2. Laboratory facilities and safety provisions - Smooth, easily cleaned floors and other surfaces. - Location away from vibration. - Good electrical supply. - Air conditioning - Good drainage and waste disposal systems. - Piped supply of high quality gases for chromatography. - Adequate bench space for sample preparation. - Fume hoods to handle volatile, dusty and toxic materials. - Gas alarms, fire detector and personal protective equipment.

3.3. Areas for storage of data, sample, standards and reagents - Fire-proof cabinets for sensitive information. - Back-up copies - Storage of materials using first in first out basis.
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4. EQUIPMENT

4.1. Range and type of equipment - Vary according to the tests performed. - eg: Gas chromatography High performance liquid chromatography Spectrophotometers Laboratory balances Volumetric glassware Ovens, refrigerators, desiccators

4.2. Procurement of equipment - Purchased from major suppliers supplying equipment which is fit for the purpose.

5. CHEMICALS

5.1. Quality and type - All chemicals and reagents sourced from laboratory chemical suppliers.

5.2. Analytical standards - Only certified reference materials should be used. - Stored according to instructions (refrigerator, moisture-free bottles).

5.3. Safe handling and storage - Proper personal protective equipment. - Storage of chemicals in secure, temperature controlled areas with good lighting and ventilation.

5.4. Waste disposal - Suitable containers to collect waste materials including solvents and organic matter. - Wastewater should pass to an appropriate water treatment system.

6. Operational procedures for quality control

6.1. Procurement of materials and services - Examples of materials Laboratory reagents Laboratory equipment and consumables Labels Software External maintenance and calibration Cleaning contractors

- Examples of services

6.2 Sample registration and traceability - Incoming samples must be clearly labeled with a sequential reference number and recorded. - Computerized laboratory information management systems with bar code samples.

6.3. Analytical and physical test method and validation - In-house procedures should be carefully validated. - Samples checked in replicates to ensure adequate accuracy and precision.

6.4. Product specifications - Products should be checked against the appropriate specification (by WHO, FAO or the manufacturer).

6.5. Special laboratory procedures - Required to cover Sample receipt, handling and storage Calibration programmes Procurement, storage and use of analytical standards Storage, use and disposal of reagents and test solutions Equipment cleaning protocols Selection of new equipment and suppliers Maintenance programmes and procedures Standard operating procedures for all laboratory equipment