18562 Online Quaterly Newsletter V5 SINGLE PAGES - Flipbook - Page 26
25 Meet the team
Microbiology
Elis has a unique advantage in terms of having
an in-house microbiological testing laboratory
UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Based at our Coventry site, the laboratory carries out a range of activities and investigations
in support of BS EN 14065 so that sites can demonstrate due diligence through scheduled
factory monitoring. The Microbiology Team are responsible for analysing customer samples.
The laboratory customers are the Elis laundry sites, and this enables the sites to supply
hygienically clean products that consistently meet client expectations. We spoke to them to
discuss what their roles entail.
Rachel Kahrman Microbiology Manager
“I joined the business in January 2006, and my role as
Microbiology Manager is to maintain the microbial
testing schedule for sites so they can supply hygienic
product which is monitored as part of the company’s
‘due diligence’ responsibility by contributing to
the Risk Assessment and Biocontamination Control:
BS EN 14065 (RABC) protocol at specific sites.
“My key responsibilities include ensuring the laboratory
follows the requirements of BS EN ISO / IEC 17025:2017
and managing activities concerning our UKAS
accreditation. A typical week involves producing
microbiological reports, trending site data, carrying
out internal audits or planned equipment calibrations,
helping Elis UK sites, performing document reviews
and planning quality assurance rounds.
“We are a small team, but we support each other
to overcome any challenges we face through
methodical working and effective communication.”
The Thread
