8 replies to this topic

[Sevastim]

Hi,

An external auditor raised the following as an issue. I would be interested in everyone's thoughts.

We currently have a hand wash station that is used for its intended use by operators. They are in fact quite diligent in washing hands. They are as part of their job required to do some packaging testing that needs dye to be rinsed off. They rinse the dye off in the hand wash station.

Do we need to be another sink into this area?

[GMO]

Generally I prefer to have handwash stations only for that use. Perhaps you could look into what is in the dye and whether it could form any food safety or health and safety risk. If you feel there is no risk you could compile this into a risk assessment to justify your position if asked again.

I'm curious though, what kind of packaging testing uses a dye? Is there another way to do it? Might be something we could put our heads together on.

[konmar]

Dear Sevastim,


I have to say tha greek Legislation is very ristrict about hand wash station, that the only use for it is for washing hands. If you want my opinion I think that it is fair, it is very easy to contaminate your hands, especially with dye or other chemical substances.

BR
konmar

[GMO]

It's a good point, I think the UK legislation specifies this as well. Certainly handwash stations in restaurants and canteens aren't exempt. Where are you based?

Edit:

I had a look online and most councils seem to state that food washing should be separated from handwashing but nothing else is mentioned.

Edited by GMO, 22 March 2011 - 12:28 PM.

[Inesa]

I'm curious though, what kind of packaging testing uses a dye? Is there another way to do it? Might be something we could put our heads together on.

Maybe they check if the dye has penetrated through the packaging material to the product?
Why not just to take a simple basket fill with water and wash dye off and empty basket somewhere where other liquid waist go? Not in production area of course
Sorry if I'm writing a nonsense

[Tony-C]

I'm curious though, what kind of packaging testing uses a dye? Is there another way to do it? Might be something we could put our heads together on.

Aseptic sealed packages like Tetra Brik Aseptic. A dye is injected to check the sealing. A good quality seal is essential to the integrity of the product.

Regards,

Tony

[kox]

Aseptic sealed packages like Tetra Brik Aseptic. A dye is injected to check the sealing. A good quality seal is essential to the integrity of the product.

Regards,

Tony

I think you have right.
In food sector I do not see in other places dye checks (however I'm external auditor too - sorry )
As answer for Sevastim - if I where the auditor I was looking for the followings:
- in that area it is a real risk to contaminate food? (aseptic packing)
- the rest is based on your country legislation ...

kox

[Dr Ajay Shah]

In Australia we have to have a hand wash basin specifically for it to be used for nothing but washing hands. Food Safety Auditors and Environmental Health officers (Food inspectors as they might be called in other parts of the world) alike do not like to see anything placed in these hand wash basins.

Regards

Ajay

[Esther]

Hi,

An external auditor raised the following as an issue. I would be interested in everyone's thoughts.

We currently have a hand wash station that is used for its intended use by operators. They are in fact quite diligent in washing hands. They are as part of their job required to do some packaging testing that needs dye to be rinsed off. They rinse the dye off in the hand wash station.

Do we need to be another sink into this area?

Dear Sevastim

Although you did not mention what king of food we are talking about I assume that this question refers to the packaging area ( I mean, packed food). In my opinion as lons as the hand washing station is well equipped ( non-hand operated, warm water,soap and paper available, well drained) it is not a problem unless the legislation of your country says " explicitly" that handwashing facilities only can be use for that. I am not saying I agree with what legislation say not having in ming the risk but...

To sum up, as long as you keep the facility clean and you use it as it is due I do not see a problem.


Regards
Esther