6 replies to this topic

[trubertq]

Hi Guys,

I have an ongoing problem with the use (abuse) of face masks. They are never worn properly, usually below the nose or indeed slung beneath the chin. I am wondering if I can get rid of them altogether, allow them to be worn under the nose, which kind of defeats the purpose, but since we have no Staph aureus issue could be argued for, or is it a case of using a large stick and insisting on implementation of PPE no excuses accepted.

Any views would be gratefully accepted as I am getting fed up writing about this in hygiene audits

The product is sous vide crab and IQF whelks

[DebD]

Hello,

I would be interested to know how many other places use face masks, I would have thought they were creating a hazard rather than preventing one as they would encourage people to touch their faces and would be a lovely moist reservoir for anything that gets on to them. They are not mentioned in the BRC standard as being part of protective clothing and as long as your staff aren't coughing or sneezing on the product I can't see why you would have a problem with not using them unless this is something your customers are specifically asking for? As always I guess this comes down to risk assessment.

We handle a ready to eat product and have never had this issue raised.

I would also be interested to know how you handle the wearing of masks with beard snoods for those people with facial hair?

[trubertq]

Hi ,
Thanks for the reply. interestingly enough, just after I posted I got a phonecall from a lady from one of our government agencies and she has the same opinion as you, that the masks are a reservoir of contagion

It appears we are the only company i Ireland using them, ( ok thats an exaggeration) and I am starting a 1 woman campaign to get rid of them forthwith.

We have beard snoods as well but since the staff never wear the face masks properly it is a moot point

It would appear that the masks are not an Industry standard ... you have no idea what a relief that is to me.

[gtjs]

Hi ,
Thanks for the reply. interestingly enough, just after I posted I got a phonecall from a lady from one of our government agencies and she has the same opinion as you, that the masks are a reservoir of contagion

It appears we are the only company i Ireland using them, ( ok thats an exaggeration) and I am starting a 1 woman campaign to get rid of them forthwith.

We have beard snoods as well but since the staff never wear the face masks properly it is a moot point

It would appear that the masks are not an Industry standard ... you have no idea what a relief that is to me.

Hi Trubertq,

I work with vac-pac crabmeat too & confirm that facemasks are not necessary from the food hygiene viewpoint. However, crustacean protein is an asthmagen, which isn't usually a problem if you hand-pick as we do, but can be a 'health & safety/duty of care' issue if meat is 'blown' by compressed air. Might be worth considering alongside the food safety aspect?

Cheers,
G

[Dr Ajay Shah]

It is all about risk assessment at the end of the day. If you feel that there is a need to wear face masks after conducting a risk assessment then you would have to come up with the reasons as to why they are important to your operation and inform all staff by making it as part of the company personal hygiene policy.

One of my client supplies minimally processed vegetables to a Japenese company based in Australia who in turn send cook freeze foods back to Japan. On their site all staff walk like "spaceman in a suit" so that only eyes are visible to minimise or prevent any risks.

[Naamfon]

I agree with Dr. Ajay.
Risk assesment depended on where you export and How them strict ?
my personal comment : need to used becuase
- customer/quality system request.
- avoid many disease that contact man to man such as Streptococcal diseases ,SARS , Meningococcus meningitis , tuberculosis..etc...( if worker sick a lot company not have worker for processing [T_T] ).
- avoid Sneezing , coughs on food from worker.

[trubertq]

Thanks for the feedback people.
This issue will be brought up at the Management review meeting next week and I will say that there is no definitive guideline for the wearing/nonwearing of masks, but that risk assessment needs to be carried out , and if masks are used then they must be used properly... I think then the decision will be made and implemented.