5 replies to this topic

[JamesMadsen]

Handwashing after smoking: We have restrooms immediately upon entering the plant. The employees can go to the locker room and/or cafeteria also. We used to require them to wash their hand before going anywhere else, due to access to the production floor immediatley exiting the cafeteria. We have since made a "PPE changing area", complete with four handwashing sinks, between the cafeteria and the "production floor entrance". They do still put on their captive footwear (rubber shoe covers) upon entering the plant from smoking outside. We have footbaths at the employee entrance, and exiting the cafeteria to the changing area. Q: Do i still need to require them to wash their hands immediately upon entering the plant or just before entering the Production area as required in the PPE changing area?

[JamesMadsen]

Added information, We are Certified to BRC Issue 5.

[GMO]

I'm a bit confused about the layout tbh. Do you mean people wear their protective clothing in canteen areas? How are you defining plant vs. production area?

If I think I understand this correctly; you used to have staff amenity areas opening directly into production (which is not ideal) but have now put in a changing area? Is that right? In which case I would say the changing area is the new entrance.

Maybe it would be an idea to sketch up the plant layout for us?

[JamesMadsen]

Correct, the cafeteria door was the old Production Entrance. There is now a PPE changing area, and the Production Entrance moved outwards.

I have attached a layout.

My Question is, can I remove the "Wash Hands Immedaitley after smoking" sign at the employee entrance area , as shown in the layout, as the changing area has all hand washing facilities?

Attached Files

•  HandWashing after Smoking..xls   45KB   70 downloads

[Madam A. D-tor]

Dear JamesMadson,

IMO staff need to wash their hands before entering production.
After eating, drinking, smoking, visiting toilet and contact with personnel belonging (lockers), etc.
If their is a sign to wash (and disinfect if required) hands before entering production, there is no real need for the "wash hands after smoking" sign.
However, their is nothing wrong, with reminding people twice.

Please note: I do not know if this "wash hands after smoking sign" is a legal requirement in your country.
Local example from here: It is obligated (legal) to state that hands should be washed after using toilets in the toilet area even though there is also a hand washing sign before entering the production.

Edited by Madam A. D-tor, 06 July 2011 - 01:36 PM.

[JamesMadsen]

Thank You to all who replied. The "assumptions" presented are correct. I also checked with our BRC Auditor, and she is in concensus with the replies: The hand washing immediately after smoking is not necessary, since employees are required to wash hands, don gloves and sanitize before entering the "Production Area".