8 replies to this topic

[Betty8]

Hi Everyone

Could you please share your opinion about using sweatbands to cover wristwatches in relation to BRC requirements.

I'm working for soft drinks manufacturer (low risk) and have small problem with supervisors who want to wear wristwatches (apparently they need them to manage breaks-time etc,). From risk assessment I don't see reason why they can't do it because there is no direct contact to the open product therefore no risk of contamination. It would be very easy for me to say Not allowed but more difficult to explain people why when they're asking.

Thanks

[ScottN_AMQA]

Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 6 , clause 7.2.1 , Wristwatches shall not be worn.

[Simon]

The standard is your shield. Get some clocks up in strategic positions (shatter proof of course).

[tsmith7858]

The standard is your shield. Get some clocks up in strategic positions (shatter proof of course).

Agree with Simon, some well placed shatter proof clocks should solve the issue. Besides, sweat bands create a whole other sanitary problem which is one of the same reasons you don't want wrist watches.

[Eat more fish]

Couldn't agree more. BRC clearly forbids wearing of watches so despite the risk level I'm afraid that's rather that.

Consider incorporating this into your 'Health and Hygiene' policy and statement signed by operatives during induction. Put up shatterproof clocks around the factory and include them in your glass and hard plastics register.

Hope this helps

[Dood]

Hi Everyone

Could you please share your opinion about using sweatbands to cover wristwatches in relation to BRC requirements.

I'm working for soft drinks manufacturer (low risk) and have small problem with supervisors who want to wear wristwatches (apparently they need them to manage breaks-time etc,). From risk assessment I don't see reason why they can't do it because there is no direct contact to the open product therefore no risk of contamination. It would be very easy for me to say Not allowed but more difficult to explain people why when they're asking.

Thanks

As stated before, the Standard says no watches.
An argument that you supervisors will put across about clocks is that won't all be the same. (We had the same issue)
End result was to buy them cheapish stop watches and have a weekly/monthly stop watch register.

[Jim E.]

Absolutley, no watches in the plant. BRC requirements alone should keep them out of the plant. If you need more ammunition go with the safety aspect, i.e. catching item on equipment and injury to employee. I have seen what happens to folks getting items caught in machinery and thgen there is all the cleaning, sanitizing and destruction of finished product to take care of after wards.

[Anne Z]

Hi,

I just recieved these pictures for my hygiene presentation.
Beside the standards, the glas you can emphasise the microbiological risks and show them.

Good luck!

Anne

Attached Files

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•  TEST ringen.jpg   36.74KB   21 downloads

[GMO]

Dear God! When I saw the name of the thread I thought, no, no-one is seriously... Oh, yes they are!

Ok, pretty much everything is enclosed but as previous posters have said, it's now explicit in the standard and a suitable alternative (a wall clock) exists.

You have to be a bit careful permitting things like this as you have to think "what are the next steps?" if you allow that, why not other jewellery? Why do they have to wear hairnets? Why not come into work in whatever they like?

Developing the micro slides argument from above is worth consideration. Remember people do not pick up a drinks can, santise the outside and allow to dry and then take a swig; they pick it up and they drink it. This is why even in packed product areas, I always insist upon good hygiene standards.