When to hang up hoses?

We use hoses constantly throughout the production day for rinsing off barrels and equipment.  Each of our lines have hoses by them with hangers but, we are constantly having issues of them not being hung up when they are not using them.  When employees are confronted with the hose not being hung up they say they are using it but, they are not using it at the time.  The production Supervisor also says they are going to use it, even though they are not using it at the time it is observed. It is my understanding if the hose isn't being used at the time, they must be hung up between uses.  Can anyone tell me if this is correct or can they leave them out when using them constantly through out production?

If they're not actively being used, they should be hung up. Have you considered the self-retracting systems. I've used them in the past and they're quite effective. Saves all the discussion!

yes, they should be hung up. We have challenges with it too. In Canada, the CFIA will write a non conformance for that, although the issue tends to be only if the hose nozzle is touching the ground. BrummyJim has a good idea, we are looking into retractables also.

What do they consider actively?  If you are using it and hang the nozzle on the holder and are going to use it in 5 minutes, is that considered actively?

What do they consider actively?  If you are using it and hang the nozzle on the holder and are going to use it in 5 minutes, is that considered actively?

If you can stand there with an auditor for 5 minutes and they see you use it again or at least stay in the area, then it would be active :). Often what happens is that the auditor will hang out and see it unused for 10-15 minutes or watch the operator leave the area and go "yeah, right".

If you've got the nozzle off the floor though that's pretty good coverage already. If your practices can be proven safe, show it with a risk assessment.

Retractable hoses are great, but our company recently had an employee injured when one fell off the wall so be sure to have systems in place to make sure they remain securly fastened.