Gloves (Kevlar) are a compulsory part of the PPE when using and cleaning knife / blades that should be applied to tasks identified. All gloves need to be fit for food use and have an appropriate symbol visible. Glove must be worn on the opposite hand not the hand holding the knife.
It is essential that gloves be available in a range of sizes and lengths and that glove material is appropriate for use and has adequate flexibility and sensitivity to the task. It is essential gloves are worn appropriately and any adverse reactions reported to Line Manager/Safety Representative, any defects to gloves must be reported immediately and replaced.
Chain mail type glove remains mandatory for butchery tasks.
Cut resistant Kevlar gloves to be worn with Blue Disposable Vinyl Gloves as a cover. Kevlar gloves need to be sanitised and washed up to 95°C. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that gloves are in good repair and maintained correctly. Separate gloves need to be used for the stated tasks above. Damaged gloves will be exchanged but it is the responsibility of the individual to inform their line manager so replacements are ordered.
Activities for Gloves
- Raw vegetable, salad preparation etc.
- Fish / shell live ( like oysters ) / meat preparation.
- Slicing, baking, slicing, portioning
- Front of house, cutting fruit, bread etc.
- Handyman on specific tasks in kitchen area.
- Knife sanitising using sanitising wipes.
Hand Hygiene
Whether or not gloves are worn, careful attention must always be paid to good hand hygiene and hand care. The following points should be considered:
- Glove wearing should never be considered to be a substitute for hand washing technique.
- Hands should be checked carefully at the beginning of each shift to ensure there are no visible cuts, abrasions, cracks or any areas of broken skin. Any cuts should be covered with a clean blue waterproof dressing.
- Hands should be washed before and after any task with bacterial soap.
- Hands should be washed before and after wearing gloves.
- It is imperative to develop good hand-care, including the practice of rinsing and drying thoroughly after washing
- Do use gloves appropriately.
- Do change your gloves frequently - 10 to 15 minutes for vinyl gloves.
- Do use food processing equipment / slicing equipment wherever possible.
- Do take care when washing equipment / knives.
- Do sanitise knives and equipment after use.
- Do sanitise knives after storage.
- DO NOT reuse disposable gloves.
- DO NOT leave your gloves near heaters.
- DO NOT store unopened boxes of gloves in a dirty environment.
- DO NOT use hand conditioners under gloves.
- Do NOT handle knives / blades if you have not been trained.
- Do NOT use equipment with sharp blades, chopping devices unless fully trained to do so.
- Do NOT leave knives or blades in sink or dishwasher unattended.
It should be remembered that gloves should never replace good hand washing techniques, as no gloves will provide protection from contamination.
here on top is the standard I like to share whit the wold, to make it a better place for all of us.
Johan Moorman safety and food engineer
