Citrus Packhouse PPE

Good Afternoon

I need advice on PPE in a citrus packhouse. Its considered as a low risk area.

We handle the fruit directly, as we pack by hand.

We do not have facilities to launder the PPE ourselves, so employees wash the PPE at home (training provided). We do provide aprons for the packers that we wash on site.

My question is, I would like to stop using the aprons due to staff complaints.

PPE are brought onto site in a separate bag, staff put on PPE in the locker area, they take off the PPE when going to the bathroom and canteen area. They again place the PPE in  separate bag when going home. The risk assessment of PPE contamination (allergen and microbial) is low when staff follow proper procedure.

In your opinion will it be possible to stop using the aprons?

what is the purpose of the aprons?

The purpose of the aprons is to prevent contamination of the product due to possible contamination that MIGHT come into contact with the PPE when washed at home.

so what ppe is being washed at home?  If your providing aprons........what PPE exactly do you mean or are you just meaning the clothing that employees wear to work everyday?

You cannot validate the cleanliness of at home washing machines.........