Visitor GMP policy
Hi all,
How does your visitor policy look when it comes to GMP, them being ok to wear open toe shoes when visiting the plant? Now its of course mandatory for employees to comply, but should visitors also wear closed shoes? And what are the main reasons for visitors also wearing closed shoes? It causes a little awkwardness when they come with open toes and we instruct them to wear closed toe shoes. I'd like to hear what other companies are doing with this. We are SQF level 3 certified.
Visitors should comply with ALL GMPs and closed toes is also a H&S issue
If you know people are coming ahead of time, notify them of the GMPs so they come dressed appropriately
Hi all,
How does your visitor policy look when it comes to GMP, them being ok to wear open toe shoes when visiting the plant? Now its of course mandatory for employees to comply, but should visitors also wear closed shoes? And what are the main reasons for visitors also wearing closed shoes? It causes a little awkwardness when they come with open toes and we instruct them to wear closed toe shoes. I'd like to hear what other companies are doing with this. We are SQF level 3 certified.
...
Our SQF clients have GMP sheets for Employees, Visitors and Contractors.
For Visitors it is almost identical to employees with some differences. as to closed shoes (without openings - except of course where the foot goes in ha ha) and if they don't have closed shoes either they are not getting in or you would need to provide with a shoe covering, etc.
Recently one of our clients had a surprize visit by a big customer who asked to do a walk thru of the facility - the QA was not there and apparently the receptionist got nervous and let the customer walk thru the facility with open toe shoes, earings on, no hair net....
A week later there was a letter issued by the customer asking why the company employee allowed the person into the facility without following the Visitor GMP's.
Try to explain that one.
I know from visiting a lab - they make people wear shoe covers if they are touring the facility.
We try to send our visitors GMP rules prior to their visit. Open-toe shoes is non-negotiable for us.
In the production facility we provide wellies to visitors, or shoe covers depending on the area/operation. In the open food areas the GMP relating to PPE and hygiene is pretty much the same for operatives and visitors, bar the visitors wearing disposable coats rather than full overalls since they won't be handling the food but other than that we expect them to comply. Besides, potential contamination hazards i.e. bacteria on skin or a piece of jewellery won't care whether it's on the hand of a visitor or an employee - the risk to the product remains real.
As illustrated by Glenn's example; visitors will likely have expectations of the standards in a food workplace so I wouldn't feel awkward about asking them to comply. If anything I'd say better to be slightly over-thorough. They will surely prefer to see this than be wondering why sufficient GMP is not exercised.
As Scampi, suggested - perhaps have a standard set of instructions to provide the visitors with before hand so they are prepared.
Thank you everyone!