19 replies to this topic

[Padfoot]

Hello everyone,

Can someone please give me some guidance on a topic that has been in question for a while in my plant.

With summer approaching we have been talking about allowing employees to wear shorts (2 inches above the knee in the production floor, the summers here can reach over 100 degrees.

We wear smocks in the production floor and we have no product flow lower than an employees waist line. 

We also have a kill step (Baking). I'm confident our product will not be at risk but what your thoughts? Also can someone help me on creating a risk analysis for this.

 

Thank you! 

[SQFconsultant]

I understand the arguments for it, the temperatures etc, however (bad news part)...

 

have never seen an Auditor accept shorts in a production area, regardless of height of product. temperature or risk analysis.

 

I have seen Auditors accept shorts in non-production area that did not have exposed product.

 

Will say that I have seen Auditors that see folks in shorts in production not only write up the shorts but also ventilation issues as shorts are an immediate red flag to other issues.

 

In our planned southern building we have a mostly metal building and will have 3 cargo doors that will be left open for venting - all have pull down fine mesh (not even "no see" nor bird mites can get thru) gel bottom and siders on them for a good seal, but they will allow ample air flow.

 

You may want to take a look into linen slacks/pants loose weave, very comfortable, allowing good air flow and just fine with auditors too.

[olenazh]

I understand the arguments for it, the temperatures etc, however (bad news part)...

 

have never seen an Auditor accept shorts in a production area, regardless of height of product. temperature or risk analysis.

 

I have seen Auditors accept shorts in non-production area that did not have exposed product.

 

Will say that I have seen Auditors that see folks in shorts in production not only write up the shorts but also ventilation issues as shorts are an immediate red flag to other issues.

 

In our planned southern building we have a mostly metal building and will have 3 cargo doors that will be left open for venting - all have pull down fine mesh (not even "no see" nor bird mites can get thru) gel bottom and siders on them for a good seal, but they will allow ample air flow.

 

You may want to take a look into linen slacks/pants loose weave, very comfortable, allowing good air flow and just fine with auditors too.

Glenn, could you please, as an expert, explain why they're not allowed? Because of potential risk of fallen hair from exposed hairy legs? If so - why do the auditors accept short/rolled sleeves? The risk is higher. Or they see other threats? Thanks a lot in advance!

[Padfoot]

Glenn, could you please, as an expert, explain why they're not allowed? Because of potential risk of fallen hair from exposed hairy legs? If so - why do the auditors accept short/rolled sleeves? The risk is higher. Or they see other threats? Thanks a lot in advance!

I wasn't really taking leg hair as a risk since like you said the arm hair is not a risk or eyebrows. I Think the risk is the open skin by the product would be the focus since no one would wash their legs like they do hands and arms. Am i correct Glenn? 

[olenazh]

I wasn't really taking leg hair as a risk since like you said the arm hair is not a risk or eyebrows. I Think the risk is the open skin by the product would be the focus since no one would wash their legs like they do hands and arms. Am i correct Glenn? 

Alemv15, as I see from the topic the legs're covered with the smocks, first, they're not touching the products, second, and finally if open skin would be a threat, how about a face?

[Padfoot]

Alemv15, as I see from the topic the legs're covered with the smocks, first, they're not touching the products, second, and finally if open skin would be a threat, how about a face?

Yes, that is how we have discussed it 

[Charles.C]

I suppose there might be  an increased GMP risk due "Commando".

[MsMars]

I suppose there might be  an increased GMP risk due "Commando".

 

Charles, you made me chuckle. 

[MsMars]

Alemv15, as I see from the topic the legs're covered with the smocks, first, they're not touching the products, second, and finally if open skin would be a threat, how about a face?

 

I've always seen it as more of a safety risk than anything.  But, as many have said before me (see below threads, or simply do a forum search for "shorts"), it's best to do your own risk assessment to back up whatever decision you make. 

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...roduction-room/

https://www.ifsqn.co...ex-environment/

[FurFarmandFork]

Risk assessment. I've had SQF facilities that allowed shorts. Your discussions over comparble risk to arm hair etc. are on the right track. It all depends on the position of the operators to the exposed product contact surfaces and the risk level of the product itself.

[Ian R]

Hi

Can you wear a skirt?

What about pirate trousers?

How long does the garment need to be to satisfy an auditor?

 

As mentioned what is the food safety risk if they are wearing a coat/smock that covers down to the knees?

 

The only time I have insisted on full leg covering is where the product is at risk or the employee needs protection (H&S)

 

rgds

 

 

 

 

[mgourley]

I have always been in the camp that wonders why you have to wear a hair/beard net, but do not have to wear a sleeve over arm hair, if both are above product zones.
Been there done that in hot environments where product is well above the waist level. 

Perhaps a simple lightweight disposable apron?

 

Marshall

[Charles.C]

Hi

Can you wear a skirt?

What about pirate trousers?

How long does the garment need to be to satisfy an auditor?

 

As mentioned what is the food safety risk if they are wearing a coat/smock that covers down to the knees?

 

The only time I have insisted on full leg covering is where the product is at risk or the employee needs protection (H&S)

 

rgds

 

^^^^^^

Yes, but not Tartan.

@ alemv, (apologies for diversions however I have no idea what a smock is, sounds Victorian).

[olenazh]

Regarding wearing skirts: I was told about a lady insisting on wearing a skirt in bakery production due to religious matter. The company owner bought it and took the consequences: that lady fell down of the ladder because her skirt was pinched into the stairs. Scary but educative...

[Padfoot]

^^^^^^

Yes, but not Tartan.

@ alemv, (apologies for diversions however I have no idea what a smock is, sounds Victorian).

Hahahaha I'm not sure what you guys call it.

https://www.amazon.c...e/dp/B00S1IW1EG

[The Food Scientist]

Like everyone said, Risk Assessment.

 

I worked at an SQF facility and they allowed shorts. It was a RTE snack food plant.

 

Auditors never had a problem with it.

 

It is more of a employee safety.

[The Food Scientist]

Regarding wearing skirts: I was told about a lady insisting on wearing a skirt in bakery production due to religious matter. The company owner bought it and took the consequences: that lady fell down of the ladder because her skirt was pinched into the stairs. Scary but educative...

 

Skirts are a big NO.

 

Even clothes that have fringes or anything hanging from them pose the same risk! They get caught up in the machines as well. 

[Padfoot]

Thank you everyone! this has been very helpful 

[Fishlady]

I have been in several BRC certificated plants in tropical countries where the standard issue uniform is cotton knee-length shorts and gum boots. The employees usually also wear an apron, which is at least as long as the shorts. Only a little bit above and below the knees is exposed. Then again, these plants were producing canned goods, so perhaps the retorting process allows a little more leeway (risk assessment)?

[Richaney Impraseuth]

Our company is SQF certified and we all wear shorts. it has never been an issue.