How to secure ink pens without foreign material concerns?

Good morning all -  I am looking for a little insight concerning ink pens. Currently, with our GMP's, we only allow clickable pens (no pens with caps) and nothing to be stored above the waist in uniforms.  We do not even have pockets above the waist. Now, that being said, after years of this being a non-issue, we have inadvertently ended up sending a powder customer an ink pen in a box, meaning someone probably had it hanging from their shirt. There is no paperwork completed within the room - all paperwork is completed outside on the table.  So, there is not necessarily a reason for someone to have a pen in the room, save they wanted to make sure they knew where it was, and instead of putting it in their pants pocket, hung it from their shirt. So, we already have a few lines of thought. 1. Move to metal-detectable solid ink pens 2. Chain them to the table (this however is not ideal due to not being easily cleanable.) 3. Have them wear them on a lanyard (again, possible falling into batch) 4. Have a small ball chain like banks used attached to a clipboard (again, cleanliness concerns). Has anyone come up with any ideas on keeping pens stationary, that are easily cleanable?  Also, what type of clipboards do you use, if any? Thanks much, Lynn

Hi Lynn,

 

up to the time that we went fully electronic with finger touch pads we used metal detectable pens with a simple gravity feed point for writing.

 

they lasted a long time and were disposed of when the ink ran out.

 

never had any issues, no inclusions, etc.

 

once we switched over to electronic we prohibited any forms of writing instruments - this too combined with food safety impact training has worked out great.

 

by the way we once tried the ball/chain type and that proved to cause great issues.

Thank you!  We are eventually going fully to tablets when we move our powder room to its new location, but that's just not an option right now.  

 

We are looking for a way to attach the metal detectable pens to a surface that will be cleanable.  From what I am seeing right now, if we go to say a lanyard type, we'd have to change the lanyard at least monthly to prevent contamination issues - and with the ball type, there are corrosion issues, I am sure.  

 

Thanks for your input - I appreciate it!!

Do I get a commission?   :) 

 

https://food-factory...ectable-pens/  

Setana,

 

Thanks, but not what I am looking for.  We already have a plan for pens.  I'm asking for suggestions on how to attach them to a table.

_{D'AWWWW   I am sorry Misunderstood} 

 

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I saw a facility where a writing table / desk is designated at certain locations. No one is allowed to bring loose materials, including pens, where open food vats or containers may be exposed.

Pens are attached to tables with tape and string.

In my facility, we use metal detectable pens as well as we utilize software called Innovazone to issue them(along with other PPE, Brittle and Hard Plastic items, Sharps etc,) they must be signed out prior to use, and inspected by each lead daily for accountability.