Hi Simon,
High risk areas must be physically segregated and designed to a high standard. The segregation barrier must prevent risk of cross-contamination from:
- pathogens which may be present in a low risk environment
- people
- movement of equipment, utensils and materials
- water or other liquids
- airborne contaminants
The ideal barrier is a full wall separating the high-risk area from other areas.
If you look at BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety Issue 9 Section 8 Production risk zones – high risk, high care and ambient high care I have highlighted some key requirements for that area:
8.1 Layout, product flow and segregation in high-risk, high-care and ambient high-care zones
Clause 8.1.2
Where high-risk areas are part of the manufacturing site, there shall be physical segregation between these areas and other parts of the site.
Segregation shall take into account the flow of product, the nature of the materials (including packaging), the equipment, the personnel, the chemicals, the disposal of waste, the flow of air, the air quality and the provision of utilities (including drains).
The location of transfer points shall not compromise the segregation between high-risk areas and other areas of the factory.
Practices shall be in place to minimise the risk of product contamination (e.g. the disinfection of materials on entry).
8.2 Building fabric in high-risk and high-care zones
Clause 8.2.1
Where sites include high-risk or high-care facilities, there shall be a map of the drains …….. The flow from drains shall not present a risk of contamination to the high-risk/care area.
Clause 8.2.2
High-risk areas shall be supplied with sufficient changes of filtered air…….
8.4 Staff facilities for high-risk and high-care zones
Clause 8.4.1
Where an operation includes a high-risk or high-care area, personnel shall enter via a specially designated changing facility at the entrance to the area.
You will also need to consider operational requirements in the other sections of Section 8 Production risk zones – high risk, high care and ambient high care zones:
8.3 Equipment and maintenance in high-risk and high-care zones
8.5 Housekeeping and hygiene in high-risk and high-care zones
8.6 Waste and waste disposal in high-risk, high-care zones
8.7 Protective clothing in high-risk and high-care zones
Kind regards,
Tony
