7 replies to this topic

[PackageMarshal]

I'm looking to balance between the SQF code (13.3.2.1) and reality.

Our facility is relatively low risk and produces large format plastic bags.  I have done my best to comply with the SQF code on handwashing by avoiding having any tissues in operation areas and directing employees to blow their noses off the production floor.  But the code seems difficult to achieve in reality.  In my case, employees started using maintenance towels to blow their noses or using reusable towels intended for cleaning the machines as handkerchiefs.  I recognize much of the health of employees can be controlled with medication and good health practices, but sometimes people simply have runny noses whether it's allergies or the cold season and it might not be bad enough to merit sending them home sick.  Furthermore, employees washing their hands raw can become a food safety risk in itself.

My question is do I go Nazi with this rule?  Could I allow tissue use with company provided sanitizer to be used afterward?  I'm looking for a way to be compliant with the code while being reasonable with employees who can't simply leave their workstation to blow their nose and wash their hands every minute or two.

[Brothbro]

I may argue that an employee that has such a runny nose that they can't work for a few minutes (~5 mins?) without blowing their nose really is too sick to work. At that point I would try to find lower-risk duties for them to perform away from production, or send them home. I can understand needing to blow your nose or pick a booger (lol) a couple times a day, but at this frequency following up with hand washing shouldn't be an issue. Having a constantly runny nose is an unusual state for the typical person I'd say, and these rare circumstances are likely what the code is hoping to exclude from your production environment.

 

Re-reading your post I may have gotten a little off track, I don't think the code prohibits having paper towels on the floor for nose-blowing. What it does state, however, is that employees must wash their hands after blowing their nose ("using a handkerchief") before returning to work.

Edited by Brothbro, 27 January 2023 - 04:46 PM.

[olenazh]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Does the code directly states that paper towels are prohibited? If not - you can you them.

[PackageMarshal]

It's true that the code doesn't specifically call out one use tissues.  It refers to the use of a handkerchief.  To me, the mindset of the code is that persons handling materials contaminated by bodily fluids must wash their hands prior to handling products which they certainly would be in our facility.  I don't foresee an SQF or customer auditor overlooking the technicality.

[Brothbro]

It's true that the code doesn't specifically call out one use tissues.  It refers to the use of a handkerchief.  To me, the mindset of the code is that persons handling materials contaminated by bodily fluids must wash their hands prior to handling products which they certainly would be in our facility.  I don't foresee an SQF or customer auditor overlooking the technicality.

 

Yes as long as all employees wash their hands after blowing their noses, you would be compliant with this section of the code. Just keep in mind the code also has personnel welfare requirements that ask you to draw some lines on when runny noses become too much of a contamination risk to your product even when nose-blowing rules are followed (13.3.1.2 I believe)

[Scampi]

This is a hard no

 

Many many things can be transferred from not washing hands......all you are doing is creating a slippery slope for yourself whereby soon they won't wash their hands after using the toilet or entering the production floor

 

I agree with brothbro---blowing the nose more than a couple of times a shift (or even per hour for that matter) is too sick to be handling food packaging

[Charles.C]

The degree of sensitivity might partially relate to what these seemingly unfortunate workers (1-5, 50-100?) are actually doing, eg bags are for what ?. (It's amazing how many facilities are considered relatively "low risk").

 

Might suggest requiring use of  disposable face masks (unless already in use for Covid?). Can alleviate a multitude of inconveniences. Almost certainly not forbidden by SQF and quite cheap these days but depending on number of personnel. One snag is the disposal aspect though.

[cookinmaple]

Handwashing is a MUST and can not be replaced with sanitizer. Single use tissues are absolutely allowed but must be controlled to prevent contamination. Limit it to a certain area, NEXT to the handwash sink is very convenient. With that sometimes you need to sneeze and can't make it to the tissue, this is when you advise them to use their elbow and then go change the smock and wash their hands. 

 

I agree with others if their nose is that runny they are sick enough to stay home. And if staff aren't allowed the time to use tissue and wash their hands then management needs to look at their commitment to the code.

 

As for the raw hands, gloves will cover this and they will heal quickly. Approved hypoallergenic soap with moisturizers are great and will prevent this. Skin is very durable and will adjust and become less sensitive to regular washing.