16 replies to this topic

[LR-QA]

Currently we have guidelines for items like glitter, hoodie strings, jewelry, fingernails, etc., but nothing is in place for pants. I don't see a significant risk from ripped jeans for activities downstream from cooking where packaging of finished (baked) goods occurs. Does anyone here have any sort of policy in place re: pants (other than you need to wear them!) and am I overlooking a risk? Certainly strings could find a way into a package but it seems unlikely and I wouldn't classify it as a significant health risk.

[Setanta]

But then you are stuck judging how many rips are too many. If I have one split at the knee it isn't the same as someone who has a whole open pantleg, and once again that seems to be the in style.

[Brothbro]

An auditor may want to see your risk assessment for allowing ripped jeans in a production area despite prohibiting hoodie strings and jewelry. You also have safety to worry about, whether the ripped strands can snag on equipment. 

 

Honestly I don't think it's worth the trouble, a general policy stating that clothes should be clean and in "good condition" should be applied to prohibit ripped jeans. Because like Setanta says, how ripped is too much? It's just a headache.

[DeadPresident]

Now how about shorts? 

[Brothbro]

Now how about shorts? 

 

My policy is to prohibit shorts in our production facility. I could see shorts being allowed in a separate finished goods warehouse though, where no production is happening.

[DeadPresident]

My policy is to prohibit shorts in our production facility. I could see shorts being allowed in a separate finished goods warehouse though, where no production is happening.

 

The policy was in place when I got here. It just doesn't seem like a good idea or worth all the auditor questions it could arise. contamination source etc..

 

No plant I've ever worked at prior or audited has allowed it. I will keep trying...

[G M]

Currently we have guidelines for items like glitter, hoodie strings, jewelry, fingernails, etc., but nothing is in place for pants. I don't see a significant risk from ripped jeans for activities downstream from cooking where packaging of finished (baked) goods occurs. Does anyone here have any sort of policy in place re: pants (other than you need to wear them!) and am I overlooking a risk? Certainly strings could find a way into a package but it seems unlikely and I wouldn't classify it as a significant health risk.

 

Like Brothbro we require clothing to be in "good condition" and do not allow any kind of "decorative materials" like glitter, sequins, etc. including loose or torn threads from stylish or decorative ripping or fringe.  It's all small bits of material that pose an unnecessary FM risk, and in the case of rips and loose threads a personnel safety hazard around powered equipment.

[Scotty_SQF]

At a packaging plant I worked at shorts were allowed.  We were SQF certified there and it seemed to never be an issue with the auditors.  I guess it depends on what you are as I'm sure its a no in food manufacturing.

[LR-QA]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I like the "good condition" statement and will go that route. 

 

We allow shorts in the packaging area, but it's also around 100°F this time of year so it's a justifiable risk. Like Scotty_SQF, we're SQF certified and it hasn't been an issue in the past but the audits aren't during the summer so it probably hasn't been happening when they are here (I'm in my first year with this company so I can't speak to any SQF audits prior to this year).

[kfromNE]

Currently we have guidelines for items like glitter, hoodie strings, jewelry, fingernails, etc., but nothing is in place for pants. I don't see a significant risk from ripped jeans for activities downstream from cooking where packaging of finished (baked) goods occurs. Does anyone here have any sort of policy in place re: pants (other than you need to wear them!) and am I overlooking a risk? Certainly strings could find a way into a package but it seems unlikely and I wouldn't classify it as a significant health risk.

 

My GMP has the line after the items you mentioned: or anything else that could pose a food safety risk. 

[kingstudruler1]

 "Bedazzeled" (least that's what i call them) jeans or other garments might be considered.  

[DeadPresident]

At a packaging plant I worked at shorts were allowed.  We were SQF certified there and it seemed to never be an issue with the auditors.  I guess it depends on what you are as I'm sure its a no in food manufacturing.

it is in food manufacturing actually ( main production room )... During my last SQF audit ( my first at this company ) the auditor didn't mention it, it could just be that he didnt see it but I have a feeling this might come back to bite me at another audit as a NC.

[kfromNE]

it is in food manufacturing actually ( main production room )... During my last SQF audit ( my first at this company ) the auditor didn't mention it, it could just be that he didnt see it but I have a feeling this might come back to bite me at another audit as a NC.

 

Many things come down to what the hazards are and how you are controlling them based upon what you make and the equipment used. The hazards for a company with an enclosed system making a low-risk product is very different from a company manufacturing lettuce (seems to always be in the news and being recalled). 

[Harminnie]

We are BRC, completely low risk, very very hot in the Summer, we provide shorts as part of the uniform, .......never a problem

[Sam D]

Our policy states that no ripped and torn jeans allowed. 

[mile]

Our HR policy states that no ripped and torn jeans allowed and stick to company code dress. risk assessment to evaluate any risk related to ripped and tear jeans.

[Charles.C]

The auditorial advantage of a "Policy" (especially a "GMP" one) seems to be that it avoids inconveniences like Risk Assessment ?