6 replies to this topic

[carine]

Hi everyone, 

 

I would like to ask - what is the correct sequence for putting on clean attire (e.g. hairnet, mask, apron, rubber boots shoes) before entering a production area to prevent cross-contamination? 

 

Would appreciate it if you could share the actual steps your facility follows.

[SQFconsultant]

Exchange exterior shoes for captured shoes

Hairnet

Auto-Booty Step-in

Wash, Dry and Sanitize hands

Gloves

Lab Coat

[GMO]

Depends on your production area.  For low risk:

 

I would always put on hair covering first but it's not a massive issue.

Remove shoes.

Put on low risk shoes (depending on risk they may be wearable across site).

Wash and dry hands.

Use hand sanitiser if mandated as a result of risk.  Not automatically required if your hand wash is antibacterial and risk dependent (hand sanitisers can actually reduce compliance as since covid many members of staff see it as equivalent to hand washing and do not do the full process.)

Enter factory.

There may be a boot wash need but I would do that on the way out of the factory and only after coat removal if it's to be reworn.

 

For high care or high risk:

 

Put on hair covering.

Remove shoes.

Swing legs over the barrier (high care and high risk should have a barrier which is sealed to the floor to prevent pathogenic ingress).

Put on high risk / care captive footwear.

Wash hands.

Put on coat.

Wash and sanitise hands.

Enter area.

 

On the way out, coat should be removed and boots cleaned if necessary.

[Tony-C]

Hi Carine,

 

GMO’s post for high care/risk is text book best practice.

 

I would add clarity that on exit staff should remove their overalls before handling shoes or a hair covering.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

Hi Carine,

 

GMO’s post for high care/risk is text book best practice.

 

I would add clarity that on exit staff should remove their overalls before handling shoes or a hair covering.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

Agree.  I meant to make that clear and on rereading I don't think I did!  Also if you are washing boots, then coats must be removed first and placed some distance (ideally protected) from the washer.  I see so many sites not doing this and it's a risk on aerosols and your coat cleanliness.

[carine]

My auditor required sequence as following; 

 

1. haiir net 

2. face mask 

3. apron

4. shoes

 

According to him, shoes will be the last as it wont cross contaminate the others PPE. Is this correct? 

[GMO]

My auditor required sequence as following; 

 

1. haiir net 

2. face mask 

3. apron

4. shoes

 

According to him, shoes will be the last as it wont cross contaminate the others PPE. Is this correct? 

 

No.  He's right that handwashing should take place after shoes but I disagree shoes should be put on last.  It's almost impossible to do so without contaminating other clothing.  Just put in a hand wash step after shoes.