Fake fingernails
So, I know that BRC says no fake fingernails/nail polish. However, does this still apply if they wear gloves over them? If my plant has a documented risk assessment for fake nails to support this does that help justify it? Or are there other ways to allow them that are considered acceptable? Not every employee wears them, but those that do are very adamant about not being willing to take them off. What does your plant do in this situation? Thanks in advance!
I get them to take them off. The only exception is for visitors in the interpretation guideline and that's only where they cannot comply (e.g. I suppose gel nails).
Personally though I prefer to insist everyone takes them off and I've always given the visitors rules in advance so there's no excuse. There's always one though and it really p---es me off. Then I have all the whinging from the staff about how they're not allowed.
Managers 100% absolutely no tolerance. You work in food. Thems the rules.
if people are very adament about not complying with the GMP's/Hygiene policies, etc we are very adament in them not working for us.
Fake Fingernails are a real GREY area - length, sharpness, etc - most times not conducive for the wearing of gloves over them, then it will become an issue with the gloves hurting peoples fingers, or easily getting holes and cuts in the glove.
We make it simple - they follow the requirements or leave, or not even start there employment -- you will be amazed how bending for people will result in bending more and more - not worth it.
So, this is a very good topic for discussion in my opinion. I believe transparency and true reflection of what's happening in facilities is the best policy.
Internally, we have a risk assessment for staff who are not working or handling products, contact surfaces, as well as those who are associated with physical risk, to allow them to wash their hands, apply gloves(at a segregated area preventing CC), and then walk through facilities without risk of cross-contamination or physical contact.
There are many visitors/vendors and other associated staff who tour the facilities. Upon washing hands and applying gloves, without cross-contamination occurring (i.e., handling product or materials), the risk can be assessed as low, as well as the process we deal with is considered low risk as well (NOT RTE/OR SHELF STABLE), no cooking, etc.
Employees who work in the facility should follow the GMPS that do not allow them.
The policy can be written for administrative and corporate staff members who work in office locations to be allowed to wear them.
The facility employees who are on the floor live and do have interaction. I agree it is a higher risk and should not be allowed for Foreign Material, Sanitary compliance, as well as chemical hazards.
If you manage the process and monitor it, is it a failure is the ultimate question.
We do not allow them, and I have refused an inspector entry to the plant because they were wearing fake nails. GMPs are for everyone to follow, not just the operators.