How far should be the smoking area from food production area
My company is planning for ISO22000 implementation but in company almost all from R&D manager to GM are smokers and its a big task to stop so we need a smoking area hence my question is how far should be the smoking area/zone from production area according to ISO22000.
I don't think you will find a specific distance specificed in any standard. Therfore we must use senses and commensense. If possible place the smoking area where not easily visible to visitors, ensure that the smoke / smell / debris cannot migrate into the factory (whatever the wind direction) and ensure that smoking debris cannot be carried into the factory on shoes. Ideally get workers to remove hygienic workwear and shoes prior to smoking and have a hygiene barrier after smoking e.g. change back into workwear, handwashing etc.
Regards,
Simon
I agree with everything Simon said.
One question as I'm not sure what your particular countries smoking laws are is your planned smoking area inside or outside.
While I would highly suggest it be outside if it is inside I suggest the room having it's own ventilation pushing the air outside with negative ventilation that sucks air into the room when the door is open, regular cleaning no less than once a shift, and some type of boot cleaning procedure if they are not changing their boots for when they exit.
If it's outside I'd make sure it's no less than 50-100' (15.25 - 30.50 meters) from the door and downwind as Simon said. That gives some room for people to get past it without walking through it.
I hadn't even considered inside Merle as in the UK it's not allowed.
The advice I gave was based on an outside smoking shelter.
In general you are best to go with an outside smoking area/facility. In terms of distance it should be as far as possible and hidden from visitors etc entering the premises i.e avoid locating it at the front gate. Some guidelines:
1. Smoking areas must comply with in country legislation.
2. Maintained in a clean condition and have bins for the butts to prevent transfer into the factory on soles of shoes.
3. Provide rough mats at doors in the event that butts are carried underfoot
4. No butts can be disposed of on the floor, hence the use of bins
5. Ensure clear signage plant wide indicating the site policy
6. Ensure PPE change procedure is in place before use of facility
George
Dear All,
Must say this is the first time I hv even heard of the necessity of a smoking policy as such. i always thought it was a negative auto-inclusion within the GMP segment.
Might suggest a few appropriate posters to be visible within a puff-designated area?. Although > Infringement of Freedom of Choice perhaps ?
Rgds / Charles.C
Smoking zone should be clearly identified and located in proper areas too. I also used to see another company put smoking shelter near gasoline tank!!!.....it is very dangerous and it seems no smoker would like to smoke at this shelter!!! :)