5 ways to ensure protection in the world of food processing

Working in the food processing sector demands that protection be made a priority. This is not only to lessen the environmental hazards associated with an industrial environment such as food processing, but because of chemical and solvent related risks as well. Wearing food processing boots is just one of many ways to ensure protection on the job but there are several more that make a great difference and bump up safety measures.

With the added pressure to secure one's own safety as well as the safety of the food being processed, it pays to know the details when protective measures are involved. Here are a few tips to ensure that you are protected at all times:

•	Be mindful of machinery and its usage. More often than not, we become so accustomed to operating the same machinery on a daily basis that we approach it in "autopilot" mode. This is when mistakes occur and dangerous accidents happen. You can largely prevent this by ensuring that you read the manual for each piece of machinery. That way, you will know how to operate the machinery as safely as possible, what to look out for should it malfunction and how to stop it safely in the event of an emergency.

•	Limit trips and falls through preventative warning measures. In the food processing industry, there are many slippery substances that could lead to unfortunate tumbles. Although it is not possible to completely eradicate such falls, it is possible to limit the number of incidents. Should a spill of chemicals or substances occur, a "wet floor" sign could make all the difference in making workforces aware and more cautious as a whole.

•	Invest in a good pair of food processing boots. Whilst this may seem fairly obvious, not all protective boots are created equal. Some are more flexible, durable and abrasion resistant than others. Pay careful attention to what they are made of and what level of protection you need based on your exposure to solvents, chemicals and acids. For assistance on how to choose the right protective boots for your environment, please visit [www.wayne-safety.com/latest-news/pvc-or-pu-gumboots/ www.wayne-safety.com/latest-news/pvc-or-pu-gumboots/] to view our chemical resistance table.

•	Ensure that protective clothing such as overalls and gloves are correctly fitted. This means that they should be loose enough to feel comfortable for long hours on the job. However, they should never be loose enough to get caught in machinery or restrict the movement of the person wearing them. The materials that protective clothing is made from also make all the difference. Be wary of flammable materials or ones that trap body heat as these pose a hazard to both safety and comfort.

•	Chemicals used for cleaning or food processing should be clearly labelled and properly stored to prevent incorrect usage, unnecessary wastage, spills or injuries. From allergic reactions to chemical burns, contact with chemicals, solvents or acids can cause havoc for skin, eyes and the respiratory system. This can result in serious injury and absenteeism that makes for a less productive workforce. Be sure to handle all hazardous solvents with caution and ensure that containers housing them are properly closed after usage.

At Wayne, we're driven by protection. It's why our Food Processing & Hygiene range goes beyond official safety footwear standards. For more information, visit our website www.wayne-safety.com or call us today on 010 040 3302.