Food production and processing
The food industry has many faces. On the one hand, it involves manufacturing, transport and packaging of ready or fresh food, and on the other hand — processing, baking and confectionery. Each of these areas has its own specific requirements. However, most works carried out in the food industry require wearing protective gloves. This is due to sanitary and OHS principles.
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Processing of fruit and vegetables
- Processing of meat and fish
- Processing of milk
- Production of frozen food
- Beverage production
- Bakery and confectionery
- Other processing
OHS in the food industry
Food production and processing requires a great of responsibility the part of employees, as on a daily basis they deal with something that customers will consume. Hands can spread all kinds of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi), which means that the health and epidemiological situation of the whole population depends on the hand hygiene maintained by employees. In order to prevent contamination in contact with food, special care must be taken and, above all, the right disposable gloves must be used. These products not only provide excellent barrier protection, but also improve the comfort of daily work. Certified, quality products, such as nitrile gloves from a good source, are a practical part of OHS clothing in the food sector.
The food processing industry requires the highest level of hygiene. Contact with food places a great deal of responsibility on employees. The epidemic situation of a large part of the population depends on employees’ hand hygiene. That is why it is important to remember that hands are the primary route of transmission of various microorganisms. The proper way to prevent infections is to observe appropriate standards of hygiene and to use the correct type of disposable gloves.
Using gloves is one way to limit the transmission of microorganisms. Appropriate gloves not only protect their users, but also enhance comfort at work in terms of their fit to the hands and the feeling of safety provided by a comfortable and approved product. The right work tool guarantees a job well done.
When handling food, make sure that gloves are bear the Food Contact Material symbol and are therefore approved for contact with food. It is also important that the gloves used in food processing be textured for a secure grip — even in wet, greasy, or humid conditions.
Raw material
In the medical industry, the raw material used to make the gloves is particularly important, as many procedures require instruments that can mechanically damage the material. There are several types of raw materials used to manufacture gloves:
- Latex gloves:
The most popular medical gloves are made of natural rubber. This durable and flexible material provides excellent protection against blood-borne pathogens and some hazardous chemicals. According to many users, these gloves are more comfortable than those made of nitrile or vinyl. Currently, 90% of the global latex production is in Asia. They are manufactured in a variety of colours to suit the needs and likes of the staff, and the style of the place where they are used.
Latex gloves provide:
- flexibility and softness,
- strength and comfortable use,
- excellent touch sensitivity, gloves feel like a “second skin”.
The latex from which gloves are made is a natural raw material, but still carries the risk of type I allergy.
- Nitrile gloves:
Nitrile, also known as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), is a material made of organic chemical compounds. The production process of this raw material was modified so that it can compete with natural rubber. Nitrile gloves are an ideal alternative to gloves made of natural rubber.
Nitrile gloves:
- do not contain latex proteins – they are safe for persons allergic to latex,
- their content of chemical vulcanisation accelerators is limited to a minimum,
- have good barrier properties for chemicals.
Minimised content of chemical accelerators significantly reduces the risk of type IV allergy.
- Vinyl gloves:
These very durable medical gloves are made from plasticised polyvinyl chloride, the popular PVC. Vinyl provides good protection against chemicals, as well as against contamination with bodily fluids (including blood). Vinyl belongs to the group of PVC materials. Thanks to its properties, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has various applications in different industries. Vinyl gloves are skin-friendly for users prone to type I and IV allergies - Plastic gloves:
Gloves made of polyethylene provide a basic protection during low-risk work. They are a temporary barrier rather than effective protection means. Most of these gloves are approved for contact with food (PZH certification).