Where in the Food Factory Are Handwash Stations Needed? A BRC Guide
Where in the Food Factory Are Handwash Stations Needed? A BRC Guide
Key Locations for Handwash Stations in a Food Factory (Based on BRCGS Issue 9)
The standard specifies requirements in several clauses. The primary locations are:
01-At Access Points to Production Areas (Clause 4.8.4):
- Hand-washing facilities must be provided at access points to and at other appropriate points within, production areas.
02-Within High-Risk & High-Care Zones (Clause 8.4.1):
- Specific hand-washing and disinfection facilities are mandatory on entry to these zones. For high-risk areas, they must be situated prior to entry (typically in the changing room). For high-care areas, they must be situated on entry.
03-Adjacent to Toilets (Clause 4.8.5):
- Toilets must be provided with hand-washing facilities. If these are the only hand-washing facilities before re-entering production, they must meet the full requirements of clause 4.8.4, and signs must direct personnel to use them.
04-"At other appropriate points within production areas" (Clause 4.8.4):
This implies stations should be conveniently located where contamination risks are high, such as:
- After handling waste (Clause 4.12.3)
- After handling raw materials (especially allergens)
- Before entering packaging areas
- At the entrance to canteens or break rooms (to prevent cross-contamination from these areas back into production)
II.
Requirements for the Handwash Stations Themselves (Clause 4.8.4):
Each handwash station must provide, as a minimum:
- Advisory signs to prompt hand-washing.
- A sufficient quantity of water at a suitable temperature.
- Water taps with hands-free operation (e.g., sensor or foot-operated).
- Liquid or foam soap.
- Single-use towels or suitably designed and located air dryers.
III.
Where in the Food Factory Are Handwash Stations Needed?
Maintaining impeccable hand hygiene is the first line of defense against product contamination in any food manufacturing facility. For sites
certified to the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9, strategically placed and well-equipped handwash stations are not just a
best practice—they are a strict requirement for certification.
Failing to install the handwashing stations in the correct locations can lead to major non-conformities during your audit. This guide breaks
down the mandatory locations for handwash stations within your facility, directly referencing the BRCGS Standard to help you ensure com-
pliance and protect your food product.
IV.The Golden Rule of BRCGS Hand Hygiene
BRCGS Issue 9 is clear: handwashing is required on entry to production areas and at a frequency that minimizes the risk of product contam-
ination (Clause 7.2.2). This means stations must be positioned to make compliance easy and unavoidable for all personnel, including staff,
contractors, and visitors.
Critical Locations for Handwash Stations
Based on the requirements laid out in Parts II and III of the standard, here are the non-negotiable locations for your hand hygiene facilities.
1. At All Entry Points to Production and Packing Areas
This is the most fundamental requirement. Every single doorway that leads from a non-production area (like corridors, changing rooms, or
offices) into a area where open product is handled must have a dedicated handwash station.
BRCGS Reference: Clause 4.8.4 requires facilities "at access points to, and at other appropriate points within, production areas."
2. Within Changing Rooms Leading to High-Risk/High-Care Zones
For sites with high-risk or high-care production zones (e.g., for ready-to-eat foods), the requirements are even more stringent. Handwash
stations must be integrated into the changing procedure itself.
BRCGS Reference: Clause 8.4.1 specifies that changing facilities for these zones must include a hand-washing routine during the changing
procedure to prevent contamination of clean protective clothing. Handwashing and disinfection facilities must be situated prior to entry for
high-risk areas and on entry for high-care areas.
3. Directly Adjacent to Employee Toilets
Toilets are a significant potential source of pathogen contamination. Stations must be located immediately adjacent to toilets to ensure staff
wash their hands before leaving.
BRCGS Reference: Clause 4.8.5 states that toilets shall be provided with hand-washing facilities. Crucially, if these are the only hand-
washing facilities before re-entering production, they must meet the full specs of clause 4.8.4 (including hands-free operation), and signs
must direct people to use them.
4. At Other "Appropriate Points" Within the Production Flow
The standard wisely uses the term "other appropriate points," meaning you must conduct a risk assessment. Stations should be placed
wherever there is a high risk of cross-contamination, such as:
-After handling raw materials (especially allergens).-After handling waste or non-conforming product.
-Between different processing stages (e.g., between raw and cooked areas).
IV.
What Makes a BRCGS-Compliant Handwash Station?
It's not enough to just have a sink. Clause 4.8.4 specifies that stations must include:
- Hands-Free Taps: Sensor-activated or foot-operated to prevent re-contamination after washing.
- Liquid Soap Dispensers: Providing liquid or foam soap.
- Sanitizer Stations: While not a replacement for washing, alcohol-based sanitizer stations are often placed after handwashing stations in high-care areas for an additional layer of protection.
- Drying: Single-use paper towels or high-velocity air dryers that are designed to prevent environmental contamination.
- Clear Signage: Signs that prompt and instruct on correct handwashing procedures.
Strategically placing BRCGS-compliant handwash stations is a critical component of your food safety culture. It demonstrates a tangible
commitment to product safety from senior management down and is a key area audited during certification. By designing your facility’s flow
with these mandatory hygiene points in mind, you not only ensure audit compliance but also fundamentally reduce the risk of contamination,
protecting your consumers and your brand.
What machines of WONE contain the handwash functions?
PHW-F3 AND PHW-F3E
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PHW-22
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PBW-25
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PBW-24B
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PBW-24
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PBW-41E
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