Personnel: Protective Clothing and PPE

Aligned with FSSC 22000 Requirements

Requirement Overview

FSSC 22000 requires organizations to provide, manage, and monitor protective clothing (PPE) appropriate to the risk level of the food operation. This ensures both the protection of the product from contamination and the safeguarding of personnel in relevant environments.

Protective clothing and PPE must be designed, maintained, and used in a way that prevents product contamination, supports hygienic practices, and is suitable for different zones such as low-risk, high-risk, or high-care areas.

Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3

Requirement Overview

BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.

Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”

Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.

Key Compliance Objectives

  • ✓ Ensure personnel are properly protected to prevent product contamination

    ✓ Align PPE type and use with hygiene zones (e.g., low-risk vs. high-care)

    ✓ Standardize laundering, replacement, and storage of clothing

    ✓ Maintain traceable records of PPE compliance and inspections

Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation

1. Define PPE Requirements by Zone

  • Considerations Include:

    • • Risk classification (low-risk, high-risk, high-care)

      • Product exposure level

      • Personnel movement patterns

      • Cleaning and sanitation protocols

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Zoning map with PPE requirements

      • Risk-based clothing matrix or policy

      • Signage at entry points and gowning areas

2. Provide and Control PPE Use

  • PPE May Include:

    • • Coats, aprons, coveralls

      • Hairnets, snoods, beard covers

      • Gloves (disposable, cut-resistant)

      • Shoe covers or dedicated footwear

    Control Measures:

    • • Company-issued clothing only

      • Color-coded or zone-specific garments

      • Clear change frequency and replacement policy

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • PPE issuance logs

      • Staff training on proper donning/doffing

      • PPE specifications and approved vendor list

3. Manage Laundering and Storage

  • Key Controls:

    • • PPE cleaned by approved external laundry or validated internal system

      • Separate storage for clean and soiled items

      • No home laundering unless validated and documented

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Laundry contract or validation records

      • PPE storage area inspection logs

      • Laundry pickup and delivery records

4. Train and Monitor Compliance

  • Training Topics Should Include:

    • • When and how to wear protective clothing

      • Hand hygiene and glove policy

      • Cross-contamination prevention during PPE changes

      • Use of PPE during breaks, toilet use, or zone changes

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Training logs and sign-offs

      • Spot check reports and internal inspection records

      • CAPA records from PPE-related non-conformances

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Audit Finding Recommended Action
Employees not wearing PPE correctly Retrain and conduct random compliance spot checks
Use of personal clothing underneath PPE Provide guidance and enforce company-issued garments only
Mixed storage of clean/dirty PPE Redesign storage areas and introduce physical separation
No PPE zoning map or documented policy Develop risk-based PPE zoning charts and post in relevant areas

Auditor Verification Checklist

During an FSSC 22000 audit, expect to provide:

  • • PPE policy and hygiene zone clothing matrix

    • Training records for personnel PPE use

    • PPE laundering validation or external service agreements

    • Records of internal checks or PPE-related corrective actions

Implementation Roadmap

Build Your Policy

  • ✓ Create a PPE policy by hygiene zone and task

    ✓ Document approved types of clothing and gear

Train and Standardize

  • ✓ Conduct role-specific training on proper use and behavior

    ✓ Post signage and visuals in gowning/change areas

Monitor and Verify

  • ✓ Perform regular inspections and staff spot checks

    ✓ Record non-conformance and apply corrective actions

Improve Continuously

  • ✓ Review PPE policy during annual food safety reviews

    ✓ Address audit findings or staff feedback in retraining

Why This Matters?

  • ✓ Reduces the risk of product contamination from personnel

    ✓ Demonstrates proactive hygiene management during audits

    ✓ Protects high-risk environments and food contact zones

    ✓ Reinforces food safety culture across all staff levels

Support Tools Available

Food Safety Systems provides:

  • ✓ PPE policy and hygiene zoning templates

    ✓ PPE training decks and compliance checklists

    ✓ Laundry service validation protocols

    ✓ Internal audit tools for gowning and hygiene areas

GET STARTED NOW

Food Safety Systems is an independent consulting provider. We offer support services to help businesses prepare for certification under food safety schemes such as FSSC 22000, but we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified by the Foundation FSSC or any of its related entities. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Use of these names does not imply any official endorsement or partnership.

For official FSSC 22000 requirements and guidance, visit www.fssc.com.