How To Wear A Hair Net In The Food Industry

Since hygiene and food protection are two of the main priorities in the food industry, it is essential that employees understand the importance of wearing a hair net. 

According to the Food Safety Standards, both beard coverings and hair nets are a crucial piece of face accessory that needs to be worn for preventing food contamination. 

So, you have your hair net, but how do you wear it?

This is how you wear a hair net:

1. If necessary, brush and tie your hair back. The hair net elastic must be able to lie flat against your hairline.
   
   
2. With both hands, hold the hair net open with the seams to the front and back of the head.
   
   
3. Put the hair net across your forehead and pull over the top of your head.
   
   
4. Ensure the hair net completely covers your ears. This will secure the hair net in place.
   
   
5. Once your hair net is secured in place, put on any other personal protection equipment necessary. 
   
   

Remember that just like disposable gloves, disposable hair nets are meant for one use only and should be disposed of after use. 

Why You Should Wear A Hair Net When Preparing Food

Hair is a physical and biological hazard when preparing food. 

A physical hazard is an object that can cause the user to choke or injure themselves, whereas biological hazards are organisms, or substances produced by organisms, that pose a threat to human health.

A strand of hair can have several types of pathogens on it, including staphylococcus bacteria. Although it is normal to have these pathogens on your skin and hair, it is important to keep them out of food as they can cause foodborne illness. 

Consider Other Body Hair 

It’s not only head hair that must be considered – arm and facial hair can also be a source of physical contamination. Sufficient control measures should be implemented, including sleeve gloves, long sleeves and beard snoods. Some workplaces may even follow a no beard/ moustache policy. 

Find out how to wear a beard snood here. 

For more information on food hygiene and personal protective wear, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, expert team on 01686 611 377, today.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.