Personal protective equipment use by food manipulators in a food and nutrition unit

• Autor(a) principal: Galhardo Tiburcio, Rebeca
• Data de Publicação: 2020
• Outros Autores: Peixoto Domingues de Azevedo, Daniel Inácio, Silva Marinho, Bruna Laiza, Binoti, Mirella Lima
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: HU Revista (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufjf.br/index.php/hurevista/article/view/30175
• topic: Occupational Health; Quality control; Occupational Risks; Saúde do Trabalhador; Controle de Qualidade; Riscos Ocupacionais

Introduction: In order to ensure the safety and health of the worker, Brazilian labor law provides for the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Objective: This study aimed to analyze the reasons for non-adherence to PPE and to assess the level of knowledge about the importance of its use by food handlers in a Food and Nutrition Unit. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out at a Food and Nutrition Unit (UAN), in the city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil. A self-administered questionnaire was used containing questions about the frequency of use and reasons for not using PPE, and assessment of knowledge about its importance. The data were described through the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: 93 manipulators - sector leaders and nutritionists, cooks, dispatch assistants, cold chamber assistants, stockists, pre-preparation assistants, butchers and kitchen assistants participated in the research. The most used equipment was PVC boots, safety shoes, disposable cap and nappa apron. For the use of a disposable glove, 100% of the shipping assistants say they do not use it. On the steel mesh glove, 50% of butchers use it sometimes. Only cooks say they use goggles, 83.33% say they always use them and 16.67% say they use them sometimes. Regarding the importance of using PPE, everyone recognizes the need for use. Conclusion: The food handlers of the unit are aware of the importance of using the equipment. However, there is a lag in relation to its use, diagnosing the need for training on the purpose of each PPE and the correct form of use, to ensure quality in the work environment and the safety of handlers, minimizing the risk of occurrence of hazards and preserving their physical integrity.