Always wash your hands using the soap provided when entering or re-entering the food production area, before and after handling food, after using the restroom, smoking or blowing your nose. Bacteria on hands, if transferred into food, can cause illness. Remember to dry your hands thoroughly afterwards. NB: Hertfordshire County Council has a 'no smoking' policy. Staff must follow this policy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Avoid touching your nose or lips or scratching your head while handling food. Again, bacteria on hands when transferred into food can cause illness. Do not come to work and notify your manager immediately if you suspect that you or a member of your family is carrying or suffering from diseases that can be transmitted through food, for example: infected wounds skin infections sores diarrhea vomiting seek advice from your doctor and tell him that you are an expert in food handling. Your manager will advise you when you can return to work (usually 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared). In some cases a medical certificate may be required to return to work after 2 clear stool samples in case of suspected food poisoning or 48 hour rule with interview/questionnaire. All staff are required to complete a "self-certification, sick leave and return to work meeting" form with their superior. Return to work forms must be completed when returning from holidays abroad. Avoid coughing or sneezing while eating. The bacteria will be transmitted to food. Food handlers should wear a hat with a net and keep their hair clean and tidy, long hair should be tied back and enclosed in a net. It is essential to avoid hair/bacteria falling into food products Hertfordshire Catering – Food Safety Management System Version 1 October 2008 30Keep nails short and clean – bacteria nest under long nails. You are NOT allowed to wear nail polish/gel or nail extensions. Nails should not protrude above the top of the fingers when the hands are raised, open and facing someone. Do not wear jewelry (except a simple wedding ring or band). Jewelry harbors bacteria in crevices and stones can fall into food products. Until now, you are only allowed to wear one pair of stud or stud earrings (without stones), but from 1 January 2009 all earrings will be banned. No facial piercings are permitted, any facial piercings must be removed before work begins. Don't smoke while handling food - it's against the law, as the bacteria can be transmitted through contact with your lips, mouth and nose. Food, including sweets and chewing gum, should not be consumed while food is being prepared. Be sure to wash your hands before returning to work after any breaks. Do not spit in areas where food is consumed. Mucus harbors bacteria. Do not wear excessive makeup or strong perfumes as strong perfumes can contaminate food products. Keep all wounds covered with detectable blue waterproof dressings. Remember that wounds, cuts, grazes and boils can easily be infected by germs. Uncovered cotton bandages are prohibited. It is important to remember to wash your hands before starting work. Wet your hands with warm running water, apply liquid soap and wash thoroughly, rinse and dry your hands using disposable paper towels. Remember to take a bath or shower every day to.