ZEAL Cleaning
Can you use ethanol when removing enzymes?
Ethanol can be used as general disinfectant for virus/bacteria, but it does not remove proteins such as enzymes
Are you required to train all new employees in enzyme-handling departments in ZEAL?
Yes! All employees in an enzyme-handling department must be trained in ZEAL, according to QM-KI-8827.UK
How often are you offered a ZEAL screening?
(The Safety Steward verbally describes the frequency in your area)
What are the typical symptoms if you have developed enzyme allergy?
Persistent sneezing, running nose and eyes, cough, difficulty breathing
How do you remove a small (1 ml) liquid enzyme spill?
With water and soap. Discard the cloth in an enzyme disposal bag
Where do you find the ZEAL documents for safe handling of enzymes?
Zymernet -> Go to “ZEAL MYMS”.
Note: R&D-lab-specific ZEAL requirements exist too
Should student helpers be included in the ZEAL screening program?
Yes, if they are working in areas handling enzymes
Which enzymes can cause allergy?
Enzymes are proteins, and proteins are potential allergens. So, all types of enzymes can cause allergy
You need to design a new process with new equipment using enzymes. What should you do?
All new processes and equipment need to be ZEAL-evaluated before use (do a “risk assessment” or in Danish, “FARI”). This also includes cleaning
What ZEAL Personal Protection Equipment is available in your work area?
(The Safety Steward verbally describes what PPE exists and where it is stored)
The screening has three elements. What are they?
Blood test, questionnaire, and lung-capacity test
Can you develop enzyme allergy both by inhalation and by skin contact?
No. Allergy can only be developed by inhalation
How often is your area required to do ZEAL cleaning? (in addition to daily cleaning)
(The Safety Steward verbally describes the requirement and ZEAL cleaning routines in your area)
How often and why must you participate in ZEAL retraining?
All employees must receive retraining once a year, to keep high awareness about the hazard of enzyme allergy
How do you know if you are sensitized?
There are no physical symptoms of sensitization, so you can only know from a blood test
To protect yourself and colleagues, what should you avoid when working with enzymes?
Design your workplace and work routines to avoid generating and spreading airborne enzyme particles
How can liquid enzyme products generate airborne particles?
Liquids as well as granulates can generate inhalable airborne enzyme particles - for example by splashing, mixing or spraying, or if a liquid spill is allowed to dry out and then someone walks or drives over it. All of these can suspend enzyme particles in the air
How often and who are required to participate in the ZEAL inspections in your facilities?
(The Safety Steward verbally describes the inspection routine in your area, in compliance with: QM-KI-8822.UK)
Who decides which enzymes are screened for in the ZEAL screening?
Line of business/Manager/Safety Representative in collaboration with Medical Centre
Can a Zymer with enzyme allergy still work at Novozymes?
Yes, most likely, because an allergy is related to a specific enzyme protein. If the Zymer can avoid exposure to this enzyme -for example by moving to another department/industry- then the Zymer can continue to work for Novozymes