When is a sneeze guard required

Back in , a restaurateur and self-proclaimed germaphobe named Johnny Garneu started looking for a solution that would block viruses and bacteria from contaminating food at the buffet tables while customers leaned over them. Having no luck, he decided to strike out and invent his own, patenting the product that year. The sneeze guard was so effective and popular that the FDA later mandated that sneeze guards must be present in all self-service dining establishments.

While they are still popular with self-service operations, COVID has transformed them into something else entirely. It is now critical that restaurants implement sneeze guard solutions within their establishments in order to increase safety, but it's equally important to make sure that the correct solution is installed and meets the right requirement.

When searching for the right sneeze guard solution to install, it's important to consider the placement and positioning of the guard - namely the height and angle. To account for this, consider the height of your typical customer. Usually the average customer is somewhere between 5 and 6 feet tall. Also account for the height of the structure holding the guard. As for the angle, it's important to consider whether customers are serving themselves, or are being served by others.

In a cafeteria-like environment where employees are preparing food, a full-service sneeze guard will be ideal. For buffet and salad bards, a self-service sneeze guard would be the optimal choice. Download our Restaurant Disaster Relief Checklist for full details on keeping your restaurant safe.

Both full-service and self-service sneeze guards have guidelines and regulations for how they must be used. Some of these are federal guidelines, but most depend on specific region and locality. Check with local governing authorities for specific regulatory requirements for sneeze guards in your area.

Sometimes, you will find mandates for things like barrier thickness, materials, height requirements, and construction. Amy Servi wants to live in a world filled with innovative businesses, cute dogs, and more softball.

Previously the Assistant Read More. Create your account Lost password? First name. Last name. What is a Sneeze Guard? Do Sneeze Guards Work? When is a Sneeze Guard Required? Choose from mobile, tabletop, transactional and personal tri-fold sneeze guards to find the best fit to match the needs of your establishment and help stop the spread of COVID Amy Servi Amy Servi wants to live in a world filled with innovative businesses, cute dogs, and more softball.

Previous article Next article. New customer? Create your account. Lost password? Recover password. Remembered your password? Back to login. Already have an account? Login here. These clear barriers are called sneeze guards and they play an important role in helping stop the spread of illness like COVID You might be wondering what is a sneeze guard and when sneeze guards are required?

Very simply, sneeze guards are clear protective barriers designed to limit the exposure and spread of airborne respiratory droplets propelled by coughing, sneezing or talking. Sneeze guards work as part of a team with hand sanitizer stations and face masks to limit the spread of airborne germs that travel by mouth and hands.