Food safety is a public health priority and food manufacturers have to take every possible step to eliminate the risk of contamination.
All the surfaces inside a food processing facility have to meet the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation. They have to comply with strict legislative requirements and food safety certifications such as HACCP and ISO and provide protection from a wide variety of possible contaminants like dirt, bacteria and food particles.
One of the most important surfaces that food manufacturers have to consider when creating a food-safe environment is flooring. The floor is more than just a surface for equipment and foot traffic. It is the foundation of the entire operation and just one flaw – even a seemingly minor one – can set off a devastating chain of events.
The operating environment in the food preparation industry is demanding and the floor has to withstand some extremely rough treatment. Challenges include constant wet conditions, temperature extremes, exposure to corrosive substances, significant foot traffic, sustained pressure from moving machinery and robust cleaning regimes including high pressure hosing.
That’s why food manufacturers around the world choose epoxy flooring.
Epoxy flooring is:
- Seamless
- Non-porous
- Impervious to penetration by germs, bacteria and other contaminants
- Resistant to harsh chemicals
- Resistant to corrosive food acids and alkalis
- Durable and easy to clean
- Non-slip
- Longevity
Unlike most other flooring types, epoxy flooring is seamless. There are no gaps, seams, grout lines or spaces in the floor so dirt and germs can’t hide anywhere. Coving between the walls and floors can also be created to provide an added layer of safety and protection.
The surface is also non-porous which is a huge plus. The tough protective barrier can’t be penetrated by contaminants – even corrosive acids, harsh or abrasive cleaning chemicals and food spills – so the surface always remains in pristine condition.
This strong seamless surface also makes for easy cleaning. High pressure hosing, vigorous rubbing and cleaning liquids won’t affect the integrity of the surface – and the smooth coving between floor and wall is an added advantage in preventing splashing.
Many operations use powerful acids and alkalis in their manufacturing process – and if the floor is not sufficiently robust, spills from these substances can be problematic. However, they’re no match for the tough protective barrier of a professionally installed epoxy floor. A simple clean-up is all that’s required to maintain the superior sanitary and hygiene standards of the epoxy surface.
Safety first
Food safety is obviously a priority, but the safety of personnel is another key focus.
Epoxy flooring is non-slip, making it ideal for busy food processing facilities. It can also be installed with highly visible coloured safety zones and customised line markings. This slip and skid-resistance and the ability to demarcate different zones enhances the safety of workers and visitors and adds to the floor’s aesthetic appeal.
Another advantage of an epoxy floor is that it is easily installed with minimum downtime. It can also be installed with different finishes depending on the risk situation of the particular environment.
With all of the advantages listed above, it is not surprising that epoxy flooring is such a highly regarded food-safe flooring product. If you have a food manufacturing operation in Western Australia and are looking for advice on flooring options which will meet all legislative health, sanitation and safety requirements, talk to Panther Protective.
Panther Protective are experts with over 20 years’ experience in epoxy safety flooring installation. You can read more about their many successful flooring projects in the food industry or give their knowledgeable team a call on
0452 470 433.
