Many industrial facilities around the United States are required to follow numerous federal government standards, such as food and beverage plants. Due to the fact that food processing plants are exposed to all sorts of food byproducts, including fats, oils, blood, sugar solutions and natural food acids, the corrosive nature may damage the flooring if the proper coating is not applied. If the proper floor coating is not applied, uncontrolled growth of bacteria may form, ultimately degrading the foods purity. The chosen coating must be thick and durable enough to prevent contaminants from corroding the surface.
Choosing the proper flooring for your plant is one of the most important decisions the plant manager can make. Not only should the flooring act as a protective barrier, but it should also provide slip resistance for employees and be able to withstand differing corrosive conditions such as dry storage areas, cold storage rooms, mixing areas or canning and slaughtering areas. Aesthetics are also important to consider because they portray a clean, colorful and positive image for the company.
There are many floor coating options which fulfill different requirements. You may consider looking into coatings such as epoxies, urethanes, methyl methacrylates, polyureas or all metal slip resistant coatings. Many of these coatings are temporary except for the all metal coating, due to its higher bond strength and durability. Researching different coatings is extremely important as well as making sure the regulations and standards are met.
A great option for food processing plants would be stainless steel because it is known for its sanitation, durability, minimal care and aesthetic appeal. SlipNOT offers slip resistant stainless steel coatings which have been utilized in many food processing companies such as Kraft, Tyson Foods, Sara Lee, Nestle and Cargill.
“Choosing the right floor coatings impacts the plant and the product”. Doni Riddle, Vice President, Industrial and Marine Marketing. www.foodmanufacturing.com
