Stainless steel can be utilized for applications in which chemical and corrosion resistance is necessary. Using stainless steel plates as part of catwalks for the food processing industry creates a safe walking surface that will not contaminate food processing machines or their end products.
Before you buy stainless steel plates for a catwalk, this checklist is designed to help you need to gather data and construct a plan of action that fits your needs best. Make sure the following factors have been considered:
- Decide on the type of alloy that fits the application.
- There are two alloys of stainless steel that are widely used—304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel that are both relatively easy to form and weld
- Decide on the thickness, dimensions and quantity of material needed.
- Stainless steel plates may be ordered in stock sizes to fabricate later on or in custom sizes to fit in the existing area needed. The dimensions must also be correct in order to avoid ordering too much or too little material.
- The thickness of the material needs to be taken into account as well. The plates must be able to withstand the amount of weight you are intending place on the catwalk.
- Does the application require a slip resistant surface to be applied to the plates?
- Stainless steel plates utilized for catwalks may have a slip resistant coating applied to help increase safety. If employees utilizing these catwalks will come into contact with fats, oils or other manufacturing byproducts, a slip resistant coating applied to these plates will help to decrease injuries and increase productivity.
- Decide on how the products will be installed.
- Welding- The plates may be welded directly onto the catwalk in the field by a person trained to do so. Plates with the slip resistant surface may be welded on the same way their smooth plate counterparts are with no special requirements needed.
- Drilled and Countersunk– The plates may be installed by having countersunk holes drilled by the manufacturer/fabricator prior to arriving and that facility.
- Taking proper safety precautions when installing the material.
- When installing this material, proper safety precautions must be taken. Wearing gloves, long sleeved shirts and safety glasses must be worn when working around stainless steel. Whether you are welding the material on or drilling for the countersunk holes, taking the proper precautions when installing these plates will help reduce injuries and save lives.
SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring manufactures non-slip metal flooring products that can be used for catwalks, mezzanines, stairways and platforms among others. Stainless steel plates with the slip resistant coating applied have been utilized in various food processing plants to keep workers safe when working around and in food processing byproducts. The high traction surface will transform normally slippery areas into safe walking surfaces for employees.