If you are planning a flooring project for your food and beverage facility, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Proper planning is essential to ensure that the flooring system you choose meets the unique needs of your facility, complies with the industry standards and regulations, and meets your budget and timeline. In this post, we will go over five of the most important things to consider:
1. Materials and durability
The type of flooring material you choose will depend on several factors, including the type of food and beverage you produce, the traffic flow in the facility, and the conditions of the environment. The most popular and hygienic options to consider are concrete and epoxy. Concrete flooring is a cost-effective option but may not be suitable for all food and beverage processing environments. Epoxy flooring is highly durable, slip resistant and can be customised to your facility’s needs. Also consider if your facility could use different flooring in different areas, depending on the conditions of each zone.
When selecting flooring materials, it’s essential to also consider their durability. Floors in food and beverage facilities are exposed to harsh conditions, including chemicals, high temperatures and heavy equipment. Antimicrobial flooring technology has been specifically designed to stand up against typical acids and chemicals found in food manufacturing facilities. Investing in quality materials that can withstand these conditions means your flooring will have a longer lifespan and your facility will experience fewer downtime for re-installs.
2. Compliance
Food safety and hygiene standards in the Australian food manufacturing industry and are high. Poorly maintained premises are likely to harbour pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella which could subsequently lead to contaminated product. Not only does this affect your facility financially, but your brand reputation and trust is also at stake. A reputable flooring contractor can provide guidance on the regulations that might apply to your facility to ensure that your flooring system can meet these standards. Food manufacturing facilities are frequently audited – not only by government authorities, but also independent auditors on behalf of the major buyers of the manufacturer. Here is a guide on how to take the stress out and prepare for these audits.
3. Installation and maintenance
Proper installation is critical for the longevity and performance of your flooring system. A big part of this is doing the research and choosing an experienced and qualified flooring contractor who understands the unique requirements of your facility and has a proven track record of successful installations. Your flooring contractor should also provide recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to help extend the lifespan of your flooring. This regular maintenance can also help prevent safety hazards and contamination.
4. Project management and timings
When planning an install of any flooring project, effective project management is critical to ensure it is completed in time and on budget. One of the key considerations when it comes to projects of this scale is timing. It is important to plan the project around your facility’s production schedule. Holiday breaks, such as Easter and Christmas are excellent opportunities to capitalise on already scheduled down days to improve the efficiency of your facility for the future.
Choosing the right flooring system and partnering with an experienced and reputable contractor can help ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget, and meets the unique needs of your facility.