Building a food processing plant is strictly regulated. Government agencies create rules for ensuring the facility’s safe operation and maintenance. Also, they outline building guidelines. If you are building a food processing plant, you want to work with one of the best food plant architects Stendel + Reich to help you craft a viable design on which the construction facility will be based. When building a food plant, below are tips to keep in mind:
Think About the Location
The location of your food facility will be affected by regulatory factors such as municipal zoning bylaws. But there are other considerations to keep in mind. First, you may want the facility to be close to the raw materials to be used. This can reduce the need to transport the material, avoiding spoilage and saving you in operational costs. Also, there is should be emergency access in case of a chemical leak or fire.
Establish a Sanitation Area for Workers
To ensure outside bacteria cannot enter the production floor of your food facility, you must set up a sanitation area for your employees. This area should be at the entrance and include hand washing and changing stations. Also, there are handwashing stations throughout the facility, together with access to sanitation essentials such as gloves and hairnets.
Pick the Right Flooring Material
When it comes to the flooring material of a food processing plant, your only option is a concrete floor that has a suitable coating. A sealed concrete floor provides a smooth surface that does not crack. This way, your employees and equipment can move over it without damaging it. Your floor coating options include polyurethane and epoxies due to their durability, ease of installation, and ability to prevent bacteria from building up. These coatings are easy to clean and can protect the concrete underneath.
Invest in Sanitary Floor Drains
Your food processing plant needs sanitary floor drains because they can keep the floors dry and prevent the buildup of bacteria that cause odors and contaminate the facility. Choose drains made of quality, food-grade material that can resist corrosion, odor, and bacteria.
Choose a Smart Layout
The design of your food plant only matters with the right layout. A food facility must in the be production order. Likewise, pathways for your workers need to flow in one direction to prevent cross-contamination as well as improve accountability and safety. Your hired architect will help you realize your dream layout.
