Reducing bacterial biofilms on Food Factory Floors

Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Food factory flooring demands a far wider range of flooring performance than commercial settings, such as exposure to forklifts and machinery – and potential food and liquid contaminants.  A particular favourite within food factory companies is non-slip epoxy or polyurethane resin systems.  Whilst these systems are quick and easy to install, the material emits high-levels of dangerous odours and has a low life expectancy, adding to company’s maintenance costs and inconveniences.  It’s the break-down effect of resin flooring that increases the risk of bacterial growth, as dirt and grease can easily hide in cracks or grooves.

AGROB BUCHTAL, German manufacturer of ceramic tiles has introduced HT tiles, a hard wearing tile with antibacterial properties, providing outstanding hygienic performance and long term benefits in excess of 25 years.

Containing a patented titanium coating applied during the manufacturing process, the tiles (and grout) create a photocatalytic reaction that kills bacteria, fungi and germs.  What’s more, HT tiles neutralises unpleasant odours so that the room climate is permanently improved – an important aspect in food processing.

Scientific studies from the German institute Fraunhofer for Biological Process Engineering, discovered that 99% of bacteria sample (e.g. organic materials, pathogenic germs, bacteria, mould, etc.) died within 30 minutes after contact with HT tile surface.

Keeping your surfaces clean

To achieve perfect hygiene, careful consideration must be made with regard to the type of cleaning process and cleaning agents.  HT tiled surfaces are hydrophilic, causing water to spread over the flooring surface as a thin film that infiltrates dirt and makes cleaning easier.

In order to avoid destruction of the flooring surface and underlying materials, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the materials to be cleaned, the nature of the contamination to be removed and the chemical characteristics of the cleaning agent.  Some cleaners are highly toxic and can strip the surface of your floor (whether its tiles or epoxy), damaging its longevity.

While, cold water washes in conjunction with cleaning agents will lead to a reduction in safety.  The chart below shows that cold water wash will not remove floor contamination, such as oils or fats, resulting in a reduction of slip-resistance to create unsafe flooring; and an increased risk of harbouring bacteria.