Food Manufacturing - March/April 2018

seamless surface that enables optimal cleaning, it also serves to protect the concrete substrate from the risk of damage. Each type of production facility has specific requirements to meet. A custom formulated epoxy or urethane mortar flooring system designed for meat and poultry processing, wine and beer production, or any other food or beverage operation can help solve a range of issues for facility managers.

Sanitation Performance Standards

The standards imposed on the food and beverage production industries were built around the concept that each establishment must be operated and maintained to avoid the development of unsanitary conditions that could lead to possible contamination of the product and danger to the health of consumers. A liquid-applied cementitious urethane or other flooring system can help simplify the cleaning procedures of the plant or manufacturing facility, as it can be highly durable, monolithic, virtually seamless and created to meet the demands of each specific production area.

Wet processing areas and floors requiring wet-cleaning procedures should be fully watertight and in good condition without the surface cracks, crevices or pits that can allow biological materials and moisture to enter the floor, leading to possible microbial growth. Ninety-degree junctures at floors and walls can be coved to avoid the risks associated with the collection of dirt, debris and other substances.

The appropriate floor coating system will vary based upon the products being produced at the facility and the recommendations of various federal and local regulatory agencies. Specific coatings, whether urethane, epoxy or methyl methacrylate (MMA), are options for production areas with specific demands such as resistance to heat, extreme temperature cycling or heavy loads. The resinous flooring systems used in any food and beverage operation should help meet or exceed the regulatory recommendations.

For floor installation or refurbishment, it is advised that facility managers work closely with a liquid-applied flooring manufacturer possessing a proven history of successful applications in the food and beverage industry, and who can specify the appropriate floor coating systems for each production area in compliance with all regulatory recommendations.