The maintenance of food processing equipment can be costly. Thus, it is important to educate workers in food production on proper ways to maintain these machines. Regular maintenance of equipment should be done to increase their lifespan. However, given a food production line, one must maintain high levels of hygiene as food contamination can be harmful to people’s health.
This guide has identified some key issues that often linked to maintenance of food processing equipment.
Maintaining Good Hygiene
In most firms where food processing takes place, they require the maintenance technicians to first fill the health form before they start rendering their services. However, contractors who are known to have cases of open wounds, cold, flu or any other health-related problems should be restricted from providing the maintenance service since unhealthy issues can easily be transferrable to the processed food.
When operating the machinery, one must also observe simple hygiene practices like washing hands before conducting any equipment repair or servicing. It is necessary for you to avoid placing greasy and unclean hands on a surface containing food products. This will help in reducing food poisoning.
Any time when a repair takes place in food processing equipment is significant for you to ensure the facility has been washed with hot detergent water and sanitized before the production process takes place. This process serves to be the best opportunity for inspecting the erroneous parts.
Minimise Welding Parts
It’s advisable for you to avoid welding if possible. Spot welds are known to create difficulties in times of cleaning. Besides, they leave exposed spaces that can gather dust, providing habitation for microorganisms and insects.
Regular Servicing
Regular check on the machines should be conducted. Parts that are worn-out should be replaced with an immediate effect. This will help in ensuring the production process is continuous. Besides, it averts wreckages from ruined parts dirtying the manufacturing line. Additionally, paints are not encouraged for food contact surfaces. This is because it easily peels off and can land on food products causing food contamination.
When the equipment is being serviced by the technician, you can take a breather by engaging in fun activities such as playing from your mobile device to increase your chances of hitting the mega jackpot.
Keep away the glass
A lot of care should be taken to ensure no glass piece lands on food products. A good design should be laid on the production line such that when a glass breaks some pieces will not enter the food products. The number of items made of glass should be minimized in a food processing place.
The only glass-made items that should be found in the food production line should only be the fluorescent light tubes and windows. However, the light tubes are supposed to be covered by an acrylic sheath as a way of preventing the landing of glass in the food products whenever there is a tube breakage. Besides, a lot of care should be taken when changing the light tubes so as to minimize the chances of breakage.
Lubrication with Approved Oils
If you want to maintain your equipment in good condition, it is vital for you to apply approved lubricants to the machine. Food processing machinery should also be lubricated with the food-grade oils. Limited amount of oil should be applied to avoid spillage into the food product which may cause food contamination.