Dairy Processing - March/April 2024 - 58

FOOD SAFETY
Standing water or poorly
designed drains can also create
hazardous conditions for workers,
leading to potential injuries.
Additionally, inadequate drainage can
result in water damage to facilities
and equipment, leading to costly
repairs and production downtime. "
Viking Kristjansson, Global Drain Technologies
don't require grate covers, making it that much easier to keep
an area sanitized, whether that be with a brush and paddle or
a clean in place (CIP) system.
The manufacturer's 10,000 Series Slot Drain is CIP
compatible, made with stainless steel and designed without
seams and grooves - another way to keep bacteria out of
the environment.
The company also highlighted the system's food-grade
stainless steel drain channel, which it said is resistant not only
to " extreme temperatures, " but also to bacteria and corrosion.
FoodSafe Drains describes the Slot Drain system as easy
to install, pre-sloped and pre-assembled. Plus, the company
said the absence of a grate covering makes it easier for facility
employees to inspect a drain channel and verify it is free
of debris.
Kristjansson noted that another benefit of a Slot Drain
system is that a stainless steel design meets the dairy
industry's standards. He said Slot Drain solutions " tend to be
more hygienic than trench drains with catch basins because
they have fewer hard-to-clean areas. This choice aligns with
58 MAR-APR 2024 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
industry best practices, promoting a safer and more sanitary
work environment. "
FURTHER BEST PRACTICES
While offering direction to dairy processing professionals,
Kristjansson emphasized that ease of cleaning for a drainage
system helps make sure sanitation protocols are impactful. He
said rounded corners and stainless steel reduce operational
costs, improve safety for a plant's employees and mitigate
safety risks.
Reiterating the benefits of stainless steel, Kristjansson also
recommended the material for its durability and resistance
to rust.
" Choosing the right materials is crucial for ensuring
food safety and maintaining efficiency in dairy facilities, " he
said. " Additionally, using materials that are durable and can
withstand heavy equipment and frequent cleanings can help
prevent wear and tear on the drainage system. "
Once a drainage system is installed and operating at a facility,
Kristjansson said prioritizing regular maintenance is a must.
" This can prevent costly downtime in dairy operations
and help maintain food safety standards, " he explained. " It
is recommended to have a regular cleaning and maintenance
schedule in place for all drainage systems. "
To ensure drainage systems remain compliant with food
safety standards, he said processors have to stay up to date
with NSF/ANSI/3-A and SQF standards, and comply with
current norms for food contact surfaces. Furthermore, he
said a proper HACCP program considers drainage, cleaning
processes and flooring as a collective unit, with each part
impacting another area's performance.
" This integrated approach is crucial for managing risks in
dairy facilities, " Kristjansson said.
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Dairy Processing - March/April 2024

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