The process of open plant cleaning entails the thorough cleaning and disinfection and, if necessary, sterilisation of all machines and surfaces in a production area before a new batch of product is produced. This includes the planned cleaning of floors, ceilings, and walls. It is a critical part of the cleaning process, specifically in environments where food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and related products are produced.

As with any manufacturing plant, these facilities are essential to everyday operations. These areas and the equipment within them need to be kept hygienically clean to produce the desired recipe results for each batch. Effective cleaning and disinfection in plants such as these assist in preventing the spread of foodborne diseases, cross-contamination, product infection, and other biological and occupational health hazards.

In this article, as expert cleaning professionals, we at Pescatech will discuss the benefits of open plant cleaning and the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy manufacturing environment.

6 Benefits of Open Plant Cleaning Procedures

Although the benefits of maintaining a healthy working environment and implementing a comprehensive open plant cleaning programme in manufacturing facilities are numerous, we will attempt to condense these into a shortlist. These would include:

1. Improved Food Safety: Open plant cleaning assists in preventing the growth of mould, bacteria such as E-Coli, and other harmful microorganisms that may cause foodborne diseases. This is especially important in industries where products are sold for consumption to the general public like food and beverage (F&B) and related industries, where even the smallest of contaminations can have serious consequences for both the consumer and the manufacturer.
2. Prevents Cross-Contamination: In line with improved food safety, clean floors and other working surfaces prevent contamination from one area to another. Contamination may originate from a variety of sources, including dirty floors, unclean or unwashed machinery and equipment, dirt, dust, and grime. All these factors might harm product quality, brand reputation, and employee safety.
3. Extending Equipment Lifespan: Well-maintained machinery and other equipment will prolong their lifespans. Planned shutdowns and effective open plant cleaning procedures to eliminate grease, grime, and other elements from damaging the working parts of equipment will prevent them from breaking down. This extends their lifespans considerably.
4. Prevents Consequential Losses: Effective cleaning and regular inspections will also identify potential part failures, which might damage other areas of the machine, leading to further breakdowns. This will save you money in the long run and prevent expensive part replacements, professional repairs, and unplanned stoppages which create consequential losses like cancelled product runs, order cancellations, and paid staff downtime.
5. Increased Employee Safety and Productivity: Employees who work in a clean and safe environment are usually more likely to be productive. The lack of dirt, grime, contaminants, and unsafe machinery encourages less focus on the hazards and more concentration on the work. Additionally, slippery floors and unclean equipment can create occupational safety hazards and increase the risk of on-duty injuries to employees or even visiting clients, exposing companies to expensive hospital bills or even legal actions.
6. Reduction of Product Recalls and Increasing Customer Satisfaction: Perhaps the most important factor to consider is that products that are produced in a clean and sanitary environment according to a precise recipe of ingredients will have a uniform finish, taste, and quality, building the brand through reputation and loyalty. A well-executed open plant cleaning programme may promote product uniformity, prevent embarrassing product recalls, and assist in retaining a loyal clientele. Consumers are more likely to buy products from companies that they know and trust to be hygienically clean and produce safe products.

Several methods can be implemented in open plant cleaning programmes like spray-chemical treatments or mechanical cleaning with ride-on scrubbers, for example. However, regardless of the size of your facility, there will always be a place in every plant for quality brushes, brooms, buckets, and mops.

Consider Pescatech for Your Open Plant Cleaning Solutions

At Pescatech, we have travelled the globe to keep learning about each market in the F&B sector and affiliated industries that utilise sterile environments in which to work. We have learned from our global suppliers, consolidated this knowledge, and applied everything we have learned to the South African marketplace.

It is our passion for cleaning and the superior quality of our products and services that sets us ahead of the rest. If you are looking to invest in open plant cleaning equipment and supplies, contact us for expert advice, industry-leading equipment, and sterling after-sales service.

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