Handling Plastic Zip Ties
How do we feel about trimming the tails? Cut the the tail, or leave it hanging?
Funny you should ask, we just had this convo 1/2 hour ago..............i asked for the tail to be left on, that way it's really easy to see if it's intact
I don't see any risk in leaving them hanging out.
Funny, this has been a conversation for 2 weeks in my place. I vote for cutting it. The ends may deteriorate faster overtime and can detach and fall if close to a food contact surface...
Another control is to use a metal detectable zip tie.
We cut the tails so they are not in the way. We use metal detectable zip ties (w/o cutting the tail) closer to or above processing machines.
I used to trim them tight. Then I thought about how many times I've lost that trimming, decided to leave the tail. Now we have the entire piece to account for if it ever becomes an issue. Also using BRIGHT neon colors to make them more visible to packers. Metal ties are $1 + each! Thanks for your thoughts.
We use the metal detectable version now, originally plant built many years ago and the ziptie were not a concern. One complaint changed that, now we have changed thousands to metal detectable and we cut the tails off. However, recent internal audit said we should have left tails on as the would be more easily detectable, they also proposed that we again change to a full metal hose clamp type over all our product flows. The game goes on. :silly:
We specify metal detectable blue coloured Ty-Rap zip ties (rated to 1.5 mm ferrous sphere) and cut the ends. The issue with cutting the ends that we have considered is that edge can be sharp which potentially cause a cut injury to an employee undertaking cleaning or maintenance duties depending on the type of protective glove in use. Hence some discussion around leaving tails on but this can be less neat and cause other issues due to the added length protruding. I am sure either way it would be determined by an auditor to be either the right or wrong way due to possible subjective preference.
Off course the other side is to minimise the use of zip ties where possible and use structured ducting or piping to conceal and control any cables or wiring. We have found some equipment suppliers prefer to use CABLOFIL wire mesh cable tray for projects but have found this style combined with the use of zip ties allows for crumbs and food particles to be trapped in a dry clean production environment leading to be a bigger issue when maintaining to a high level of hygiene. Hence we specify where possible a different cable management system.