Dock Door Screens SQF
Hello,
As we enter into the full heat of summer my company's production and packing areas are exceeding a tolerable heat limit. I am wondering if I can purchase dock door bug screens (similar to the picture I attached), to help with airflow and still remain SQF compliant. They are dock doors in both production and packing they do not open directly into each area as it is a bay but there is no concrete separation between the bay and production two. My biggest concern is dust. Any input on this being a SQF compliant solution would be very helpful!
Thank you!
Amanda
Yes, but with a disclaimer - do a risk assessment of exterior areas (wind, weather, exhaust fumes, contributing factors from your neighborhood, etc (and as you mentioned dust.)
I have an SQF client that put in a door with screens like this and then added filter sheets after doing an assesment of exterior conditions.
Document your risk analysis.
My facility has them on all doors (roughly 20) and they are superb at improving the airflow. Consider installing overhead fans as well.
Like anything, they require maintenance- though not overwhelming. if you have a high traffic roll-up door, like a ramp to the lot or yard, you will want to put an electric eye on each side of the door. if you go with a manual control, experience shows that material handling drivers tend to leave them in the open position while they are transiting in and out... so they don't have to dismount their vehicle on each side of the door, each time they move thru it.
Like SQF Consultant mentioned, Do your risk analysis, that would justify you installing the screens. Rule is that if you want to implement something, you always must show how you're controlling contamination in your facility/product. Make sure it also controls pests FYI, as in a previous company we tried installing them and certain pests could still pass through them.
Great feedback, thank you!
Amandamill,
We have this same issue in our warehouse and production areas (we're in Houston AND we have heating rooms!). Our auditors' main concerns were pest control and food defense. They mentioned that we should have an exterior fence that closes/locks and only opens when allowed in by authorized personnel, and that if we do use screens (which we do, but one was flapping a bit) that they are more secure. Ours are velcro, but of course that loses some grip over time. Magnetic screens were mentioned. Right now, we're working on getting quotes for a fence/gate.
Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
These will work.
KRG is right that it may be a security issue, but you can address that in your risk assessment.
You can also just close the doors on the rare dusty days depending on what the actual conditions are like.
-Josh Heinrichs
Hello,
As we enter into the full heat of summer my company's production and packing areas are exceeding a tolerable heat limit. I am wondering if I can purchase dock door bug screens (similar to the picture I attached), to help with airflow and still remain SQF compliant. They are dock doors in both production and packing they do not open directly into each area as it is a bay but there is no concrete separation between the bay and production two. My biggest concern is dust. Any input on this being a SQF compliant solution would be very helpful!
Thank you!
Amanda
Hello,
As we enter into the full heat of summer my company's production and packing areas are exceeding a tolerable heat limit. I am wondering if I can purchase dock door bug screens (similar to the picture I attached), to help with airflow and still remain SQF compliant. They are dock doors in both production and packing they do not open directly into each area as it is a bay but there is no concrete separation between the bay and production two. My biggest concern is dust. Any input on this being a SQF compliant solution would be very helpful!
Thank you!
Amanda
Another alternative addition for a conventional set-up, + temp-wise, is to install an elevated, industrial size, air conditioner blowing outwards.
Like SQF Consultant mentioned, Do your risk analysis, that would justify you installing the screens. Rule is that if you want to implement something, you always must show how you're controlling contamination in your facility/product. Make sure it also controls pests FYI, as in a previous company we tried installing them and certain pests could still pass through them.
Food Scientist, could you elaborate on the pests that can still pass through? Thanks.
Food Scientist, could you elaborate on the pests that can still pass through? Thanks.
There were certain flies that can pass through or stick onto the screen which was very annoying.