Wood platforms in food areas
Hello, all! I can use some guidance on a topic: are wood platforms acceptable in a food blending area? Details: we would be dry blending with the occasional wet clean for allergen control, the platforms would be used to allow employees to add ingredients to the blender. My initial thought is "wood is not cleanable" therefore either the platforms have to be removed and replaced or cover said platforms with something that is cleanable. I have concerns about option 2 as water/cleaning chemicals can/probably will get between the added surface and the wood creating harborage points. Option 1 may not happen due to costs, timing, etc.
I greatly appreciate everyone's help on this!
Jacqui
I would agree that the wood should not be used. I'm trying to envision how you cover it effectively.
Depending on the size of the platform, fiberglass grating isn't too expensive.
example
The wooden platforms would ideally be replaced. You're correct that wood platforms are difficult to adequately clean. Over time the wood may also rot with exposure to wet cleanings. They should be replaced with metal work platforms, these are safer as well due to being much heavier. A heavier platform is less prone to slipping around underneath you, as some wooden platforms may tend to.
Here are some examples, remember to make sure if the dimensions of these platforms fit your requirements and can hold up to your cleaning standards.
The wooden platforms would ideally be replaced. You're correct that wood platforms are difficult to adequately clean. Over time the wood may also rot with exposure to wet cleanings. They should be replaced with metal work platforms, these are safer as well due to being much heavier. A heavier platform is less prone to slipping around underneath you, as some wooden platforms may tend to.
Here are some examples, remember to make sure if the dimensions of these platforms fit your requirements and can hold up to your cleaning standards.
I didn't even consider the whole thing was made of wood.
We have toyed with the idea of how to safely do something like this.
We have thought about a ladder or step stool but worry about an employee falling down when pouring in a heavy item. But wood has never been an option. Too hard to clean but also we do not allow any wood in our production area to prevent foreign material contamination.
These look expensive (https://www.marchant...tion/platforms/) but they look like a great investment.
I didn't even consider the whole thing was made of wood.
I considered it because I worked somewhere with this exact problem! They used a thick wooden step-stool to load into a blender. The OP may have a different situation though, it wasn't specified if this was a wood platform on a SS frame, or simply a large step-stool.
How high are you reaching?
The entire current platform is made of wood: it has about 3 to 4 feet lengthwise (maybe more), about 3 feet widthwise of walkable surface that is currently about 2 feet off the ground- I think.
We may have to figure out the best option for this platform once we get the blender in: I don't have dimensions of that new blender, or the platform, handy (because why would your food safety person need that information?) :) My production/maintenance team is open to removing the wood and replacing it, or part of it, with some kind of steel.
Jacqui
I found this...
https://www.stagedro...BCABEgKg-_D_BwE
at least it wont break the bank. Maybe a temp solution until you can afford something like the suggestions in previous posts. I'd try to get that wood platform out ASAP.