8 replies to this topic

[Kapt]

Hi!

New to FSSC 22000 and the first problem I've come across is how to keep the boxes off the floor when collecting.

We have tried different wheeled platforms but they haven't really worked.

Carpets also don't work because you have to be able to pull the pallet jack on the floor. We collect packaged meat and food at our premises.
What kind of solutions have you made?

[AltonBrownFanClub]

Could you explain a little more about your process?

It sounds like you are unloading pallets?

 

We use these carts. Packages are moved from pallets to these, and then moved to storage, packing, etc.

They're easy to clean and can roll anywhere.

It is also more ergonomic to lift from waist-height versus working from the floor.

 

https://www.uline.co...Platform-Trucks

 

https://www.uline.co...ASABEgLN2fD_BwE

 

 

[G M]

I'm not sure what process you're dealing with, but when we have problems with our automated case erectors or case packers the team members will frequently need to place a pallet or two next to the machine and manually pull items off and temporarily pile them on pallets. 

 

Our inspectors do not like to see cases, secondary packaging or shipping containers, on the floor for any reason.  So they go onto temporary pallets instead.

 

From a practical angle this makes no sense, the wooden pallets are probably more likely to contain filth than the smooth concrete floor, but it makes the inspector happy so that's what we do.

[Tony-C]

Hi Kapt!

 

 

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.

 

As per previous posts you need to explain the circumstances here. I would also agree that pallets are the typical solution although I would use plastic pallets whenever possible as they are more hygienic.

 

If using wooden pallets then I would expect to see a layer board used to prevent contact with the pallet.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[Setanta]

We have for short term use, placed clean slip sheets on the floor to place the cases on. I don't like it, but it seems to satisfy auditors.

[jfrey123]

We have for short term use, placed clean slip sheets on the floor to place the cases on. I don't like it, but it seems to satisfy auditors.

 

Ew, I don't like it either but it fits the word of the code (if not the spirit haha).  For my facilities, we use plastic pallets if the work is being done in the production area, and wood pallets if you're doing it in storage or on the shipping/receiving dock.

[Kapt]

Could you explain a little more about your process?

It sounds like you are unloading pallets?

 

We use these carts. Packages are moved from pallets to these, and then moved to storage, packing, etc.

They're easy to clean and can roll anywhere.

It is also more ergonomic to lift from waist-height versus working from the floor.

 

https://www.uline.co...Platform-Trucks

 

https://www.uline.co...ASABEgLN2fD_BwE

 

Yes we unload and load pallets. Problem is we move transboxes from pallet to pallet (collecting) and sometimes it can be whole tower of boxes you move from pallet to pallet so it's too heavy if you can't slide it on the floor so rubbermats are not a solution for us. 

 

 

 

From a practical angle this makes no sense, the wooden pallets are probably more likely to contain filth than the smooth concrete floor, but it makes the inspector happy so that's what we do.

 

This is what's annoying to me too. Cause those pallets are usually dirtier than our floor which gets cleaned often.
But what inspector want's we have to deliver.

 

Hi Kapt!

 

 

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.

 

As per previous posts you need to explain the circumstances here. I would also agree that pallets are the typical solution although I would use plastic pallets whenever possible as they are more hygienic.

 

If using wooden pallets then I would expect to see a layer board used to prevent contact with the pallet.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

 

We have for short term use, placed clean slip sheets on the floor to place the cases on. I don't like it, but it seems to satisfy auditors.

 

 

Ew, I don't like it either but it fits the word of the code (if not the spirit haha).  For my facilities, we use plastic pallets if the work is being done in the production area, and wood pallets if you're doing it in storage or on the shipping/receiving dock.

 

So yes we use wooden pallets which is ok around here but the problem is moving boxes from pallet to pallet.

Pallets with boxes are usualle set so they make a ring so worker is in the middle and moves boxes to other pallets so customers at the same area are at the same pallet. We tried those little carts but workers complained they slow their work too much. But it seems that is quite customary to use those.

Sorry I'm really bad at explaining. But please ask more.

Edited by Kapt, 16 January 2025 - 10:39 AM.

[jfrey123]

Maybe I'm not picking up enough from what you describe, but why isn't stacking boxes onto a pallet and then moving the entire pallet with a pallet jack an option?  It sounds like you have a lot of double and triple handling of these boxes, that I'm all about reducing handling where possible.  Maybe pull in another manager for this department and take a good look at why you're sorting this way and come up with a different method?

[GMO]

Agree with the previous post. This has "get a cross functional team" written all over it. From a safety point of view those plastic trays are not meant to be slid along the floor and is a high risk of back injury if they're so heavy they can't be lifted. If you're having tk move the trays post filling, your layout is wrong and inefficient. And then the food safety of sliding a tray in the floor which could later be above another tray? Nope.

Get a team together. Ops, health and safety and engineering with you. Try different layouts and ideas for tools to both minimise the movements and risks. I bet you that as a team you will make it faster, safer and food safe.

Then sit back and receive accolades for your cross functional team work.

Edited by GMO, 30 January 2025 - 04:35 AM.