5 replies to this topic

[OrRedFood]

Hi - I have been performing a listeria investigation to find root cause of listeria in a certain confined processing area in our plant. After adding increased sanitation, strong sanitizer solution for entryway, changing traffic patterns, and using peroxyacetic acid based foot powder to stop the listeria positives, I have narrowed it down to the anti-fatigue mats that the employees are standing on as they work the sorting line. 

 

I can't eliminate them completely; the employees are standing for the whole shift on concrete floors and need them. We already foam and sanitize them daily, but I think they are just soaked through and contaminated and must be disposed of. 

 

Has anyone had any luck with anti-microbial anti fatigue mats, and if so any brand/type? There are smooth ones textured ones, etc...in nitrile, polyurethane, nitricelle, vinyl, etc.  I would love some recommendations on what works or does not work, ease of cleaning, and durability.

 

Thanks!

[PrplomSolved]

Hi - I have been performing a listeria investigation to find root cause of listeria in a certain confined processing area in our plant. After adding increased sanitation, strong sanitizer solution for entryway, changing traffic patterns, and using peroxyacetic acid based foot powder to stop the listeria positives, I have narrowed it down to the anti-fatigue mats that the employees are standing on as they work the sorting line. 

 

I can't eliminate them completely; the employees are standing for the whole shift on concrete floors and need them. We already foam and sanitize them daily, but I think they are just soaked through and contaminated and must be disposed of. 

 

Has anyone had any luck with anti-microbial anti fatigue mats, and if so any brand/type? There are smooth ones textured ones, etc...in nitrile, polyurethane, nitricelle, vinyl, etc.  I would love some recommendations on what works or does not work, ease of cleaning, and durability.

 

Thanks!

 

We (3rd party food testing laboratory) currently use the marbled anti-fatigue mats from Uline, but they are basically ruined once they get even a little wet. I’m considering switching to interlocking rubber mat tiles instead because they appear easier to clean and don’t hold water... 

[GMO]

I'm not a big believer if I'm honest in these mats being antimicrobial long term.  Even if they have a surface or coating, over time they will get damaged.

 

Is there an option to look at your team members' footwear to see if there's something you can do there?  Even if it's a comfort insole to help with standing for so long?

[Tony-C]

Hi OrRedFood,

 

These are probably the most suitable type for a food facility: Five anti-fatigue mats that fit the brief for factory environments

 

I have used this type of matting before but only in foot baths so kept in fresh disinfectant solution.

 

To be honest I agree with GMO, mats are bug traps and tend to be difficult to clean in situ, so I doubt you would solve your Listeria issue. I would look to remove the mats and provide anti-fatigue footwear.

 

For example Industrial Anti-Fatigue Footwear

Industrial footwear specializing in anti-fatigue technology. Trusted for the toughest, most demanding jobs. Designed for comfort, quality and performance.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

[G M]

These soft materials become a 'consumable' sanitation/maintenance expense.  They might begin non-porous or with anti-microbial properties/coatings but with use and wear they become harborage sites.  

 

Footwear and/or floor mats get replaced with time, and just become part of the cost of keeping pathogens to minimal levels in the production environment.

 

The hard flooring materials have the same issue, but have a longer replacement cycle.

[AZuzack]

I've worked for two companies that have used this (link below) supplier to get insoles for the workers that stood all day and I really liked the Megasole ones.  But if you google search "Megacomfort Megasole", you'll find them on Grainger & Amazon.  Sid's website shows the other versions from the same manufacturer.  

 

https://sidboedeker....es/insoles.html