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August 26, 2018

Bad practice goes against the grain

by Tim Doggett, Director, Clugston Distribution, UK

In any production line or process, the potential for contamination is a serious risk and in the event of such, swift and effective action is vital

This particularly applies to a food grade silo, where immediate action must be undertaken to prevent a contamination further affecting the production line, to remove the product and clean the silo, all of which can result in significant costs and downtime.
 


Therefore, it is vital to have a thorough and effective contingency plan, which includes a bulk powder evacuation service provider who can rapidly and effectively react to minimise the risk to business.

Only vacuum tankers operated by an experienced service provider should be used for both planned transfers and emergency situations such as damaged or contaminated silos. The use of a food grade-only silo tanker will maintain the correct hygiene requirements, whatever the reason for the evacuation.

Keep your powder dry: Contamination issues
A variety of reasons can lead to contamination and not just from what goes into the silo. Even issues such as poor design or ventilation can create warm and humid areas that can encourage bacteria to grow which means it is important to ensure regular and effective maintenance regimes.

Contamination of a silo or storage area is of the highest concern and a serious risk for many large-scale bakeries and food processors. Once a potential contamination occurs or is identified, the product will have to be evacuated and dealt with correctly, resulting in the possible loss of product and in turn, significant costs or damage to reputation.

In addition to the initial setback in business operations, procedures must be undertaken to subsequently clean the silo. Any evacuation service must be provided swiftly, efficiently and be available 24/7 to minimise potential downtime, while at the same time maintaining the highest food hygiene standards.

Contamination risk within the evacuation process itself is also an important consideration. A silo evacuation service supplier must ensure that the affected product is only ever transferred from a silo into a tanker that is specified to carry the material in question – it must also provide assurances about the company’s regular cleaning routine for its tankers.

Time for some TLC

Although most silos are durable, without regular maintenance they may be at risk of losing their shape and integrity. Frequent inspections should be taken to look over the foundation, structure and openings to ensure the contents are not exposed to water or rust.

Fans should be clear of debris, the roof secure and the unload system carefully inspected. Evacuation may be required to carry out larger maintenance projects, in addition to any unplanned downtime that arises from faults or problems.

Similarly, tankers used for food transportation must comply with all food hygiene standards while drivers should be suitably qualified and appropriately trained.


Read the full article, HERE.
 

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.


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