Page 41 - FoodFocusThailand No.184 July 2021

SMART PRODUCTION

Cleaning Additives 3. In case of chemical injury to the eye, flush the affected area with a neutral eye solution
1. Sequestrants or chelating agents yield followed by a large amount of clean water until the pain is attenuated.
different performances, depending on the chosen 4. Periodic eye assessment should be performed after exposure to chemicals.
type of solvent. Water, for instance, can bind with 5. Chemically induced fires must be immediately extinguished in conjunction with
Ca and Mg at temperatures of up to 60°C and suitable corrective measures such as providing fireproof clothing to potentially exposed
have a long shelf life. individuals in fire risk areas.
2. Surfactants help improve the dispersion Certain chemicals, such as cleaning agents, insecticides, or rodenticides, may
of a cleaning compound. contaminate food-processing equipment and food products. Contamination prevention
should be ensured via proper training of cleaning personnel and complete removal of
Selection of Cleaning Compounds chemical compound residues from machinery before the start of the next manufacturing
1. The types and amount of soil should be operation.
taken into consideration as different cleaning
agents are suitable for different types of soil, from Service Info C005
the easily removable to the persistent. Cleaning
purposes, amount and types of soil are factors to More Information
be considered.
2. Temperature and concentration yield
different cleaning efficacies. For example, strongly
acidic cleaners, if used at a temperature higher
than 55°C, can efficiently remove protein-based
deposits or highly adhesive stains.
3. The length of a sanitizing operation
should be taken into consideration when an
operation line is temporarily stopped for hygiene
maintenance. The age of soils must be assessed
so that a suitable compound can be chosen to
ensure a fast and effective sanitizing process.
4. The selection of appropriate sanitizing
equipment is an important contributor to effective
results. For instance, high pressure tools suitable
for high-pressure agitations, mixings, and sprays
can easily help remove persistent stains.

Proper Storage of Cleaning
Compounds
Personnel in charge of the storage of cleaning
compounds must ensure that containers are
properly closed after use and stored far away from
high-traffic areas. The ideal place for storage
should be dry and have normal, and not excessively
low, temperatures. Regular inspections on the use
and storage of these items should be performed.
Instructions and other relevant information should
be clearly labeled. Toxic or skin-damaging
chemicals should be kept in properly closed, non-
leaking containers that are in good condition,
labeled with warning signs, and stored far from
food-processing areas to prevent any potential
induction of chemical reactions that may occur
before or during usage. A sprinkler system should
also be installed in the storage area.
A waterproof clothing should be worn to
prevent contact with dangerous cleaning
compounds. In an area where compound sprays
are present overhead, the cleaning personnel
should wear long well-fitted, gloves and boots.
Protective goggles should be worn during the
sanitizing operation in a place where a high
concentration of radiation or chemical compounds
is present. In case of chemical exposure or injury,
the following steps should be taken:
1. Immediately flush the affected area with
water for a duration of 15-20 minutes.
2. Do not treat the affected area with a solution
that has opposite properties. For example, an
exposure to acid must not be treated with an
alkaline compound.

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