The article “Sanitary, Safe & Long-lasting Floors” in Food Engineering Magazine by Carla Scully explores why food processors need to install non slip flooring within their processing facilities and what  different non slip flooring options are available.

The first option she examines is metal non slip flooring manufactured by SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring.  Numerous food processors across the nation have been using SlipNOT® non slip flooring products for decades in various processing areas like platforms, crossovers, stair treads, drain covers, walkways, and more.  In fact the article states, Campbell Soup has been using SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring products for over 20 years in facilities throughout North America.  The director of safety for Campbell Soup states, “We chose them because they are the most durable in our environment.”   He also notes, “We’ve gone with similar-type products that don’t withstand the rigors of our processes.”  Christina Molnar, vice president of SlipNOT® Metal Safety Flooring emphasizes, “The old technology of diamond plate is not truly slip resistant when fats drop on it.”
Scully lists other benefits of SlipNOT® non slip flooring including:

• Products are available in a variety of various grades from less aggressive, but easier to clean, non slip flooring to grades with more traction
• Products have a 20+-year life expectancy
• Products are cleanable with caustic materials without problems

The other non slip flooring options Carla examines within the article include polyurethane based flooring products, vitrified tile flooring and urethane mortar flooring systems among others.  These non slip flooring products also have benefits within a food processing facility.

• One benefit of polyurethane based non slip flooring is an anti-microbial additive to enhance clean ability.
• An advantage of vitrified tile flooring is that it is functional yet decorative.
• Urethane mortar non slip flooring saves money because it does not need a primer or top coat.

There are many non slip flooring products that can be used within food processing facilities and advantages to each, the important aspect of this article is that every food processing plant should have some type of non slip flooring to protect workers.

Scully, Carla. “Sanitary, Safe & Long-lasting Floors.” Food Engineering Magazine. February 2009.  .

Filed under: Workplace Safety by Beth Faraci