Shadow board mounting methods can influence hygiene practices and operational efficiency. Discover the five options available.

The mounting method you choose for your shadow boards can have a real impact on factors such as operational efficiency, cleaning practices, and how easily the layout of your site can change over time. To help you make the right decision, this article outlines the main shadow board mounting options, highlighting their practical benefits and key considerations.

Klipspringer supplies shadow boards with all five mounting methods, so our team is on hand to provide further information or discuss any specific requirements. Click here to get in touch.

Freestanding Mobile Shadow Boards 

Freestanding mobile shadow boards offer increased flexibility in busy production environments. Available as single- or double-sided boards on a stainless steel frame with braked castors, they can be easily moved to where tools are needed most.

They are particularly well suited to dynamic production areas where layouts change regularly. The ability to wheel boards into washrooms can also support hygiene teams by simplifying cleaning procedures, helping to reduce hygiene windows and improve operational efficiency.

Freestanding mobile shadow boards can be introduced without the need for wall fixings. This makes them ideal for factories where wall space is limited or unsuitable. It also removes the risks associated with fixing holes, which can otherwise become potential bacterial harbourage points.

The main consideration is that mobile boards require dedicated floor space and typically come at a higher cost than fixed wall-mounted options. However, for sites that value adaptability and ease of movement, this trade-off is often worthwhile.

There are three sizes of frame available:

650 x 1700mm

850 x 1700mm

1050 x 1700mm

Case Study | Chaucer Foods UK

“Work areas are more organised
through the introduction of purpose-built shadow boards. Mobile utensil stations reduce unnecessary movement, improving access to tools at the point of use and increasing operational efficiency.”

Darren Walker, Operations Manager,
Chaucer Foods UK Ltd.

Read the Chaucer Foods UK Case Study

Freestanding Static Shadow Boards

Freestanding static shadow boards offer many of the benefits of a floor-mounted solution but are better suited to applications where mobility isn’t a regular requirement. Supported by a robust stainless steel frame, these boards can be single- or double-sided. They can also be fixed to the factory floor for added stability.

This mounting method works particularly well when production lines are not close to factory walls and operatives would otherwise need to walk back and forth to collect tools. It is also a practical option if wall space is limited, or if walls are unsuitable for drilling or magnetic mounting.

As with all freestanding solutions, dedicated floor space is required and costs are typically higher than for wall-mounted boards. However, for sites seeking a reliable, hygienic option with some layout flexibility, freestanding static shadow boards strike a good balance.

There are three sizes of frame available:

650 x 1700mm

850 x 1700mm

1050 x 1700mm

Magnetic Wall-Mounted Shadow Boards

Magnetic wall-mounted shadow boards are the most popular wall-mounted option in the Klipspringer range, particularly in dynamic food manufacturing environments where flexibility and hygiene efficiency are key.

With a pull force of up to 42kg, magnetic shadow boards provide a strong, secure hold while still allowing boards to be lifted on and off factory walls in seconds. This makes it easy to reposition tools closer to the teams who need them, reducing unnecessary movement.

It is also a significant advantage for hygiene teams, as magnetic shadow boards can be quickly taken down, removing the need to work around or clean behind them. As a result, hygiene processes can be simpler and more consistent, supporting shorter hygiene windows, improved operational efficiency, and ongoing audit compliance.

As with any magnetic solution, suitable wall surfaces are required to achieve full flexibility. If this isn’t the case, steel composite panels can be introduced to provide a secure mounting surface.

Load capacity is another consideration; however, with a pull force of up to 42kg, magnetic mounting is suitable for a wide range of applications, and the Klipspringer team can easily assess suitability based on the tools being stored.

Fixed-to-Wall Shadow Boards

Fixed-to-wall mounting is a straightforward approach to installing shadow boards, with sites using their preferred fixings to attach boards directly to the wall.

This method works well for permanent installations or external areas where the location of the shadow boards is unlikely to change. Fixed-to-wall mounting also allows uneven wall surfaces to be accommodated more easily.

It’s worth noting that the cleaning of fixed-to-wall shadow boards may require slightly more time and effort, especially when compared to boards that can be removed with ease, positioned away from the wall, or wheeled into a suitable washdown area.

Drilled holes also need to be properly managed, particularly if a board is removed or relocated. Otherwise, there is a risk of hygiene issues and audit non-conformities. Even so, with suitable installation and maintenance practices in place, fixed-to-wall shadow boards remain a practical and reliable solution.

Stand-Off
Wall-Mounted Shadow Boards

Stand-off wall-mounted shadow boards are fixed using stainless steel spacers that create a 25mm gap between the board and the wall. This design feature improves access for hygiene teams, allowing surfaces behind the board to be cleaned more easily and effectively.

As with any drilled installation, care must be taken to ensure that any holes created by fixings are properly sealed if the shadow boards are relocated or removed in the future. The space behind the board should also be included in routine cleaning schedules.

With appropriate procedures in place, this mounting method is well suited to many food production environments.

Each shadow board mounting method offers different advantages depending on your site’s layout, hygiene requirements, and operational needs.

By understanding the benefits and limitations of each approach, you can choose the most suitable option and deliver real value to the teams working hard at your site.

If you would like support in this area, you can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, complete the form below and we will be in touch. 

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