Version 9 of the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard states that “all production and product-handling equipment shall be suitable for the intended purpose and shall be used to minimise the risk of contamination of product.” (Clause 4.6.1)
This expectation has led many sites to re-think their choice of production equipment: eliminating potential harbourage points, assessing the risks of small external parts, and asking questions about the choice of material.
In regards to the final point, grade 304 stainless steel has long been a popular choice throughout the industry, with no signs of this slowing down. Compliant with BRCGS audit expectations, it offers the following benefits:
- Highly resistant to rust and corrosion
- Strong and durable
- Suited to high temperatures
- Non-porous and non-reactive
- Food contact approved
- Easy to clean and maintain
You may also have heard of grade 316 stainless steel, a material that is even more resistant to corrosion due to its unique composition. However, this is a more expensive choice that is typically reserved for applications such as architectural panelling and large kitchen appliances. In contrast, grade 304 stainless steel exists as the ultimate combination of durability and affordability.
With this in mind, we have created an overview of the most popular examples of grade 304 stainless steel equipment. In this article, we will be covering a wide range of solutions, organised into the following five categories. Although there is valuable content in each section, you also have the option of using the buttons below to skip to the equipment most relevant to your site.
Stainless Steel EuroBins
Also known as Tote Bins, EuroBins are one of the most popular examples of stainless steel equipment; used across the food production industry for the storage, transfer, and lifting of products and ingredients.
Due to the fact that they are in constant contact with food items, EuroBins have to be hygienically designed; made from a smooth, easy-to-clean material that is food-contact approved.
Often filled with wet ingredients, they also have to be resistant to rust and corrosion. Otherwise they could become a food safety risk and a serious point of audit non-conformance.
Although standard stainless steel Eurobins provide the qualities listed above, many sites are taking things one step further – opting for an electropolished finish.
This is because, stainless steel surfaces that have been electropolished possess an electrical charge that prevents bacterial growth. They are also even more resistant to corrosion, and ultra-smooth for easy cleaning.
Stainless Steel Production Equipment
Many sites also use production equipment that has been made from grade 304 stainless steel – again, favouring this material for its durability and strength, along with the fact that it is food contact approved.
Although stainless steel production equipment is incredibly hard-wearing, if it has been ergonomically designed, it should still be lightweight and easy to work with.
Cleaning should also be a simple task, as it is often just a case of wiping any dirt or debris away with a cloth, with hygiene teams rarely required to resort to serious agitation.
Stainless steel is also suited to solutions that need to be equal parts hygienic and durable. For example, a robust stand that keeps production buckets at the recommended height off the factory floor. Made from stainless steel, it has the strength to take the weight of a heavy bucket, but is also easy enough to clean that it won’t become a food safety risk.
Stainless Steel PPE Dispensers
The next area to consider is the PPE dispensers at your site. Often, these dispensers will be stainless steel to reduce the risk of cross contamination and a foreign body incident.
The fact that they are easy to clean is also important, as regular, effective cleans will prevent the PPE from being compromised.
Open Glove / Face Mask Dispensers
With smooth edges to prevent injury, stainless steel open dispensers allow you to hygienically store your PPE without having to compromise on ease of refill or access.
Multi-Purpose PPE Dispensers
Alternatively, you could store your PPE in a closed dispenser with a vision panel that allows you to gage how full the holder is, along with a lift lid for easy refills.
Stainless Steel Clipboards and Stationery
When it comes to small, moveable items such as clipboards and stationery, hygienic design is key. Ideally, the equipment in this category will be resistant to rust and corrosion, metal detectable, and unlikely to result in cross-contamination or a foreign-body incident.
As a result, stainless steel equipment is a popular choice across the food production industry, meeting all the requirements listed above, but also offering increased strength and durability.
Below are six of the most common examples of stainless steel stationery. You can click on the images to learn more about each item:
Scissors
Ideal for every day tasks such as sampling small batches and cutting open product packages.
Ruler
Carry out important measurements without compromising on food safety and hygiene.
Bulldog Clip
Designed for installation on machines and containers so documents can be kept close to the relevant equipment.
Ring Binder
Protect paper documents from spills and splashes as you navigate the factory floor. Designed to ensure quick opening and closing.
Clipboard
Suited to internal audits, quality checks, and other essential tasks. Featuring a useful lip for the safe retention of documents.
Laptop Stand
Keep your technology safe and reduce the risk of cross-contamination by ensuring laptops are only set down in designated areas.
Stainless Steel Shelves and Storage
You should also prioritise durability and hygienic design when selecting the storage solutions for your site.
Whilst shadow boards are suited to the storage of hygiene and production equipment, and food handling containers and stainless steel EuroBins are suited to the storage of raw ingredients and finished products, stainless steel storage is the ideal choice for other essential items.
Examples include clipboards, documents, fragile or expensive items, cleaning cloths and more.
Clipboard Holder
Prevent the clipboards at your site from going missing and make sure they are being stored in a hygienic manner between use.
Document Holder
Safely organise the documents and files in your production office. Featuring four compartments for increased storage.
Storage Box
Protect fragile equipment or important documents with a highly-durable storage box. Top hinged and lock free for easy access.
Cloth Holder
Hygienically designed to ensure the cloths at your site remain safe and secure before use. Open dispenser for quick and easy access.
Storage Bin
Use alongside a stainless steel rail to create a multi-bin, wall-mounted storage system. Featuring a hanging lip to keep the contents secure.
Factory Shelf
Simple and sturdy, for use in and around food factories. Reduce the risk of cross-contamination and drive standards of hygiene.
That brings us to the end of our guide to Stainless Steel Equipment and the role it could play at your food production site. We hope you have come away with a deeper understanding of the solutions that would be best suited to your operation.
Here at Klipspringer, we have been supplying food factories with equipment for over twenty years, so if you would appreciate further guidance in this area, you can contact us on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.
If you would like further guidance relating to the equipment mentioned in this article, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below to arrange a free consultation.
Shadow Boards & Equipment Storage
Visual Management
Hygiene & Production Equipment
Food Handling & Storage Containers
Instrumentation and Monitoring
Calibration & Service
Segregation & Washdown Covers
Detectable Equipment
Specialist PPE
Stainless Steel Equipment
Hygiene Squeegees
Vacuum Cleaners
Food Manufacturing
Food Storage, Distribution & Retail
Auditors & Food Safety Inspectors
Food Service & Hospitality