Teknomek has partnered with ACO, one of the world’s leading commercial drainage specialists to create the UK’s only Hygiene First drainage kits. Instead of customers having to purchase individual components, the Teknomek kits contain all the elements needed to install drainage systems that enhance cleanliness and food safety.
Like Teknomek, ACO is committed to reducing the risk of food contamination and optimising cleaning costs, two of the biggest priorities for the food industry. ACO’s Hygiene First drainage channels and gullies reduce the risk of bacterial growth and accompanying bad odours, with an easy to clean design. The drainage systems have been designed to reduce the risk of water pooling and the associated hygiene problems that stagnant wastewater can cause.
So why is Hygiene First ideal for food processing facilities, especially high-care areas?
The ACO Hygiene First range is available in both 304-grade and 316-grade stainless steel and engineered with the highest standard of cleanliness and hygiene as its primary focus. This proactive approach aims to limit the possibility of harmful bacterial and pathogen contamination in food in compliance with BS EN 1672, BS EN ISO 14159 and EHEDG Document 8,13, and 44 for gully design.
Michelle Locke, product and marketing manager at Teknomek, comments: “As one of the world’s leading commercial drainage specialists, ACO understands the critical role that drainage plays in a successful commercial food production business. With Teknomek’s expertise in hygienic furniture, equipment and solutions, this partnership makes perfect sense.
“Much like the hidden corners of furniture and equipment which can become unseen hazard areas for many people working in food production, drainage is out of sight and therefore out of mind,” continues Michelle. “We have created our ACO Hygiene First kits to make the installation of hygienic drainage as simple as possible for our customers. Rather than having to select individual components that may, or may not be needed, the kits include all the elements required. This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to provide professionals within the food industry with cost effective and time-saving solutions to ensure they are audit-ready, every day.”
Teknomek customers can now access two ACO Hygiene First drainage kits:
Teknomek ACO Hygiene First fixed height gully kits
These versatile, easy-to-assemble Hygiene First fixed height gully kits are perfect where one point of drainage is required in a food processing environment. They are available in either vertical or horizontal orientation with a 157mm and 218mm body diameter and constructed from 304-grade or 316-grade stainless steel. Different versions are available for varying gully top sizes as well for both concrete and vinyl flooring.
The gully’s design prioritises hygiene, with all internal radii being equal to or larger than 3mm, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of cleaning. The hygienic joints formed by a deep-drawn body, ensure smooth contours eliminating any crevices that could potentially house harmful bacteria. The entire unit undergoes a thorough pickle passivation process, ensuring joints are free from corrosion, reducing crevices and potential bacteria traps.
The vinyl edge gully is designed with an upper surface edge in-fill that helps to reduce movement in relation to the surrounding floor, thereby lowering the chances of floor cracks that could potentially house microorganisms.
Teknomek ACO Hygiene First drainage channel kits
Teknomek’s ACO Hygiene First drainage channel kits are perfect when there is one point of drainage with a large water catchment area. They are available in either 630 or 1530mm length with a vertical or horizontal orientation and a 157mm or 218mm body diameter. The drainage channel kit with vinyl edge is perfect where one point of drainage with a large water catchment area is required on vinyl covered floors.
Hygiene First products are designed for easy inspection and maintenance including a fully removable and easily cleaned stainless steel foul air trap, which mitigates the risk of food particle accumulation and rodent entry and a slip-resistant ladder grating which is fully welded with rounded corners, it is designed to handle a load class of M125 which is ideal for heavy duty industrial areas subject to forklift traffic, such as; food processing areas, chemical or processing plants.