The Karcher B 60 range of floor scrubbers was recently certified to HACCP standards.
HACCP is a systematic, preventive approach to food safety and pharmaceutical safety that addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards as a means of prevention rather than finished product inspection.
The accreditation process involved conducting a Hazard Analysis on an entire food production process, which included using the B 60 to clean the floors.
Critical threats to hygiene standards and potential food safety hazards were identified and Critical Control Points (CCP’s) established.
Procedures were then developed to deal with these risks.
The machine was then tested in a working environment to ensure the effectiveness of the CCP treatments and to ensure that its operation caused no unwanted external influences on production.
CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
“The machine has to be operated and maintained so that the risk of food contamination is minimal or reduced to zero.”
OPERATION
The Critical Processes identified and requiring action during the operation of the machine included the possibility of sprayed water from the machine contaminating the production process, the possibility of contamination of the clean water solution in the machine, the possibility of cross contamination of the clean water with the waste solution in the machine, the possibility of excessive and contaminated water being left on the floor.
MAINTENANCE
The Critical Processes requiring action during the cleaning and maintenance process included the possibility of contamination of the clean water tank during cleaning, ease of emptying and cleaning the waste water tank, ease of emptying and cleaning the clean water tank, ease of operator maintenance, ease and efficiency of disassembly disinfection.
TESTING
The machine was tested on a contaminated floor which met the following conditions:
- Floor coatings or coverings are undamaged.
- Floor coatings or coverings constructed of waterproof, water resistant, washable and non-toxic materials for ease of cleaning and disinfecting in order to prevent or minimise the spread of bacteria.
Working jointly with specialists from TÜV, Karcher engineers developed procedures to effectively manage the Critical Control Points.
The result on a contaminated test area was excellent; with the operator of the B 60 completing the scrubbing task using a ‘2 pass process’. This is the factory recommended procedure and involves applying and scrubbing the cleaning solution in the first pass and then scrubbing and vacuuming the floor in the second pass. In between passes, the chemical is allowed to ‘dwell’ on the surface. Dwell time is relative to the degree of soiling. An extra scrub pass may be worthwhile in areas where soiling is excessive and biofilms may be present.
As well, all four optional brush heads were approved to HACCP standards for use with the machine.
Manufacturer’s instructions provided in the Owner’s Manual were followed for the cleaning and maintenance.
There were no adjustments or modifications made to the machine.
Testing proved that the design of the B 60 meets all the criteria:
- Straightforward, uncomplicated and effective operation
- Easy to clean and maintain on a daily basis
- Design and construction allows for easy and effective disinfection
