A question we get asked about a LOT is the use of sponges and scourers for cleaning and, like most things in the food industry, the answer should be based on risk assessment. Overall, the use of sponges and scourers is NOT something we would recommend. This is because they: However, we do know that they are widely used by the food industry and that, sometimes, there really is no better alternative for removing hazardous soils. Consequently, the advice we would offer is, We would always recommend that, Over the last couple of years, a few alternatives to the traditional sponge/scourer have appeared on the market. Some do now claim to be food contact compliant, reduce surface abrasion, and be more durable (reduced foreign body risk from the sponge/scourer itself). However, fundamentally, all surface cleaning options should be risk assessed and would still require proper management to ensure that microbial, allergen, and foreign body hazards are controlled. These will be more durable and less abrasive to the surface but will still need to be managed in the same way as the sponge/scourer, with the exception that they can be cleaned and disinfected (even sterilized if required) after use and be re-used. They can also be selected in colors that contrast with the food type being produced so that any foreign bodies they create are easier to see and remove. You might also find the study found at this link interesting! 9.6", Fine 9.6", Medium 9.6", Coarse 9.1", Blue 9.1", Blue 4.3", Stiff, Blue 16.5", Stiff, Blue 5.1", Stiff, Blue 10.6", Stiff, Blue 2022 might have been labeled as the year of a triple whammy. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic (though waning down in certain regions and countries), the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and ensuing cli... As a product specialist and a hygiene expert, I’m often asked to go into food processing facilities to help suggest tools or best practices, which is made easier by use of the Microsoft HoloLens. Following our “Dry Cleaning: Is Water Friend or Foe in Food Safety and Sanitation?†webinar, Deb Smith from Vikan and Karl Thorson from General Mills received over 130 questions. These are their to...
There are four types of wayfinding signs: identification, directional, informational, and regulatory. As standalone signs, they serve a specific role; as part of the greater wayfinding system, they inform each other.
Here`s what facility managers need to know about deploying each of the primary wayfinding types of signage.
Identification is the most common type of wayfinding signage. They tell a person when they have arrived at their destination. They also serve as general wayfinding landmarks.
Need to get your bearings? Identification signage is there for you. If you`re looking for Sales and you keep seeing signs for Human Resources, you know you`re in the wrong place.
Make identification signs uncluttered and straight to the point. What does the sign signify? Someone should understand it in seconds.
General examples
Directional signage helps people get to where they`re going. It`s an invisible hand guiding them from wherever they are to their destination, one step at a time. They`re best used at junctions and areas without a clear traffic flow.
Anyone unfamiliar with their surroundings benefits from diverse directional signage. It can be as simple as a plaque at each junction sending people left or right. Or, it may be as comprehensive as colored lines on the floor leading people directly to their destination.
Continuity is key for directional signage. If a person becomes lost anywhere between two points using directional signage, it`s immediately invalidated. Picking up the trail again means backtracking or getting lucky.
General examples
Whereas identification signage marks a particular area, informational signage pertains to the overall facilities. These signs give people broad information they need while navigating.
Informational signage is best placed in an area with broad exposure. Lobbies, waiting rooms, building entrances, and atriums are popular examples. Signage should answer questions before they`re asked. Where are your bathrooms? How late are you open? Do you have an elevator?
Informational signs should be universally understandable at a glance-signs and symbols anyone can understand.
General examples
Regulatory signage is a proactive form of wayfinding. It`s focused on safety and liability concerns and sets boundaries-what is and isn`t acceptable in your facilities. It`s used to establish and reinforce rules, safety standards, and privacy expectations.
Regulatory signage is generally big and bold. No frills-only a clear, concise, prominent message. Someone probably won`t open a closet if there`s a [Caution! High Voltage!" sign on the door. Similarly, displaying a [No Pets Allowed" sign means Fido isn`t welcome.
Use regulatory signage wherever it applies and leave no room for ambiguity. A handicap sign sets a clear precedent, just like an [Employees Only" sign on a locked door.
General examples
Every type of wayfinding signage can and should be used with every other. Regulatory signs should keep people out of restricted areas as they follow directional signage to their destination. Identification signage should tell someone where they are, so they can follow directional signage to where they want to be. Informational signage-coupled with regulatory signage-needs to set behavior expectations in your facilities.
Additionally, all signage should be simple. Regardless of its purpose, someone should be able to look at a sign and known in seconds what it says, as well as what it means in relation to wayfinding.
Whatever the information, make sure you have the right mode of delivery. The simpler your signage and the more cohesive it is across all four types, the more effective it will be for anyone using it.
Directional Sign,Floor Index Sign,Project Sign Panel,Modular Wayfinding Sign Plate Chengdu GodShape Sign Co., Ltd , https://www.signsgs.com
a. where they are used,
b. how long they are used for,
c. how frequently they are changed;
As an alternative solution from our range, we would recommend a food contact compliant, short stiff bristled hand brush.Scrub Pad

Scrub Pad

Scrub Pad

Pad Holder

Handheld Pad Holder

Round Hand Scrub

Narrow Cleaning Brush with Long Handle

Hand Brush S / Nailbrush

Washing Brush w/short Handle

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1. Identification
2. Directional
3. Informational
4. Regulatory
Combining wayfinding signage
The Use of Sponges and Scourers for Cleaning
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Amit M. Kheradia - Former Environmental Health and Sanitation Manager, Vikan North America
Remco - Staff
Debra Smith - Global Hygiene Specialist