According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare GEN Aged Care Data, as of 30 June 2020 a total of 189,954 people are using aged care facilities on a permanent or respite basis.
This number is expected to increase significantly, according to the Parliament of Australia: “By 2050 an estimated 3.5 million Australians are expected to access aged care services, such as residential aged care, each year.” These facilities cater to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Each facility will contain an area for the preparation and/or serving of food. The World Health Organization states: “Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances can cause more than 200 different diseases – ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Around the world, an estimated 600 million – almost 1 in 10 people – fall ill after eating contaminated food each year, resulting in 420 000 deaths.”
A kitchen or food preparation facility therefore must perform at the highest hygienic level possible to safeguard the health of the occupants in these buildings. The success of a commercial kitchen or food and beverage production facility depends on its design. Drainage design is of special importance but is often an afterthought behind aesthetics and functionality. A good drainage system contributes to food safety and hygiene; conversely, insufficient drainage can result in food contamination.
When designing commercial kitchens, off-the-shelf drainage products may not provide the best solution for the very specific needs of each application. A better approach is to understand the installation environment and assembling tried-and-tested systems with the appropriate capabilities, designed into a customized, optimal layout. This will maximize performance and economy with proven quality and reliability.
Allproof manufactures commercial drainage systems from high grade stainless steel with a variety of designs that can be tailored to suit each application. Stainless steel makes an excellent hygienic material for kitchen and food processing facilities because it contains no pores, cracks or open spaces for bacteria, including odour, to embed itself in, as it is a self-contained piece of material. Its great mechanical properties mean it’s also resistant to dents and surface defects, ensuring the surface remains sealed for hygienic purposes. It is also easy to maintain/clean, ensuring that bacteria doesn’t have an opportunity to grow or spread.
Drainage can be difficult if not impossible to remediate should the installed drainage system not be sufficient for the intended purpose. It is advisable you engage the assistance of a hydraulic engineer and Allproof – a specialized drainage supplier – at an early stage to get the right customized solution.
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