3. Coving/ Curbs

Coving is used at the wall-floor juncture, column (post)—floor juncture, and equipment support-floor juncture to provide a smooth transition for ease of cleaning and inspection. Consider the following guidelines when using coving or curbs:

  • Coving in production and storage areas should include the following criteria:
  • All seams should be tight-fitting and sealed to eliminate all cracks and crevices which may shelter in sects, vermin, and microorganisms.
  • The coving should eliminate any sharp angles that allow the accumulation of materials.
  • Curbs should be provided to protect walls and wall finishes. Curbs should be high enough to protect the walls from pallets, trucks, or containers used in the establishment. Coving should be provided at the base of the curb.

4. Stairs

In selecting stairs consider the following:

  • Stairs should have solid tread s and closed risers and should have side curbs of similar material.

5. Catwalk s and Access Platforms

When installing catwalks and access platforms consider the following guidelines:
Catwalks and access platforms in edible product handling departments should be constructed of materials that meet the same guidelines as flooring.

  • Open gratin g should not be used for the flooring of catwalks and access platform s inside the establishment, particularly in production areas. Dirt and other debris from shoe soles can be scraped off by the gratin g and contaminate product, packaging material, and equipment.
  • Catwalks and access platforms should not be installed over production lines and processing equipment.

6. Interior Walls Including Posts and Partitions

To prevent product from becoming contaminated by contact with interior walls, care needs to be taken in selection of materials for the finished surface of walls. Consider the following when selecting a finish:

  • Interior walls, in areas where product is stored or handled, should be finished with materials that will make them susceptible to being readily and thoroughly cleaned and impervious to moisture. Examples of such materials are glazed brick, glazed tile, smooth concrete, and fiberglass rein forced plastic (FRP).
  • Walls should have a smooth texture, not one that is rough or uneven.
  • Fasteners for wall covering material should be solid , smooth headed , and not have recesses which allows the collection of foreign material.

7. Ceilings

Ceilings, in areas where product is stored or handled, should be constructed to prevent the collection of dirt or dust that might sift through from the areas above or fall from overhead collecting surfaces on to equipment or exposed products. Therefore, it is recommended that ceilings and overhead structures be maintained free of sealing paint or plaster, dust, condensate, leaks, and other materials or defects. In addition, ceilings in areas where product is stored or handled should be constructed and finished with materials that can be thoroughly cleaned and are moisture resistant. Examples of such materials are smooth concrete and fiberglass rein forced plastic.

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