Client and Facility Overview
Our client is a premium dog food manufacturer located in southern Illinois known for their commitment to quality and safety. The facility features four alfalfa storage bins measuring 5'x5' in width and 60' deep. These vertical bins converge at the bottom to share a single auger for material transfer.
Requested Maintenance
Our client contracted us to perform a thorough cleaning of four alfalfa storage bins, ensuring all collected materials inside were meticulously removed and the bins were sanitized according to stringent food safety standards.
Decision Driver and Timing
As a manufacturer of food-grade products, the need to maintain strict hygiene standards was a key factor in the customer's decision. Continuous operation required efficient cleaning processes to minimize downtime and quickly prepare the bins for use.
Scope of Work
- Cleaning Procedure:
- The operation required the use of specialized tools devoid of solvents and wood, opting for completely sanitized metal or plastic equipment.
- Our team descended into the bins through a manhole cover, employing brooms, scrapers, and brushes to remove accumulated materials by working their way down meticulously.
- Safety Protocols:
- Implemented a personal rescue tripod and winch along with a rescue chair to ensure worker safety.
- Followed confined space permit requirements as per company regulations.
- Employed respirators, multiple lights, hand signals, and continuous walkie talkie communication.
- Established numerous lock-out tag-out (LO/TO) procedures including lock-out of all pertinent electrical breakers and material loading pipes.
- Set up proper emergency action plans and conducted continuous air monitoring throughout the duration of the project.
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Notable Details
Extreme Weather Conditions
Despite the chilly weather, with temperatures not exceeding 25℉, our team remained steadfast in executing the task without any compromise in quality or safety.
Confined Space Expertise
The complexity of the project was compounded by the confined space of the containers, which required special expertise and preparation to complete the task safely and effectively.
Stringent Food Safety Measures
Given the facility's food-grade production requirements, all cleaning instruments were meticulously sanitized, ensuring no contamination of the storage bins took place.
Efficiency and Professionalism
The cleaning process was executed within two days without compromising safety protocols, ensuring the facility could resume its operations promptly.
Client Satisfaction
The client expressed satisfaction with our meticulous attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the efficiency of our operations. Painters USA's ability to deliver top-notch cleaning services while maintaining rigorous food safety standards solidified our relationship with this valued client.
For more information about our industrial cleaning services or to request an estimate, please visit our Request an Estimate page.