Kitchen hygiene solutions for healthcare

From hospitals to nursing homes, kitchen settings within healthcare facilities rely on dosing, dilution and dispensing solutions that are as reliable as they are effective.

SEKO, a world leader in the design and manufacture of chemical control products, looks at the characteristics required from these systems to allow healthcare operators to improve performance and reduce costs in their on-site kitchens.

Cleaning chemical dispensers

For the effective cleaning of countertops, floors and other surfaces, it’s essential that cleaning chemical dispensers feature dilution adjustment that is precise and consistent, as this optimises chemical performance while reducing consumption and the associated financial and environmental impacts.

Robustness is of course a key element, particularly in installations that are not regularly monitored or that receive harsh treatment. This includes excessive force (heavy-handed operatives may attempt to extract chemical even when the supply runs dry) and accidental collisions typical of high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Therefore, a tough, impact-resistant design helps to ensure consistent, reliable performance while reducing the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement. Lightweight systems may be cheaper per unit but such systems are unreliable and have a short lifespan, plus can lead to inadequate cleaning.

When it comes to chemical handling, integrated storage and dispensing systems enable operators to not only save space and make cleaning stations tidier and more presentable, but also provide vital health and safety benefits by removing the need for manual handling, keeping chemicals off the floor and avoiding possible spillage and trip hazards.

Such systems typically feature a cabinet-style enclosure where various-sized chemical containers can be stored and connected to the built-in dispenser. Lockable cabinets help to prevent theft and tampering and protect employees against exposure to harsh concentrated chemical.

Warewash dosing systems

Warewash machines handling high volumes of crockery, cutlery and glassware should be built with premium-grade components that offer superior chemical compatibility.

This means parts are more resistant to degradation from harsh concentrated detergents, helping to deliver repeatable results and extensive equipment lifespan while reducing maintenance requirement.

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technology in warewash dosing equipment is allowing managers and technicians to monitor detergent consumption statistics and system status at their convenience via smart device, PC or laptop.

As well as giving operators a clear understanding of their application’s cost, this cutting-edge connectivity also helps them to identify areas where chemical is being wasted and adjust programming accordingly.

Plus, technicians may be alerted to anomalies immediately, allowing them to schedule maintenance and avoid costly unplanned downtime as part of an efficient, well-run operation.

Drain dosing equipment

Managers of busy hospital kitchens face the ongoing challenge of keeping drain lines clear of blockages and unpleasant odours caused by the buildup of fat, grease and oil.

Resolving this issue is both costly and time consuming, which is why operators turn to specialist drain dosing systems. These devices periodically inject an enzyme-based chemical into the drain line, which breaks down fat before it can accumulate, solidify and create a blockage.

These systems operate automatically with minimal maintenance requirement and are available in both battery and mains-powered versions, offering a discreet, low-cost solution to help healthcare managers avoid expensive remedial action.

Explore SEKO’s innovative solutions for healthcare hygiene by visiting seko.com today.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Wirestock