The risks of transmission of pathogens between farms, in the slaughterhouse, food industry through improper disinfection of hands and shoes

In the world of animal farming, biosecurity is a paramount concern. Pathogens can easily be transmitted between farms, slaughterhouses, meat processing plants through improper disinfection practices, particularly concerning hands and shoes. This can lead to widespread outbreaks of diseases among livestock, posing serious health risks and financial losses. Hands and shoes, which frequently come into contact with various surfaces and organic matter, can act as vectors for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Without rigorous disinfection protocols, these contaminants can spread rapidly, compromising the health of animals and the safety of food products.

The importance of disinfection at the entrance and exit of the farm

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to implement effective disinfection protocols at the entrances and exits of farms. By ensuring that all personnel and visitors thoroughly disinfect their hands and shoes before entering and exiting the premises, the risk of pathogen transmission can be significantly reduced. This process helps create a controlled environment where the introduction and spread of infectious agents are minimized.

Disinfection at these critical points acts as a barrier, preventing external contaminants from entering the farm and containing any potential pathogens within the facility, thereby protecting both the livestock and the wider community.

Automation of the disinfection process of hands and shoes: advantages

The traditional manual disinfection processes can be inconsistent and prone to human error. This is where automation, with advanced equipment from Flextim Industry, comes into play. Automated disinfection systems ensure a standardized and thorough cleaning process, eliminating the variability associated with manual methods.

1. Conditioning the performance of the operation on access to the premises

   One of the key advantages of automated disinfection systems is the ability to condition access to premises on the successful completion of the disinfection process. This means that the system can be designed to allow entry only after hands and shoes have been properly disinfected. This ensures compliance with biosecurity measures and reduces the risk of non-compliance by farm personnel or visitors

2. Disinfectant quantity control

   Automated systems also offer precise control over the quantity of disinfectant used, ensuring optimal usage and preventing waste. This not only reduces operational costs but also ensures that the disinfection process is effective. Proper dosing is critical to ensure that pathogens are adequately neutralized without causing harm to the users or the environment.

3. Consistency and efficiency

   Automation provides consistent and efficient disinfection, as the process is standardized and does not rely on the diligence of individuals. This consistency is crucial in maintaining high biosecurity standards. Automated systems can handle high volumes of users, making them ideal for large-scale operations such as farms and slaughterhouses, where frequent and thorough disinfection is necessary.

Where disinfection gates operated by electromagnetic turnstiles can be installed

Disinfection gates operated by electromagnetic turnstiles are versatile and can be installed in various settings to enhance biosecurity protocols.

1. Farms

   In animal farms, these gates can be installed at the main entrances to ensure that all personnel disinfect their hands and shoes before entering the livestock areas. This helps in preventing the introduction of external pathogens and maintaining a healthy environment for the animals.

2. Slaughterhouses

   In slaughterhouses, where the risk of contamination is high, disinfection gates can be placed at multiple points, including entry and exit points, to ensure that all personnel and equipment are disinfected regularly. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and ensures the safety of meat products.

3. Food Industry

   In food processing industries, maintaining hygiene is critical. Disinfection gates can be installed to ensure that all personnel follow strict hygiene protocols, thereby ensuring that food products are handled in a clean environment. This is essential for meeting food safety standards and protecting public health.

Heim EDT – a leader in disinfection technologies

Heim EDT, based in Germany, is a renowned company specialized in the production of advanced disinfection turnstile gates with capacities of up to 200 persons/hour. Its portfolio of products includes professional installations for washing crates, containers, and pallets, in addition to their sophisticated disinfection systems. For more than 30 years Heim EDT’s equipment is known for its reliability, efficiency, and adherence to the highest hygiene standards (e.g. HACCP), making them a trusted choice in the industry.

Types of disinfection gates with turnstiles

Heim EDT offers a variety of disinfection gates tailored to different needs and settings. Here are some of the main types:

1. Hand disinfection only

   These gates focus on ensuring that hands are properly disinfected before entry. They are ideal for settings where hand hygiene is of utmost importance, such as in food processing and healthcare facilities

2. Hand Disinfection + Shoe disinfection basin

   This type of gate combines hand disinfection with a shoe disinfection basin, ensuring that both hands and shoes are thoroughly cleaned. This is particularly useful in environments where both hand and foot hygiene are critical, such as farms and slaughterhouses.

3. Hand Disinfection + rotating brushes cleaning shoe soles

   For a more thorough cleaning, these gates feature rotating brushes that clean the soles of shoes in addition to hand disinfection. This type ensures that any contaminants on the shoe soles are effectively removed, making it ideal for high-contamination environments.

4. Hand disinfection + Horizontal rotating brushes cleaning shoe soles + Vertical rotating brushes lateral cleaning shoes

   One of the most comprehensive options, this type of gate includes both horizontal and vertical rotating brushes for cleaning shoe soles and sides, along with hand disinfection. This ensures a complete and thorough disinfection process including the boots, suitable for environments with the highest hygiene requirements.

5. Accessories for turnstile disinfection

   Beside the hands disinfection precise dosing (sensor-activated) and horizontal and/or vertical rotating brushes a wide range of accessories are available, including soap dispensers, hand dryers, shoes/boots dryer, shoes/boots UV disinfection etc.

Conclusion

The automation of hand and shoe disinfection is a crucial step forward in maintaining biosecurity in animal farms, slaughterhouses, and related industries.

Companies like Flextim Industry and Heim EDT are at the forefront of providing innovative and effective solutions. By implementing automated disinfection gates with electromagnetic turnstiles, farms and food processing facilities can ensure consistent, efficient, and thorough disinfection, thereby safeguarding animal health, food safety, and public health.

The advantages of such systems, from controlled access to precise disinfectant usage, make them an invaluable addition to any facility committed to high standards of hygiene and biosecurity.