Boot hygiene plays a significant role in the protection of hygienic areas. Not only are damp boots uncomfortable for staff, but they can easily become a key mode of transport for contaminants and dangerous bacteria, such as Listeria and E.coli. While sole and boot washers drastically reduce the risk upon entry into hygienic zones, the method of storage and drying can be a significant cause for concern among auditors. In today’s blog, we will explore how the use of boot racks can contribute to a cleaner, more organised workplace.
Why boot hygiene matters
Hygienic footwear is a vital part of the changing room process for food and pharmaceutical facilities. Employees wear them to protect both themselves and the products they handle. However, if not stored properly, boots can become a major source of cross-contamination, bacterial growth and workplace hazards.
Wet or soiled boots improperly stored not only create unsanitary conditions but also pose safety risks such as slips and trips. Without a proper storage solution, footwear hygiene can quickly deteriorate and lead to non-compliance with hygiene regulations such as HACCP, BRCGS and GMP.
How boot racks improve the lifespan of footwear
Keeping the washed and sanitised boots away from potential contaminants, Teknomek’s boot racks provide a structured storage system that offers employees quick access to the approved footwear. These racks ensure better air circulation for a quicker drying process that prevents trapped moisture from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. They also provide the added benefit of prolonging the lifespan of the boots as improperly stacked footwear causing them to crack and degrade over time. These cracks can then become dirt traps leading to bacterial growth. By providing the proper support, boot racks reduce the rate of wear and tear, helping facilities to save on the cost of replacements.
Choosing the right boot rack system for your facility
We offer the choice of wall or pedestal-mounted boot and shoe racks to suit your facility in a range of sizes up to 36 pairs per rack. For larger facilities, we would recommend bolting several together using our joining brackets to aid stability and maximise space. Our boot and shoe racks hold the footwear at a 90-degree angle to allow better access during the washing process. Once dry, the footwear can be easily transported back to the changing room using our mobile boot and shoe racks with stainless steel castors.
For even greater hygiene control, we recommend the use of a single or double-sided boot dryer. These incorporate a germicidal lamp into the dryer design to electronically heat the boots to a temperature of 30-50 degrees as a method of sterilisation. With a recommended drying time of four hours, the dryer has a built-in timer with a choice of 20 programmes to make boot management and monitoring more efficient.
Prioritising footwear solutions
Investing in proper boot storage solutions is not just an option for businesses that prioritise hygiene excellence - it’s a necessity. If your facility hasn’t yet implemented a structured boot rack system, now is the time to make the change for better hygiene, safety and efficiency. Explore the range on our website or give us a call today on +44 (0)1603 788 833 or email mail@teknomek.co.uk to discuss your unique hygienic requirements and what we can do to help.
