In industries where cleanliness is non-negotiable, the health and safety of both products and people depend on more than just good cleaning routines. It starts with investing in hygienic solutions that are designed to eliminate dirt traps before they become a problem.
To maintain compliance and uphold the highest hygiene standards, it’s essential that every piece of health & safety equipment – from first aid stations to step ladders – is built with hygiene in mind. In this blog, we explore why companies should invest in hygienically designed health & safety equipment and the key features to look for when upgrading your essentials.
Why hygienic designs are the only option
When upgrading equipment to hygienically optimised designs, critical health & safety items often get overlooked. Traditional designs often harbour hidden crevices, welds or materials that collect bacteria and compromise sanitation efforts. It may also be constructed from materials that are unable to withstand the stringent cleaning processes of the food and pharmaceutical sectors – unlike 304 or 316-grade stainless steel.
Key features to look for
It’s important to uphold health and safety equipment to the same standards as any other hygienic furniture used in high-risk areas. Here are a few key features to look for:
1. Smooth, crevice-free surfaces
Surfaces should be free from joints and gaps where dirt, bacteria or moisture can accumulate. Look for smooth welds and open corners to aid cleaning processes.
2. Non-porous, corrosion-resistant materials
Choose materials like 304 or 316-grade stainless steel which have hygienic properties including high chemical and corrosion resistance. These properties are ideal for washdown environments, safely withstanding frequent disinfection routines and ensuring longevity.
3. Open and accessible design
Equipment should be designed to allow full visibility and easy access for inspection and cleaning. Avoid boxed-in areas or inaccessible undersides.
4. Sloped or self-draining surfaces
Flat surfaces that retain water can become breeding grounds for Listeria. Look for angled tops and shelving that naturally drain liquids away to speed up drying and reduce contamination risk.
5. Mobile or wall-mounted options
Mobile units on hygienic, sealed castors or wall-mounted solutions help reduce contact points on the floor and allow for easier cleaning beneath and around equipment.
Hygienic equipment you can count on
At Teknomek, we strive in finding hygienic solutions for every area of your food, pharmaceutical or medical environment. Our health & safety range has expanded over the last few years to respond to the needs of our customers and now includes everything from bollards & barriers to various safety steps, PPE and first aid equipment.
All of these items offer a more hygienic design to help simplify cleaning processes while maintaining easy access to these critical items. A good example of this is our fire extinguisher and first aid cabinets which prevent the build-up of dirt and debris with an easy to clean exterior free from dirt traps and featuring a sloping top to prevent moisture from pooling during the clean down process.
Even our mobile safety steps help to elevate hygienic practices with steps and tubular rails that can be easily cleaned from every angle. Manufactured in accordance with EN 131-7, these steps aid hygiene compliance while prioritising user safety with a 304L-grade stainless steel construction. Featuring non-slip checkerplate surfaces, lever-operated castors and a locking handle, these mobile safety steps ensure strength, durability and easy manoeuvrability for years to come.
Prioritising hygiene doesn’t need to compromise safety
With the right equipment, businesses can maintain the highest hygiene standards without sacrificing the functionality or robustness required for demanding environments. Hygienically designed safety solutions, like those in Teknomek’s range, prove that it's possible to protect both your workforce and your hygiene protocols. By upgrading to equipment that’s easy to clean, durable, and built to meet rigorous industry standards, you’re making a smart, long-term investment in both safety and sanitation. For additional guidance on the hygienic benefits of our health & safety equipment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable sales team on +44 (0)1603 788 833 or email mail@teknomek.co.uk.
