Page 19 - May-Jun 19

The design and materials used for cable brand deterioration is a key concern. Food
protection systems can also protect food safety recalls have increased over the
products from bacterial contamination. past several years. Many consumers can
For example, bacteria-resistant conduits remember a recalled brand and may stop
and easily cleanable IP69K fittings buying those products temporarily, if not
provide viable alternatives to other types permanently. Besides the reputational
of conduit systems and are perfectly harm, the average cost of a food
suited for the protection of processing recall is $10 million, not including lost
equipment and surrounding areas. sales and damage to brand equity. 5
Inert ionic silver as an antimicrobial
additive is incorporated into the Safety in the food and beverage
manufacture of the conduit or fitting. processing industry concerns food,
This additive will not diminish in extreme equipment and personnel. For
temperatures, it will not wear off or example, accidental or intentional
wash away, and it will not affect the contamination may occur in food and
appearance of the finished product. beverage processes, while equipment
may be exposed to harsh chemicals
and extreme temperatures. Safety paths and exit doors, signage to alert
Ensuring the safety of workers, hazards for personnel include electrical people of potential dangers, and safety
products and equipment shock from exposed wiring and injury switches, relays, light curtains and
from sharp objects and repetitive
controllers to shut down equipment
while containing costs motion. Workers in food and beverage before serious consequences ensue.
processing experience a significantly
higher occupational mortality rate The National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
While facing increasing costs and than those in other industries. 6 defines hazardous locations as areas
regulation, new technology, and harsh, where the presence of flammable gases,
corrosive environments with extreme Manufacturing downtime and injury vapors, dust, fibers or airborne debris
temperatures, food and beverage costs make safety in the workplace a creates the possibility of explosion and
processing plants also must ensure the significant concern. Having the proper fire. In food and beverage facilities,
safety of their workers and the goods they measures in place fosters a safe work hazardous locations may be present due
produce, while protecting and enhancing environment. Such measures include to gases or chemicals, which fall under
brand equity. In the area of food safety, emergency lighting to illuminate escape NEC® Class I, or due to the presence of

4. T&B® Rigid Fittings Stainless Steel Drain Adapter
from ABB facilitates drainage of moisture from
electrical systems in ordinary locations where
threaded connectors are not possible.

5 5. T&B Liquidtight Systems™ stainless steel liquidtight
fittings for stainless steel flexible conduit with SAE
type 316 stainless steel has dome-shaped gland nuts
that prevent liquids from pooling at the electric box.

6. High temperatures can cause components near
ovens to soften and fail, as well as melt and destroy
nearby equipment or contaminate food products.

4 6

www.ieci.org | May/June 2019 | Insights Magazine 17