Hygienic design of social rooms: Effective solutions for the food industry
Hygiene in social rooms plays a key role, especially in the food industry. This is because germs, bacteria, or other contaminants brought in from outside can jeopardize food safety.
Whether changing rooms, break rooms, or even toilets and washrooms—all areas where employees change, take breaks, or wash themselves are a key factor in staff hygiene at work.
According to the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV), a suitable break room must be provided for more than ten employees or for activities with special health requirements. In addition, a washroom is mandatory if the work tasks require it.
But how do you set up social rooms so that they comply with hygiene regulations?
Cleanliness and order in changing rooms
All employees should have a personal locker available in the changing rooms. This is because in the food industry, it is usually mandatory to change out of private street clothes and into prescribed work clothes. It must be ensured that private clothing and work clothing remain strictly separate: this so-called black-and-white principle serves to prevent contamination from outside areas from being brought into the production areas.
For hygienic storage, the lockers are divided into separate compartments for smocks, overalls, or work pants. They also offer storage space for shoes and headgear. The hygiene concept is complemented by special cabinet systems for clean work clothes, clearly regulated collection points for dirty laundry, and suitable storage options for work shoes.
Hygienic break rooms for safe production processes
Hygienic break rooms are a key component of an effective hygiene concept. Since pathogens are predominantly transmitted via the hands, particularly high standards apply to employee hand hygiene.
Hand washbasins and troughs are usually used in break rooms for effective hand cleaning. In sensitive production areas, touchless sensor fittings effectively increase hygiene by preventing contamination from fittings. There are individual solutions for every requirement and every size of business – from touchless hand washbasins with paper dispenser units to wash troughs with multiple washing stations and automatic hand drying.
It is also crucial to position the washbasins correctly so that employees automatically wash their hands after every break. Maximum safety is provided by hygiene locks with access control, which only allow access to production after cleaning has been completed. Extended hygiene locks also clean shoes and soles, thus contributing to product safety in the long term.
Tips for equipping toilets, washrooms, and shower areas
The hygiene requirements that apply to break rooms must also be applied to toilets, washrooms, and shower areas. Hand washbasins and soap dispensers should be touch-free wherever possible. Hand dryers with integrated germ filters are particularly suitable for drying hands. In addition, easy-to-clean sink designs and basic hygienic equipment are essential components of any break room.
From a hygienic point of view, materials such as stainless steel are recommended for sinks, fittings, and cabinets. Thanks to its smooth surface, stainless steel is particularly easy to clean and disinfect, effectively reducing the colonization of germs and bacteria. Alternatively, polished surfaces or painted, galvanized sheet steel can also be used for cabinets.
In principle, social rooms should be designed in such a way that floors, walls, and furnishings can be cleaned thoroughly and easily in order to effectively reduce the risk of germs and contamination.
Customized hygiene for social areas
Every area of a social room has specific hygiene requirements. PHT offers you a comprehensive concept and provides the appropriate components—from lockers and hand washbasins to hygiene sluices and floor drainage systems.
We work with you to develop a customized concept for hygienic social rooms in your company. Contact us to discuss your individual solution.
Get some no-obligation advice!
Contact us now for a personalized consultation and find out how our social space concepts can improve the safety and efficiency of your business in the long term. Whether for large industrial customers or small craft businesses, we will find the solution that suits your individual requirements.
