Introduction: Enhancing Traction and Durability in Fish Processing Floors
In fish processing facilities, floors face intense challenges, including slippery surfaces due to exposure to water, oils, and fats. This blog post discusses how a cement-based urethane flooring system, specifically using MORTARTHANE™ HF, MORTARTHANE™ TC, and TIGERCRETE™ SP, was applied to create a safe, slip-resistant, and durable environment for workers in a large salmon processing plant.
Addressing Key Challenges
- Extreme Conditions
The plant needed a flooring solution that could handle constant steam cleaning at 300°F and temperature fluctuations from 36°F ambient conditions. - Water Management
Proper floor drainage was a priority to eliminate water puddles, which can harbor bacteria and create unsafe conditions. - Regulatory Compliance
The flooring system was required to meet USDA, FDA, OSHA, and ADA regulations, which ensure food safety and workplace safety.
Choosing the Right Flooring System
- Trowel Applied Cementitious Urethane – MORTARTHANE™ HF
This was selected for its ability to withstand thermal shock and provide a durable, slip-resistant surface. The system’s traction-enhanced features ensured a safe walking surface even under wet conditions. - Urethane Cement Coating – MORTARTHANE™ TC
This coating ensured that the floors remained resistant to chemicals, oils, and heavy traffic while offering protection against extreme temperature changes. - Grouting & Structural Support – TIGERCRETE™ SP
This was used to enhance the structural integrity of the floor prior to the Mortarthane™ HF application and ensure proper drainage, crucial for preventing puddling.
This flooring system not only ensured safety and compliance but also provided long-term protection against the harsh conditions of a fish processing environment. With the right materials and expertise, a durable, hygienic, and safe working environment was achieved—setting the standard for flooring solutions in food processing facilities.