Interview members of the Hygienic Cabling working group
What has happened since the publication of the practical guideline?
In 2015, the Practical Guideline for Hygienic Cabling was published. The working group still consults if developments give cause to do so, eg. changes in regulations or related questions from the market. And new products are still being made that correspond to the improvements mentioned in the directive for laying cables hygienically. It was planned to organize a seminar for this, but because of Corona that was not feasible for so long that it was discussed in an interview.
Interview with workgroup members
How did it go again?
First, interviewees Michael Evers and Jerry Matena looked back at the Cabling launch day, which was organized in collaboration with EHEDG Netherlands to map out the problem.
It appeared that with the entire industry chain talking to each other about it, there was dissatisfaction with existing cabling types. Food producers, as the final user, were able to convince the suppliers that they were prepared to purchase the products even if additional costs were to be expected.
Formation of an industry-wide working group was encouraged by the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority).
Protective hose
(also called Conduits) The statement “No cable in the factory" forces you to think about every cable: is it necessary, could it not be less? Participants indicated that they had reservations about protective hoses from the past. But field tests could show that laying and cleaning is getting easier.
However, during working visits it appeared that fittings did not fit optimally on the multiconnectors that others produce. That is why they have been adjusted after consultation.
Cable support system
Omitting cable ties for better cleanability in existing cable ducts is possible for horizontal cables, but not for vertical. But fixation is also desirable for horizontal cables. Then the idea arose with the springs: fixed and yet separate from each other. During working visits, it was tested how this can be installed and cleaned.
It was special to see that a mechanic and cleaner from the working group started to use the system intuitively. That gave valuable insights to further optimize it, so that it is even more what a user expects.
And in cable laying tests, the non-experienced people who lay in the spring system were able to lay faster than the highly experienced professional fitters with cable ties. And this without instruction or any experience!
In another test we compared cleaning, according to the three methods: wet, controlled wet and dry.
Meanwhile, many companies experience the flexibility, speed and cleanability of the Streamline HD system.
What did it bring you?
We are now asked to sit down at the table as an advisor, to look together at what is needed instead of selling protective hoses, or to share a bit of expertise about cabling. Thinking along for gains in hygiene, which can lead to a thinking change such as at SELO, which has switched to the new cabling concept.
