[Strata Cleaning]

Hi

Client has asked us to complete high level clean in their production hall. The problem is we would need to clean the ceilings above running food production line. Two contractors already stepped away of that job. We would plan to use articulated boom however I am looking for ideas how to protect the line so no drop of chemical falls on the line. Normally we would use sheets however the line will be in operation hence its not an option now.

Would anyone be able to advise please?

[Matt Gibson]

Whats the ceiling made of? What are you trying to clean off it? Can you not use vacuums?

[Strata Cleaning]

Ceiling is made of metal panels. Vacs are not an option as wouldn't remove grease etc. the height we will work at is 7 meters. I am looking for a solution to cover area directly under the platform of a boom as sheets to cover production line are not an option in this instance.

[Rob_Mac]

How wide is the production line, give an idea if this is to include operatives working within the area and how long?

Rob

[Strata Cleaning]

The overall area of the production is 80x80 m. its crossed with production line machinery in multi ways. We can get the boom in between those areas (with hassle but still). Basically anywhere we would work there we have a machine below.

Width of the line would be on average 2m. height varies between 1.5m to 4 m.

[Rob_Mac]

I guess there is no given procedure for this work and it is so detailed normal apparatus is not suitable.

Is there a way of setting up these -

http://simplifiedsafety.co.uk/solutions/mobile_work_platform/

On either side with a tarpaulin/s of some description between them?

Rob

[Michelle H]

The questions I would be asking myself are :

1. Why have the others walked away ? If you know who they are I would look at their set up and see if they were capable of doing the work and if they were, They must have a good reason why not going ahead with it.
2. You would be working over running production lines ? If that is the case, what about contamination of the product below would you be liable for the cost if they lose product and production time ?
3. Working over a running production line sound like one hell of a health and safety risk.
4. Sounds like you might have to invest in cleaning equipment and will this in the long run be worth what could be a one off job ? Even hiring equipment will dent your profit margin.

I myself if I was going to go anywhere near this job. I would insist each production line I work over is shut down. Covered in plastic and also put a plastic curtain / wall between me and any ruining production lines to stop contamination. 

[jasonl]

I have carried out work like this before , a combination of closing sections of production , night work and temporary marquees worked well.

[trevor perry]

you could use scaffold to build a canopy above the production lines and then cover this with sheeting, we have used this method in the past but production lines will need shutting down for a short period to avoid contamination should debris fall off the sheeting whilst it is being removed at completion of the job

[concept]

Done a couple of these.

the ones we have done were equipped to seal machines off that could suffer from any contamination, such as vats, mixers etc.

We used poly sheeting to cover anything else.

The bottom line is, if you're degreasing, it's a long hard process done by hand, and with great care.

Speak to the contact and see if they can work with you, and give you some assistance in terms of closing areas off, and previous experiences.

Good luck.

[chris scott]

Hi

Client has asked us to complete high level clean in their production hall. The problem is we would need to clean the ceilings above running food production line. Two contractors already stepped away of that job. We would plan to use articulated boom however I am looking for ideas how to protect the line so no drop of chemical falls on the line. Normally we would use sheets however the line will be in operation hence its not an option now.

Would anyone be able to advise please?

You are really  "considering" degreasing  a building over a live food production line ?

[BDCS]

I would also agree with the above comments but you also need to consider the nature of food production be it critical or non critical. The food producer is obviously happy to have you working overhead and they are the ones ultimately responsible for the product. I used to work in a soft drinks plant and cleaning was done over certain areas of packaging plant but never over critical areas like fillers or mixing hall. Be very careful to get the client to "sign off" your RAMS

[Strata Cleaning]

Thanks for all the replies.
Michelle H -
1.they walked away as they unwisely priced and committed incorrectly and noticed after a day there would have been in a loss (its confirmed).
2. no we wouldn't as the client take the risk however before approving would like to see most of Initiative to reduce that risk - they work with us as want to get it done - securely understanding how difficult its is - they wont afford to close the production for even 30 min.
3. yes it is - which we take into consideration as always with both our advisors and H&S officer from the clients organisation
4.equipment is all there apart from whatever we need to cover the line up - this job will require a manual cloth/hand access process - the obstacle is how to protect the bottom - time doesn't matter as long as done. no commitment has been made yet. they are happy to pay as long as we can find a solution.
concept:
they want to work with us but are straight that the line cant be shut.
chris scott:
i do understand. I am conscious of the difficulty. That's simply the request of the client I am trying to find a solution for - that's the reason I am asking in a place I might find an answer for from much wiser people - as stated no commitment has been made yet.

[chris scott]

Out of my depth really. ...but let's start with some pictures first.
So we can get an idea of the project.
Can you do this without giving out clues to the location.

[Kev Martin]

In the past when we have been polishing Vertical Marble walls over sensitive areas we have constructed temporary tenting to size and to accommodate the sensitive areas.  Not a difficult task really.  Ingenious use of a few boards on wheels with an upright  frame screwed to it, therefore making it infinetly adjustable for width, height and length.  I also have masking tents that we use that I am prepared to let you use if it helps.  Finally you may also be able to use Mobile Scaffold Towers tented below depending on dimensions.  Just a few ideas really

Kev

[Strata Cleaning]

Thanks for ideas. The problem seems to be solved. We will use tripods with high masts and spread the sheets over the parts of the line cleaning will take place above - the height can be adjusted accordingly and sheets would be stable enough - by theory at least. We are testing the idea on Friday. Its seems it will be a slow process 90/10 proportion of setting up to work though.
Really appreciate your help here.

[Darranvps]

You need these guys http://purple-rhino.co.uk/services/ceiling-cleaning 

If you get stuck - call me