Confined space cleaning is one of the most challenging and hazardous tasks in industrial facilities. With limited access, poor ventilation, and the constant threat of exposure to dangerous contaminants, these spaces pose serious risks to workers and the integrity of operations.
Our tailored confined space cleaning methods and expert knowledge remove these threats, allowing you to focus on your core business.
Unique Challenges in Confined Space Cleaning
- Limited Access: Confined spaces typically have narrow openings or entry hatches, making it difficult for workers and equipment to enter and exit.
- Poor Ventilation: Because these spaces are enclosed and not meant for occupancy, they often lack airflow. Stagnant air can lead to a buildup of dangerous gases or low oxygen levels.
- Exposure to Contaminants: The environment inside silos and tanks can be hazardous. Workers may encounter toxic substances (like fermentation gases or chemical residues) and biological contaminants such as mould or spoiled product. Dust in a confined space can also create a combustible atmosphere if not managed.
Tailored Cleaning Solutions for Wet and Dry Plants
Industrial plants fall into two categories – wet and dry processing environments – each with commercial cleaning challenges. Advanced Cleaning Services sets itself apart by tailoring our confined space cleaning methods to the specific conditions of wet and dry plants.
Confined spaces often suffer from moisture and residue buildup in moisture-rich facilities (for example, dairies, breweries, or any processing plant where water and liquids are prevalent). This can lead to mould growth, bacterial proliferation, and stubborn surface grime. To this end, thorough wet plant cleaning with food-safe antimicrobial agents and hot water pressure washers works to remove residues and sanitise surfaces.
The focus is on preventing mould and bacterial contamination before it can take hold. Cleaners disinfect confined spaces to prevent them from harbouring mould, as this can exacerbate growth on surfaces that make contact with the product.
The primary challenge in confined spaces is dust and fine particulate matter in dry processing facilities (such as grain mills, bakeries, or snack factories). A silo or mixer in a dry plant can accumulate layers of dust and powder, which not only contaminates products but also poses a fire/explosion hazard if the dust is combustible.
Solutions here involve dry plant cleaning with meticulous dust control and removal techniques. Specialised vacuum systems, brushes, and filtration equipment can extract dust from the most inaccessible corners of bins and ducts.
The goal is to maintain a pristine, dry environment free of flour, sugar, grain, or spice buildup. By doing so, clients in dry industries keep their equipment clean, reduce allergen risks, and maintain air quality in compliance with safety standards.
Safety Protocols and Compliance
Confined space cleaning practices must comply with occupational health and safety regulations and food industry requirements.
This involves using cleaning agents that are SABS-approved (meeting South African Bureau of Standards) and food-safe. Additionally, the team performing the cleaning must be well-versed in emergency response and risk mitigation. Every confined space cleaning task must be documented and performed per third-party audit criteria to ensure the job is done effectively.
By following rigorous safety protocols, Advanced Cleaning Services ensures that confined space cleaning is carried out without incident, protecting both your personnel and ours, and keeping your operation in line with all legal and regulatory standards.
Advanced Techniques and Equipment Utilised
One of the standout tools in the Advanced Cleaning Service’s arsenal is our proprietary I-Clean Quality Management System. This web-based, real-time monitoring system tracks every step of our commercial cleaning process. Using barcode scanning and a digital interface, I-Clean allows for the remote and real-time oversight of commercial cleaning activities.
Managers can instantly see updates, ensuring no task is missed and providing a transparent record of work done. The I-Clean system effectively adds an extra layer of quality control and accountability, which is valuable for confined space jobs hidden from plain sight. It generates detailed cleaning reports and hygiene data, giving plant managers peace of mind that each confined space has been cleaned to the required standard and documented for audit purposes.
Benefits of Professional Confined Space Cleaning
Engaging a professional confined space cleaning service like Advanced Cleaning Services brings many benefits to an industrial facility.
- Regulatory Compliance and Audit Readiness: Professional commercial cleaning helps ensure that silos, tanks, and ducts meet the stringent cleanliness standards required by food safety regulations and third-party audits.
- Protects Product Safety: Thorough sanitisation of confined spaces means there is far less risk of product contamination. Clean silos and mixers help preserve the integrity and quality of food products, keeping consumers safe and your brand reputation intact.
- Extended Equipment Longevity: Regular commercial cleaning of interiors prevents corrosive build-up and material strain on your silos and tanks. Removing debris and residues can prolong the life of equipment, as there is less wear-and-tear or chemical corrosion inside vessels.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: A clean facility runs better. This means less downtime. When confined spaces are kept clean, workers can easily perform inspections or maintenance, catching small issues before they escalate.
- Safety for Personnel: Professional confined space cleaning improves workplace safety. Trained cleaning crews handle the dangers of confined space entry so your business’s staff aren’t at unnecessary risk.
Advanced Cleaning Services’ Expertise in Confined Space Cleaning
Advanced Cleaning Services brings deep expertise to confined space cleaning, backed by over 25 years of experience in the food processing and manufacturing sectors. We have honed our skills in tackling the “critical, hard-to-reach” areas of industrial facilities.
Our team specialises in cleaning silos, large tanks, and other enclosed processing units where regular janitorial crews might hesitate to go. This specialisation means we understand the food industry’s strict hygiene requirements inside and out.
Conclusion
Confined space cleaning requires precision, expertise, and unwavering attention to safety and compliance. Advanced Cleaning Services understands the complexities and offers tailored solutions that keep your operations running smoothly, safely, and in line with regulatory standards.
By partnering with us, you can ensure that your facility maintains its integrity, protects product safety, extends the lifespan of your equipment, and enhances operational efficiency. Speak to an expert to find out how you can implement this for your business.
