TOP 5 BENEFITS OF HYGIENIC, COLOR CODED TOOLS FOR HACCP PROGRAMS
HACCP, or hazard analysis and critical control points, programs are designed to aid with food safety management. This is done by controlling biological, chemical, and physical issues that might arise through the mixing of various food components or ingredients. By implementing color coded tools in your HACCP program, you can ensure better food safety throughout all parts of your manufacturing and distribution processes. Cross contamination is minimized through all of these benefits below.
DIVISION OF PRODUCTION
By dividing your tools into various colors, you can coordinate more easily and quickly which areas or tasks they are suited for. You can separate your tools into specific, separate zones of production and mark those tools for use in only that station. This will eliminate a lot of chances for cross-contamination; for instance, a green scoop that’s not allowed to leave the “green” section will never dip into water meant for an “orange” section.
You can also increase productivity in various production zones since your workers won’t have to spend time looking for tools that are appropriately clean for their station. After all, any tool that’s color coded for their station shouldn’t have ever been used elsewhere.
Summary: Color coded tools can help coordinate worker productivity and reduce mixing of tools across zones.
QUICK VISUAL CONFIRMATION
Worker time is further spent wisely since they won’t waste precious minutes or seconds trying to divine the meaning of a tool in a particular spot. If a tool that’s not of their color is in their zone, they know not to use it and to report it to a cleaning area for decontamination. Furthermore, if they need a replacement tool at any point, they can simply find a proper utensil or tool that’s of the appropriate color and know that they’re reaching for the right thing.
All of this minimization of worker uncertainty makes for happier employees and more productive hours.
Summary: Worker uncertainty is minimized thanks to color coding your tools. They can determine, in seconds, whether or not they should use a particular implement.
EASY STORAGE
By using wall brackets or shadow boards, you can match tools via color to an appropriate storage area. A lot of cross contamination occurs during storage at the end or beginning of the workday, so, to minimize this chance, you should match your tools’ colors with their correct storing areas.
Once again, this eliminates employee uncertainty regarding where to store their tools. This is especially true at the end of the day when they just want to go home and relax after hours at work. This storage function also helps you maintain overall cleanliness and sanitation.
If you become aware of a possible cross-contamination issue, you can find all of the tools stored in the same wall bracket and clean them. This adds a level of comfort, knowing that the potential contamination has a low chance of being spotted elsewhere thanks to such a regimented system.
Summary: Storing tools is quick and automatic with color coding. This speeds up worker productivity and makes cleanup all the easier at the end of the day.
ELIMINATION OF LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Language barriers can be a hazard when it comes to cross contamination and overall food safety. Implementing a good color coded system in your processes will make this easy when you have a multilingual staff. With color being a universal concept that extends beyond specific languages and cultures, this will make your work areas safe and your processes smooth.
Color coding your tools and their storage places can let you effectively communicate with employees who might not speak the same language as the next employee.
This elimination of language barriers will make your workplace a safer environment for everyone and can improve understanding between employees. This can have legal benefits too; in the event of a safety issue, you can reliably assume that an employee should understand color coding and thus cannot be blamed if they claim that they did not understand.
Summary: Color coding tools allow your staff of different languages to understand your processes and systems.
ASSIST WITH HACCP COMPLIANCE
The biggest goal with color coding your tools is complying with the HACCP guidelines. These are in effect to minimize the risk of health issues in your store, restaurant, or factory. Although they can seem strict, they’re a benefit overall as they can remove the risk of a lawsuit or of a sudden viral outbreak if followed properly.
Color coding is one of the best ways to comply with HACCP guidelines since they accomplish many of the best tips and tricks to prevent cross-contamination. They help keep tools in their intended areas, remove uncertainty from employee choice regarding tool selection and storage, and remove language barriers if you employ individuals who speak different languages.
All of these benefits can combine to create a safe, effective program that can consistently meet HACCP guidelines.
Summary: All of these efforts will ultimately help you meet HACCP guidelines. This is good for your business from an ethical and legal standpoint.
HYGIENIC, COLOR CODED TOOLS MAKE HAACP COMPLIANCE EASIER
Color coding your tools have so many benefits that it’s silly to avoid implementing them right away. Complying with HACCP guidelines is integral for the safe and legal operation of many businesses and can help keep you and your employees safe from the hazards inherent in food production and preparation. Color coding your tools can be affordable, too, if you know where to look!
For all of your HACCP tool needs, and especially for getting food preparation tools that are already color coded, reach out to DACO. We’ll help you find the right combination of tools and systems and get you ready for any HACCP inspection. Contact us today and be sure to follow us on Facebook.
Call: 1-877-74-0453
