How Food Processing Facilities Should Respond after Flood Damage

Eliminating excess moisture is a battle many food processing facilities face on a daily basis. When an organization experiences flood damage, time and desiccant air drying are important to prevent threats such as condensation or mold. Awareness of the effects of condensation in a facility, and what to do after experiencing flood damage, you can resume normal operations quickly and safely.

The Effects of Condensation in Food Processing Facilities

• Corrosion: When exposed to moisture, metal equipment may begin to corrode. In addition to shortening the lifespan of some equipment, corrosion may contaminate food products if the metal contacts the goods.
• Contamination: The beads of water that form on surfaces can drip dirt, microorganisms and other contaminants onto equipment within the facility, posing a threat to the safety of the goods produced and worker health.
• Mold growth: After a flood, harmful mold spores form within 48 hours. Unresolved humidity promotes the growth and spread of mold.
• Reduced indoor air quality: The microorganisms that flood waters may introduce in a food processing facility can reduce the quality of air within it and lead to illnesses and health-related complaints in workers. If the air surrounds food and the equipment that directly contacts it, it may contaminate the goods.
• Condensation may also:
  • Decrease visibility in refrigeration cases with glass doors
  • Make equipment less efficient
  • Contaminate walls and floors

What to Do after a Flood

• Follow the steps listed in the disaster preparedness plan to access electricity and clean water, as well as secure employees, equipment and goods.
• Follow the contingency plans established in the event of sewage backups.
• Immediately contact a qualified flood restoration specialist that offers desiccant dryer rentals to begin the desiccant air drying process.
• Employ the services of the flood restoration company to promptly begin cleaning, sanitizing and drying the building and the equipment within it.
• Store or cover exposed equipment that’s clean so condensation doesn’t collect on it during the sanitation process.
• Monitor the cycles on refrigeration and freezer units to ensure they work and vent air properly.
• In addition to using desiccant dryers to dry flood waters, use them to after you clean and sanitize to speed up the drying process so condensation doesn’t re-contaminate the facility.

While salvaging and business continuity are important after a flood, executing the proper cleaning and drying techniques are vital. When you fail to control condensation well during the cleanup process, you leave the food processing vulnerable to future moisture-related and contamination problems. To assist you with your flood damage restoration efforts, Polygon offers desiccant dryer rental services. Contact us if you recently experienced water damage. We can also advise you on how to incorporate desiccant air drying services into your disaster plan to reduce business interruption.