Resin-based seamless floor finishes with exceptional wear resistance play a crucial role in the responsible and compliant operation of waste and recycling facilities. The right flooring system and its ability to provide wear, chemical and slip resistance are essential in helping waste and recycling businesses protect their facility and building investment from contamination, and chemical attack, providing all-important health and safety (H&S) requirements.
We’ve provided three key considerations from our flooring specialist Dave Sleight of Kemtile, a division of Stonhard, to help you select the right flooring you need for your waste and recycling facility…
- Choose the right floor for the application.
Floors in waste and recycling facilities are often subject to extremes of wear caused by a number of factors such as heavy traffic movements, scaping from bucket loaders, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), constant foot traffic, and exposure to corrosive substances. It’s crucial to specify and install a hard-wearing flooring system that also incorporates chemical resistance properties so that it can withstand the rigours of these harsh environments. Some of the best solutions for these environments are found in Stonhard’s range of high-performance seamless resin flooring and chemically resistant lining systems, some of which are designed specifically to be used in waste and recycling facilities.
Where chemical resistance is key, such as battery recycling, these flooring systems can be enhanced or superseded with Stonhard’s Stonchem range of chemically resistant lining systems that can be used to not only protect floors but also chemical and waste product containment bunds. The resin chemistries that make up the Stonchem range provide exceptional protection for ultra-corrosive environments and perform well even under extreme physical conditions.
Every waste or recycling facility has its own unique challenges and assessing the specific requirements is important. The type of waste processed or recycled, the presence of heavy equipment, and the overall traffic intensity will dictate which floor will work best.
- Prioritise wear and chemical resistance
Chemical resistance is critical to protect the expensive and crucial concrete structure of the facility. However, it is essential for every flooring solution to offer that all-important wear and slip resistance to ensure the safety of workers and wheeled traffic. Floor finishes should comply with the H&S requirements of regulatory bodies - essential for industrial settings.
Appropriate cleaning, neutralising and disinfecting processes must be followed, and floor surfaces should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, debris, and any potential hazards, cleaning can considerably extend the life of any floor. Regular cleaning helps to prevent the build-up of debris on the floor surface, significantly extending the life of the floor and reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Operatives must be provided with proper training on cleaning techniques and protocols to maintain a hygienic and safe floor. It is recommended to use mild detergents and cleaning agents as found in Stonhard’s Stonkleen range that do not compromise the integrity of the materials.
- Go Green – Protect Your Investment
The structure of the facility is one of the most expensive parts of the building, protecting it with the right flooring system minimises the need for expensive and time-consuming replacement. Flooring companies such as Kemtile and Stonhard can provide a range of eco-friendly flooring products to help companies in the waste and recycling sector reduce their carbon footprint.
Selecting environmentally friendly materials for the flooring can help waste and recycling management facilities align with their sustainability goals and contribute to their wider environmental and regulatory responsibilities. These green LEED systems can be used in other areas of the facility such as amenity areas where cleaning and hygiene are paramount.
For more information on our specialist waste management factory flooring solutions and case studies click here.
