Storage and logistic field is fast-paced business,In this sector,efficiency and cleanliness are necessary. When you have infinite pallets in your warehouse getting transported to and fro left and right, they are out in the open; they are getting dirtied anywhere and everywhere, and they may also come in contact with other contaminant processes and materials (unsafe substances etc…). Businesses are searching for ways to remain productive, keep business operations flowing and their employees safe, thus they are rapidly seeking out automation. Enter the pallet washer – it’s a strong contender in the race to make your warehouse run more efficiently and be more hygienic. In this post, we will discuss how a pallet washer operates, its advantages, and why it’s a crucial purchase for any warehouse looking to improve cleanliness and maximize efficiency.
What Is a pallet washer?
What is a Pallet Washer? A pallet washer is a kind of machine that “washes” pallets required to transport goods in warehouse and shipping establishments. These are usually washing nozzles, used for high-pressure water systems with addition of a detergent or disinfectant, where the pallets are properly cleaned. The science behind pallet washing enables us to clean the pallet of dirt, grime, and contaminants that can sometimes find its way into the small nooks and crannies of a pallet much more effectively and quickly than is possible with a brush or sponge in the home.
Types There are various pallet washers available ranging from different scales and sizes to suit the various types of pallets and amount of dirt that needs to be removed. Some of the units are individual machines, some are part of automatic production lines for high production of the pallets. The washing process can be a multi-stage process with preflood, washing*diffusion and final rinsing to cleanliness.
Why are pallets washed in warehouses
Pallets are often treated in an aggressive manner; between warehouses, regions and/or across the country. They collect dust, dirt, oil, grease, etc over time which can create unhealthy conditions, expensive product contamination and/or even mold growth. Unsanitized pallets can be a serious health risk to a warehouse and the goods they move.
For food production and processing, pharmaceutical and chemical production facilities, where hygiene levels are crucially important, the necessity of keeping a clean and safe environment is not merely one of choice, but also one of legal obligation. In warehousing and logistics also, if you keep cleanliness you can be assured none of your goods would get damaged otherwise due to harmful chemicals and bacteria. This is when the need for pallet washer becomes extremely important as it helps to prevent cross-contamination and stops the spreading of diseases as well.
Saving time with a pallet washer
One of the most significant benefits of using a pallet washer is time savings. Scrubbing pallets by hand is arduous work, and time-consuming. Generally, workers need to scrub and hose down each pallet separately, a time-consuming process, especially with larger lots of pallets. By comparison, a pallet washer simplifies the process entirely. The swatmen can clean a pallet in seconds (or minutes depending upon the cutomization) with High pressure jets of water and advanced quality cleaning systems.
In high throughput warehouses, where pallet turnover is fast this time savings can be even more critical. The more quickly the pallets are pasteurized, the sooner they can be re-used for new shipments, minimizing down time and increasing the rate of work flow. An automated pallet washer enables fewer personnel hours to be allocated to cleaning, thus further enhance overall productivity and providing crew with more time to focus on other vital activities.
How a pallet washer enhances hygiene
Cleanliness is a key factor for warehouses operations, especially for those in industries that have high standards for hygiene. The machine is a pallet washer that meets all cleaning requirements to avoid pollution. The cleaning process removes dirt, bacteria, oils, chemicals and contaminants that might be putting your product at risk from the surface of a pallet.
The use of a pallet washer negates the need for toxic chemicals, which manual cleaning may require. Several models: Ideal for use with […] recent pallet washers are able to utilize environmentally safe soaps and detergents which have no negative environmental effects and are still able to achieve both food contact surface sanitation and general cleaning. Furthermore, automated cleaning lines are usually equipped with accurate water temperature and pressure control to get the perfect cleaning intensity according to the type of dirt and the material of the pallets.
Additionally, consistent pallet washing with a pallet washer just keeps the warehouse clean. Soiled pallets can be a source of dirt and bacteria, leading to cross contamination throughout the facility at storage locations, on conveyor lines and on shelving. Due to the fact that when pallets are dirty, there’s a higher likelihood of cross-contamination which means that you warehouse is no longer safe for employees and products.
Cutting the cost of pallet maintenance
Worn pallet problems are something we´re all too familiar with working in warehouses. Grime and dirt When you do not clean a pallet for a long while, it will become nasty and covered with grime and dirt. This in turn creates more of a demand for pallet repairs or replacement, which can add up over time.
By cleaning with a pallet washer, companies can cut repairs dramatically and extend the life of their pallets. The complete cleaning practice helps in getting rid of the impurities before they can harm the wood, making the pallets last longer. This saves money, since the warehouses do not have to replace their pallets as often. Furthermore, the cleaning process is automated so the opportunity for human error and possible unnecessary pallet damage during washing is minimized.
How to improve safety in the warehouse
When you work in a warehouse, safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. Avoiding accidents and injuries is essential in a clean workplace. Filthy, and toxic debris-covered pallets can create slip and fall hazards, as well as create potential contamination hazards for sensitive businesses, such as food processing and pharmaceutical.
If warehouses can keep a packer or an operator clean with a pallet washer, they help keep an employee and their product clean as well. Neatly stacked a pallet is less likely to cause accidents on the floor and in industries where high levels of hygiene are crucial (like the food or pharmaceutical industry), prevents products from being in contact with potentially detrimental pathogens. What’s more, because the aforementioned pallet cleaning process is automated via the above transport line, staff are significantly less at risk of direct contact with whoever-knows-what, enhancing various safety protocols.
Environment effect of pallet washers
The environmental consequences of their cleaning habits are also something of great significance to companies. Old-school hand methods often mean the use of toxic chemicals and lots of water. Modern pallet washers on the other hand are eco-friendly so they won’t waste as much water and energy, yet the cleaning power is there.
Most pallet washers also feature water recycling, allowing water to be reused in the wash cycle. Not only does this minimize total water use, but it also allows companies to follow environmental standards. Also, the detergents used in the pallet washers can be biodegradable and less hazardous than that normally used in manual cleaning, adding to the reduced environmental impact of the warehouse operation.
Wrapping it up: what’s next for warehouse washing?
With warehouses constantly improving, and the need for effectiveness, security and tidiness on the rise, the use of a pallet washer has everything to do with keeping standards high. Whether you are in food, pharmaceuticals, logistics or other industries, cleaning out pallets is really significant. A pallet washer also represents a way to avoid wasting time, money, and taking chances when it comes to warehouse hygiene and safety.
In addition to productivity, you will save money on maintenance and labor — your employees will also benefit from a cleaner, safer work environment. Additionally, environmentally-friendly and compliant to industry standards, pallet washers provide a solution to the warehouse dilemmas of today. Pallet washers are a perennial part of the journey towards cleaner and more effective warehouse operations, with automation and technology continuing to re-shape the logistics industry.
