Not all reels are created equal

Food and beverage production is a critical part of our economy and maintaining standards of health and safety is, quite obviously, paramount. In this article we discuss the top considerations when selecting the correct washdown hose reel for a user’s site.

Every piece of equipment used should be selected with three things in mind:

1. Hygiene — Ensure the reel is food-grade and stainless steel.
2. Quality — Choose a product that will stand the test of time and can withstand constant usage and exposure to high-grade cleaning products.
3. Safety (to staff and the end consumer) — Spring retracting reels make hoses easy and safe for staff to use and in-built antibacterial functions can ensure the end product is food safe.

Cutting corners will only lead to disaster. That’s why each product right down to washdown equipment should be selected with care.

Recently, Tecpro Australia was trusted to supply over 40 washdown reels for a large food factory expansion. It recommended Italian-made stainless steel retracting hose reels due to the quality, durability and safety technology that it believes makes them a superior product.

Why a retracting hose reel?

Retracting hose reels mean reduced cleaning times and fewer trip hazards for staff. The hoses automatically retract and snap back into place to ensure everything is neatly stowed after use. For the highest level of staff safety, ensure you choose a retracting hose reel that has a built-in safety brake system. These safety brakes slow the speed of hose retraction if an operator accidentally drops the hose while it is under tension, preventing the hose from whipping back and potentially causing injury or damage to equipment.

Food-grade materials

It sounds obvious, but in processing and manufacturing even the cleaning equipment needs to be constructed from food-grade materials so there is no chance of cross-contamination. For food and beverage installations, Tecpro always recommends hoses that have an antibacterial product ingrained within in it, which prevents bacteria from forming in cuts when equipment is damaged or left unused.

Interconnecting products

Users want all equipment to work together seamlessly. It doesn’t always need to be the same brand, but it does need to be fit for purpose. Ultimately, getting this wrong can render the highest quality product useless or cause issues down the line. When selecting the right hose reel, consider the whole package you need, including the reel with retraction and brake system; swivel brackets or stands, if required; the hoses to connect to the user’s water supply (stainless steel braided hoses work well for extra durability); and washdown guns that attach to the end of the hose. For the washdown gun, choose an ergonomic trigger gun that’s comfortable for users. Preferably a gun that is suitable for varying water temperatures and features adjustable spray patterns from needle jets to cone patterns to provide flexibility when washing down.

Image credit: iStock.com/Wavebreakmedia