The team at Lonsdale face and solve the same issues every day whilst speaking with production managers, operation managers and staff at abattoirs across Australia. Older abattoir facilities with ordinary drainage systems or poor yard design can have common challenges with wastewater contamination and drainage. Water drainage issues in killing yards can result in cross contamination and have a direct effect on the surrounding ecosystems and more importantly the health of abattoir staff.
The EPA states that “Stormwater can become contaminated when it comes into contact with animal holding pens, sludge stockpiles and treated wastewater irrigation areas. This contaminated stormwater can have detrimental environmental effects on surrounding ecosystems.”
In this article we look at ways to not only reduce the risk but also talk about ways to execute proven methodologies with speed and agility.
Reducing risk of diseases to humans
Good abattoir management involves minimising the risk of zoogenic diseases such a Q-fever and anthrax. Removal of stagnant water pooling and maintaining a strict level on hygiene across an abattoir is important to assist with the reduction of breeding areas for such bacteria.
Zoonotic Diseases are caused by infections that are shared between animals and people. Every year, tens of thousands of people worldwide will get sick from diseases spread between animals and people.
Q-fever Infection of humans usually occurs by inhalation of the bacteria in air carrying dust contaminated by dried placental material, birth fluids, urine or faeces of infected herd animals. Contaminated clothing, wool, hides or straw may also be a source of infection. Person-to-person spread is extremely unlikely. Usually, Q fever is an occupational disease of meat workers, farmers and veterinarians (vets). People living within 1 kilometre downwind of an abattoir are also at increased risk of infection.
Anthrax is a rare and potentially fatal bacterial disease. The infectious agent is Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that most commonly occurs in wild and domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses and deer. Bacillus anthracis bacteria form spores, which are tough shells that help the microbes survive unsuitable conditions.
How routine preventive maintenance works
A large part of keeping an abattoir running efficiently and profitably is ensuring that all equipment and systems are functioning optimally. To do so, routine preventative upkeep needs to be conducted. When small responsibilities go overlooked for long periods of time, problems often follow; hygiene issues, production errors, work injuries, and asset damage can all occur if careful tracking and maintenance aren’t followed. A breakdown in critical equipment is costly both regarding repairs as well as downtime and delays in a company’s productivity.
Sweeping standing water fast with Lonsdale!
Recommended by WHS professionals worldwide, the Lonsdale Sweepex Mega Sweepers attach onto multiple machinery and most commonly forklifts for a fast and wide sweep. With eleven rows of tough polypropylene bristles the Lonsdale brooms with not only handle standing water but also handle sand, gravel, grain, glass, sawdust, mud, light snow, rubbish, plastic shrink-wrap and wire. Our team at Lonsdale would love a call from you today to discuss your challenges!