Cannabis production facilities are demanding environments that require unique protection and repair solutions. What are some of the red flags you should be looking for when examining your facility?
Cannabis production facilities are demanding environments that require unique protection and repair solutions. What are some of the red flags you should be looking for when examining your facility?
Here are the most common challenges that can arise and how they can be resolved:
Cracks
Cracks and joints harbour bacteria and are a focus of both internal and external audits. Addressing and repairing expansion joints, control joints, and any type of crack that your facility would encounter will limit where bacteria can live.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is the most highly scrutinized area for inspection as these are areas that can easily harbour bacteria. Proper preparation of these surfaces is essential. A mortar system that is stronger than concrete and can withstand the thermal cycles should then be installed. By repairing exposed aggregate, it enables owners to save money on labour by reducing cleanup time.
Pooling Water
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency lists pooling water as one of the top 3 issues for facilities. This common issue can be fixed by using high thermal cycling materials to fill holes and slope floors to direct water to drains rather than have it pool. Sloping reduces the need to have employees squeegeeing for extended periods, thus, saving costs.
Trench Repairs
Often the first area of concrete to break down is at the trench. Repairing these areas to provide a long-lasting solution for facilities, reduces the need for yearly maintenance.
Mold Control in High Moisture Environments
An anti-microbial organic thione compound can be added to floor and wall systems to act as a permanent bacteriostat and fungistat. The active ingredient is EPA-registered and contains no heavy metals. An anti-microbial additive will not constrain your choices.
Fast Concrete Repairs
Cannabis production facilities cannot afford to shut down for repairs, therefore it is essential to have concrete repair products and engineered solutions that can be completed as quickly as within an hour. This allows the facility to remain active and not losing time due to maintenance.
Wall Systems
Bacteria can hide behind the seams of existing plastic wall systems and moisture can hind behind walls. By creating a fully seamless production facility, it allows owners to reduce the risk of bacteria hiding in these places and will hold up to the high moisture conditions of cannabis production.
To learn more about the common facility challenges for cannabis production, and for information on systems designed to protect your facility, click here.