EMKA highlights correct practices for hygiene fasteners

EMKA IP69K stainless steel Hygiene Compression latches with flat or triangular key inserts are EHEDGE Certified to make equipment in food processing and other hygiene areas more secure against unauthorised access. The manufacturer states that they are specially engineered to offer both tamper and vibration resistance for industrial installations, and EMKA confirms that they are able to withstand frequent high pressure washes where appropriate.

However, EMKA also points out that correct installation and care in use is important for long term effective service of this type of quarter turn latch. In order to minimise vulnerability to bacterial build up (especially in food processing areas) EMKA Hygiene latches have a highly polished stainless steel surface and rounded design.

Care in ensuring the correct orientation during installation enables water and contaminants to drain off easily, thus reducing accumulation, whilst use of a special hard plastic key prevents damage to the lock surface, where scratches from a metal key could otherwise offer a site for bacterial build up. In assembling such a lock to an enclosure door, EMKA reminds machine builders and operators that it is also important to ensure that it is fitted to a sufficiently smooth surface and is regularly cleaned/maintained in order to preserve integrity of the gasket and it’s seating.

EMKA offers detailed guidance on this specialised area of enclosure hardware installation and care, available at www.emkablog.co.uk/hygienic-quarter-turn. The company adds that correctly installed and cared for, these products can save time and replacement costs over an extended lifetime of service.