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• What is color-coded cleaning?
• Application of color codes in cleaning
• Color coding is HACCP compliant

When you use a color coding system, you divide the work environment into different color zones. It is important that employees know that e.g. when cleaning the toilets, a yellow scrubbing brush is used and when cleaning the kitchen, a green one is used. This way you don't bring the bacteria from the toilet into the kitchen.

What color code you give to cleaning supplies varies from company to company. The color codes below are the most commonly used by companies:

• Code green: public areas. Such as lobbies, receptions and corridors.
• Code red: washrooms and toilets. This includes shower rooms and bathrooms
• Code blue: restaurant and bar. Canteens, dining rooms and lounges are also included.
• Code yellow: kitchens, buffets and other food preparation areas.

However, you are free to assign the colors to the spaces within your cultivation company, as long as your staff is aware of this.

When a company uses color-coded cleaning materials, they also make their work environment HACCP compliant. HACCP stands for “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points’’. The HACCP directive is a legally prescribed regulation that must be observed by companies involved in the production, storage or transport of food. The purpose of this is to reduce the risk of contamination as much as possible. The biggest risk for companies working in vegetable production is cross contamination, and by applying a color coding system, you reduce the chance of this happening.

Color coding not only prevents cross contamination, it has other benefits as well:

• Processes are accelerated. Equipment is easy to find and easy to distinguish. Cleaning products can be stored properly. They do not come into contact with dirt on the ground when using color-coded hanging systems
• The system is easy to understand and universal. Regardless of language barriers, everyone understands the color coding. Of course, color blindness can cause confusion. Therefore, always choose colors that contrast and combinations that are color-blind friendly. Tip: take a picture and convert it to black and white. If the colors are still easily distinguishable then you have a color-blind-friendly combination.
• Cleaners stay cleaner. This increases the lifespan. This saves on replacement costs.
• A color coding system ensures a neat, well-organized and clean work floor. This will make a good impression on customers, authorities and other visitors to your cultivation company.

We have several color coding products in our Vikan range. Vikan has a handy proprietary app in which you can divide the working environment in the different color zones. This app is called “Vikan Hygienic Zone Planner” and you can easily download it on an iOS device. 

View the entire Vikan product range.

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