20 Cleaning the Machine
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Regular cleaning of the machine is essential to maintain hygienic operation, prevent product contamination, and ensure reliable machine performance. Cleaning should be carried out at the end of each production run, during product changeovers, or whenever contamination is observed.
Only trained personnel should carry out cleaning operations.
20.1 Safety Before Cleaning
Before cleaning the machine, ensure the following safety procedures are followed.
Isolate the Machine
Stop the machine using the Stop button.
Turn the main isolator switch to OFF.
Apply Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures according to site safety rules.
Verify that all motion has stopped.
⚠ WARNING Never clean the machine while it is powered or capable of movement.
Allow Tooling to Cool
🔥 HOT SURFACE The sealing tooling operates at elevated temperatures.
Allow sufficient time for the top and bottom tooling to cool before cleaning or removal.
Use heat-resistant gloves if the tooling may still be warm.
20.2 Minimum Cleaning Standard
The following procedure represents the minimum cleaning standard required for normal machine operation.
Remove Conveyor Belts
All conveyor belts should be removed for proper cleaning.
Remove the infeed conveyor belts.
Remove the spacing conveyor belts if fitted.
Place the belts in a bucket of warm water with approved cleaning chemicals.
Clean the belts using a soft brush or cloth.
Rinse thoroughly and allow belts to dry before refitting.
ℹ NOTE Conveyor belts should not be cleaned while installed on the machine.
Clean Machine Surfaces
Using minimal water and approved site cleaning chemicals, clean the following areas:
Conveyor frames
Guards and covers
Work surfaces
Transfer arms
Tray guides
Product contact surfaces
Use the following cleaning tools:
Soft cloths
Non-abrasive brushes
Food-safe cleaning chemicals approved by the site
⚡ ELECTRICAL HAZARD Do not use high-pressure water or steam on the machine.
Excess water may damage bearings, electrical components, or sensors.
20.3 Tool Cleaning
Tooling must be kept clean to maintain consistent seal quality and prevent contamination.
Seal Profile Cleaning
The sealing profiles of the top tool must be kept free from product residue and film build-up.
Clean seal profiles using a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush.
Use approved site cleaning chemicals where necessary.
Ensure cleaning methods are non-abrasive to prevent damage to sealing surfaces.
ℹ NOTE Do not use abrasive pads, metal tools, or scrapers on the seal profiles.
Damage to these surfaces may result in poor seals or product leakage.
Film Cutting Blades
The tooling contains sharp film cutting blades used to trim film during the sealing process.
✂ SHARP BLADE Exercise extreme caution when cleaning near cutting blades.
Avoid direct contact with blade edges.
Carefully remove film residue using a cloth or soft brush.
Do not apply excessive force near the blade.
The cutting blades are extremely sharp and may cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
20.4 Top Tool Electrical Components
⚡ ELECTRICAL HAZARD The top sealing tool contains electrical heater elements.
Do not allow water to enter the top tool.
Do not wash the top tool using running water.
Clean the top tool only using a lightly damp cloth.
Allowing water into the heater assembly may result in:
Electrical short circuits
Heater failure
Machine downtime
20.5 Drying the Machine
After cleaning:
Wipe all machine surfaces dry.
Ensure no standing water remains on the machine.
Verify electrical areas are completely dry.
This prevents corrosion and electrical faults.
20.6 Reinstall Components
Once all parts are clean and dry:
Reinstall conveyor belts.
Reinstall tooling.
Ensure all guards and covers are correctly fitted.
Check that all clamps and fasteners are secure.
20.7 Restoring the Machine to Operation
After cleaning is complete:
Remove all LOTO devices.
Turn the main isolator ON.
Start the machine.
Verify the machine is operating normally.
20.8 Cleaning Zones
The following zones should be inspected and cleaned during the standard cleaning procedure.
1
Infeed Conveyor
Remove belts and wash in bucket with approved cleaning chemicals
2
Tray Spacing Conveyor
Remove belts and clean separately
3
Transfer Arms / Tray Guides
Wipe with damp cloth and soft brush
4
Sealing Tool Area
Clean carefully using damp cloth only
5
Outfeed Conveyor
Remove belts and clean as per infeed conveyor
6
Guards and Covers
Wipe using approved cleaning chemicals
⚡ ELECTRICAL HAZARD Avoid excessive water around motors, sensors, and electrical enclosures.
20.9 Daily Cleaning Checklist
Operators should complete the following checklist after cleaning to ensure the machine meets the required hygiene standard.
Machine isolated using main isolator and LOTO applied
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Tooling allowed to cool before cleaning
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Conveyor belts removed and cleaned
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Infeed conveyor frame cleaned
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Spacing conveyor cleaned
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Transfer arms and tray guides cleaned
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Seal tooling cleaned carefully
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Seal profiles free from product residue
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Cutting blades inspected and clear of film
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Top tool cleaned without water ingress
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Machine surfaces wiped dry
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Conveyor belts refitted
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Guards and covers refitted
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Machine returned to operation
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Operator Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Signature: ______________________
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