Abattoir Stainless Track Systems

Overhead track systems offer several benefits for transporting meat in abattoirs. Overhead track systems can increase hygiene by reducing the human handling of meat and chance of cross contamination; they can handle heavy loads, suitable for carcasses, and therefore reduce human labour and work hazards; they allow the carcass to hang from hooks, which can help aid some of the preparation processes; finally, overhead conveyors easily and quickly transport the meat throughout the abattoir to different stations and areas, speeding up the process.

Dealing with food products, abattoirs - and their machinery - are subject to many hygiene standards. Included within this is the overhead track system and hanging tools used by abattoirs, due to the close contact they have with the meat. 

For comprehensive UK food safety and hygiene advice, it is best to consult the Food Standards Agency.

In regards to the equipment used by abattoirs, such as overhead conveyors, the FSA requires all equipment be kept clean and disinfected in water at 82°C, or alternative methods equivalent to this; they must be in a position where they can be effectively cleaned; they must be kept in good order. Moving lines require constant cleaning of tools to avoid cross contamination. 

Moreover, installations must not allow contact between meat and the floors, walls, or additional fixtures; overhead track systems should facilitate continuous progress of the line to avoid cross contamination.

The different track systems utilised by abattoirs vary according to the business and operation requirements.

This may include open or enclosed track systems, enclosed tracks taking the form of tubular or round bars, whilst open tracks feature a flat bar; these usually appear as twin tracks. Though enclosed track systems are more sanitary, since they leave less of the chain system exposed, and can better protect the chain from decay, open track systems are easier to install, and can hold more weight.

Track systems may use hooks or ranging rails to transport meat, which can additionally include or incorporate a scale for weighing the product.