Untreated concrete floors are typically porous, allowing contaminants to rise from beneath the surface. Its not unusual for moisture or water vapor to escape from below, causing efflorescence deposits, malodors and the growth of algae & fungus.

The floor surface is the receptacle of food debris, of all kinds. What is not pickup up with regular sanitation efforts, can re-locate to the pockets or pores in the floor, or other irregularities. Harmful bacteria and food contaminants thrive in these areas, causing disease. It's necessary that the floor be treated with a specific coating, in order to maintain a hygienic surface.

The following microorganisms are the biggest culprits of foodborne illness because of the severity of the illness or the number of cases of illness they cause: Listeria monocytogenes, Norovirus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli 0157:H7, Campylobcater and Clostridium botulinum.

FDA & USDA has set the necessary standards for concrete floor coatings so that they are able to provide a protective barrier that prevents contaminants, from permeating the concrete substrate. This coating will allow for thorough cleaning and sanitation efforts, whether by pressure washing, auto-scrub or mop & bucket. Additionally, the floor should have slip resistance, to protect employees.

Your choice of a floor coating can be a complex. The industry has evolved with a variety of epoxies, urethanes, elastomeric polyurethanes and varieties of silanes. The traffic anticipated on the floor including forklifts and the possibility of standing water, will also be a consideration.

A perfect choice for sealing, curing, hardening and dustproofing porous concrete is our Aquaseal W-20. Aquaseal W-20 is approved by FDA & USDA as a floor sealer in food processing plants. This is a clear, water base, sprayable, inorganic silicate based solution for both indoor and outdoor application. - It also complies with the Federal and Army Corp of engineers specifications for concrete surface treatment.

This should be your primary consideration, when choosing a sealer because of the ease of application, quick cure time and economy. It comes with a 5 Year Warranty for concrete hardening & dustproofing.

You can find pertinent information, regarding coverage and chemical resistance by following this link:

 We encourage you to call us, in order to answer your questions related to floor coatings. - Ask for Barry

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F-2002 Provides Great Results, Without Harmful Acids

When it comes to cleaning and sanitizing—such as rust removal, unclogging urinals, and scrubbing tiles—one major requirement to be considered is, not only the effectiveness of the product, but also its safety. Most heavy-duty cleaners contain high concentrations of acid or caustics, which are considered hazardous to humans, surfaces and the environment. Using an acid replacement is one way to prevent chemical injury caused by the contact with acids and their fumes. Having an acid replacement cleaner can be just as effective as other products, while maintaining the proficiency to dissolve uratic salts, removes rust, and keep areas sanitary.  

One specific area which necessitates effective cleaning is bathrooms. Schools, public restrooms and particularly both hospitals and senior care facilities, require their restrooms be hygienic.

Without the proper regimen of cleaning procedures and the correct product, the consequence can result in cross-contamination of surfaces, with dirt, dust, mold accumulating. A traditional soap cleaner will not be adequate to uphold the sanitary standard. - Rust will build up on pipes, urinals will accumulate uratic salt and mineral deposits, and ceramic tiles and grout surfaces may become discolored. Using a proven acid replacement cleaner such as “F-2002” from Chemex, can bring about the desired result for rust removal and ceramic tile cleaning. “F-2002” has a status of removing calcium, uratic salts, stains, and other buildup. Using it on urinals dissolves uratic salts and cleanses the toilet & urinal from accumulated mineral deposits.

Other areas which may benefit from this acid replacement product are ceramic tiles. Tiles are often placed on bathroom floors, kitchen floors, and countertops. Tile surfaces accumulate dirt and mildew that are trapped in the grout lines. While this may not be noticeable at first, after some time the discoloration and malodor will become noticeable.  Most cleaning/degreasing solutions will not be sufficient for this task. - Another concern is acidic cleaners that discolor or deteriorate surfaces. Using our safe acid replacement cleaner, “F-2002” will resolve that issue.

“F-2002” is a concentrate acid replacement cleaner, meaning it safely and effectively replaces hydrochloric, hydrofluoric and phosphoric acids, found in typical bowl cleaners/descalers. Containing the mildness of dish soap, “F-2002” is non-toxic and non-corrosive, while having the durability and effectiveness of other heavy-duty cleaners. Instead of giving off fumes or strong odors, “F-2002” has no odor. When the viscous liquid from this cleaner is used, it clings to both vertical and horizontal surfaces. This quality allows it to quickly clean, remove rust and penetrate effectively into grout lines. When using “F-2002” as a urinal cleaner it will continue to dissolve uratic salts and corrosion, in your urinal drain lines, leaving behind odor-free and rust-free pipes.

This acid replacement product from Chemex is a 25:1 concentrate, which provides rapid effectiveness.  While it may smell and appear to be mild, it possesses the aggressiveness and effectiveness of acidic cleaners. It is a safe and biodegradable product that may be used in rust removal, tile cleaning, and urinal cleansing. Any area that constantly receives hard water deposits can benefit from this acid replacement cleaner and the results it provides.

Please call us with any questions. We can answer your technical questions.

Yes! We're still distributing Bugs R' Done.

With the hot, dry weather the ants are looking to feast indoors. If you've seen a few, you can be sure there's a colony close by.

Commercial kitchens, banquet rooms, outdoor serving locations and all areas subject to infestations, can use Bugs R' Done. Known for its safety and effectiveness, this is the answer for a treatment that can last months. Yes, Bugs R' Done is residual. That means that it will remain on the surface, horizontal or vertical, unless its washed away.

Use it around baseboards, in pantry areas, behind refrigeration equipment and dishwashers. - Always spray near refuse areas and in and around grease traps.

It just makes sense to use BUGS ‘R’ DONE, a highly effective environmentally safe indoor and outdoor insecticide containing pure orange peel oil, nature’s own botanically derived insecticide. Did we mention that it smells great, too.

In combination with four other ingredients, all named by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as “GRAS”, generally regarded as Safe - in human foods.

BUGS ‘R’ DONE attribute is a warning-free EPA-approved label in EPA’s least hazardous category IV.

It is labeled both for use around food, children and pets anywhere inside and outside homes, schools and restaurants. BUGS ‘R’ DONE kills disease-carrying cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and fire ants.

See Technical Data Here

Our customers are municipalities, industrial, commercial, schools and universities. We do not sell to the public.

Some kitchens are more inclined to produce food grease that becomes airborne and lands on your largest horizontal surface - your floors. Not much that you can do in the food production stage, except to tread lightly, to avoid an accident.

Minimal risk insecticide products are the preferred choice of building engineers, school districts and health care operators. To date there are a full line of items to eliminate pests, such as: bed bugs, lice, ant and cockroaches.

Facility maintenance managers recognize the value of these preferable non-toxic treatments. The reasons are obvious: no need to hire expensive exterminators, safety to staff and environment and the knowledge that these products work!

Toxic products, currently in use, rely on neurotransmitter chemicals, to cause death by attacking the insect's nervous system. That why they are considered so dangerous for persons and animals nearby. Additionally, the insects invariably become resistant to this type of system. So, different toxins are interchanged to achieve results. More poisons...

Minimal risk pest control products cause mortality to insects by breaking down the insect's exoskeleton, thus causing death by dehydration. These products are non-toxic to mammals and won't harm the environment. -Ingredients which qualify for the 25(b) exemption in the EPA Pesticide Regulations are considered G.R.A.S (Generally Regarded as Safe). They can be used as needed without the concern for certifications, special training, or mandatory notifications.

• 98% of Lice Resistant to Chemicals

In a study published in Journal of Medical Entomology, 98% of the head lice in 42 states are now resistant to products using neurotransmitter chemicals.

The newest offering from Chemex, is DEEP SIX Lice Treatment Spray, which is a FDA regulated, product that eliminates adult lice, nymphs and eggs on the body. It comes with a nit comb and is odorless when dry.

We now have several offerings for minimal risk pest control: Lights Out for Bedbugs, Prowler Lice Killer and more...

For additional information, pricing, etc. - please contact us

 The Answer to Free-Flowing Condensate Drain Lines

 Why is this Protocol Necessary?

The most obvious reason is leaking water that flows from areas beneath the cold food storage areas; both frozen food and cool: e.g. ice cream, dairy & eggs.

Aside from wet flooring that is unappealing to shoppers, its also a likely slip and fall hazard. – That can result in hundreds of thousand dollars, per incident. As we continue this discussion, you’ll realize that the wet floor is not comprised of potable water. In fact, the liquid mess most likely harbors pathogenic microorganisms.

More problems – More potential lawsuits.

Condensate

• Supermarket refrigerated display cases rely on the HVAC process to transfer heat and to keep their products cold. The process of cooled air flowing over the product, removes heat and is calculated to maintain the product at the desired temperature.
• Most forced-air circulation meat cases, use air at approximately 28 F. But, in order to maintain the product at that temperature, a lot of air must flow over it. As the volume of air flowing over the product increases, so too does evaporation from the surface of the product. Evaporated moisture from the product is carried away as water vapor to the coil where it freezes and forms frost.
• Moisture that helped to maintain freshness and case humidity gets frozen on the coil. When the case goes into defrost, the frost melts and drips to the bottom of the case and down the drain.
• It’s obvious that any impurities, contacting the coil, will have the potential for bacteria growth. The condensate now developing in and on the pan, will contain these emerging microorganisms.

Misting Systems

• Misting systems, designed to keep vegetables and foods fresh and reduce moisture loss, will allow food waste to be dispersed, and form on the coil.
• Seafood is often a cause agent, for this type of spread of contamination.
• Ice that has formed, in and around foods, will also be detrimental, if it melts and contacts the coil.

How does the biofilm form in supermarket display cases?

In food retail, the problem of biofilm starts within the food display chillers. - Airborne microbes land on the coil where the process begins its expensive lifespan.

The microbial mass finds an ideal breeding environment, and if it were practical, it could be arrested here. Cleaning and disinfecting of the coil would kill the microbes before they form biofilm. Unfortunately, this intensive process would need to be carried out daily, to be effective. In food retailing this is just not practical. The reality is that keeping the coil clean is not operationally practical.

How do bacteria form in the Condensate Drain Pan?

As the coil transfers heat, moisture drips off the fins down to a collector or drip pan, where it is drained away as condensate wastewater. It is here that the bacteria secrete a polysaccharide jelly, rapidly growing and multiplying in days. The jelly/mass is very resilient, resisting penetration of cleaning agents including many antimicrobial agents.

As the jelly builds, usually where the waste water becomes static, or slow moving on its route through the case plumbing and drains, it blocks the drain line, causing the display case to hold water and then leak.

The leaking water contains many pathogenic organisms, including Legionella, E-coli and listeria.

The system's fan will propel these pathogenic organisms into the building, in the form of tiny droplets (aerosolized), causing serious medical issues.

You can review an EPA article on this topic - See Lesson Four 

Additional Headaches...

The water level in the blocked display case can also reach the fan motors and destroy them, causing additional costly damage and down-time.

Ancillary damage to the case and components (corrosion), reduces the lifespan of the display case and its efficiency. 

Food loss is of course, another casualty.

If We Keep our Cold Food Merchandising Coolers Sanitary, why is there a problem?

The typical refrigeration unit operates between 33-38 degrees F. The unit will usually have a bottom mounted compressor. Typical construction is white anodized aluminum, with a stainless steel floor.

There a two (2) completely different families of bacteria: pathogenic bacteria, the kind that cause food borne illness and spoilage bacteria, the kind of bacteria that cause food to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, taste and textures.

Bacteria and Spoilage

Pathogenic bacteria can grow rapidly in the “danger zone”, the temperature range between 40 F. and 140 F. However, they do not generally affect the taste, smell or appearance of a food. In other words, one cannot tell that a pathogen is present.

Power outages, when temperatures will increase, can be a cause of food spoilage.

Any contamination can and will form on the coil.

 Damage to Your Cooler

The seams and areas of the frame of the display units can be compromised by pressure washing, as well as with contact with alkaline and acidic substances. Any areas effected will allow the entry, or access for the foodstuff to enter the underbelly of the cooling system. Yes, leakage from tomatoes, orange juice and many foods are potentially corrosive to your refrigeration systems.

Is the regular operation of the Cooling System, an area of concern?

All air handling systems, including supermarket refrigeration displays, can contribute to the growth and spread of disease-causing agents.

The primary reason is the condensate drain pan, that’s intended to allow the transport of water, to the drain.

Related Problems

• Slime Build-Up, that blocks the drain access and the consequent drain pan overflows
• The growth of harmful bacteria, including those causing Legionnaire's disease
• Musty odors introduced into air handling systems, caused by bacterial slime accumulations – sick building syndrome (SBS), with acute health effects

Finally an ANSWER to this Problem!

Look no further than Scum Away, to help solve the ongoing problem related to airborne illness (mold/mildew), clogged condensate drains, water overflow & water soaked floors.

Avoid Overflows onto your foot- traffic areas

Remove the odors in and around the display cases

• Active ingredients include dual Quaternary ammonium and surfactants to break through biofilm and safely eliminate the cause agents.
• Very Safe to Use
• Non Flammable Solution
• Economical

    See Technical Data for Scum Away HERE

 See More Information regarding Condensate drain pan issues HERE

Most local newspapers publish restaurant closures on a weekly basis. Health permits are suspended for major violations. Food service venues must remain closed until inspectors have determined that problems have been fixed. Most often crawling insects, including cockroaches and silverfish are the primary cause of these closures. We know that these pests often arrive to food plants and restaurants, along with regular supplies of grains, rice and other provisions. Additionally, insect eggs are often embedded in sacks and corrugated fibers, along with the deliveries. These newborn hatch within days of arrival.

Rodent infestations and sewage overflows, rank next in violations, according to health inspectors.

Along with the hitchhiking vermin, its been substantiated that the greater influence is the drain lines, in food processing areas. Municipal workers can attest that they find massive amounts of roaches and other insects when opening sewers and lift stations, for their regular inspections. As they diligently treat their sewers with insecticides and such, the roaches move to friendlier territory, near food sources and dry drain lines.

So, the floor drain becomes the logical entry for these critters. Despite the water traps that are in place, when newly installed, these "U-traps" are often dried out and do not impede these insects. Additionally, the condensate that forms on the drain lines serve as a delicious welcome to these thirsty crawlers.

Your drain lines in food prep areas collect grease, fats and other food debris that coat the drain lines and minimize the diameter of the piping. Not only does that invite drain backups but it serves as a buffet for the insects.

We wouldn't be discussing the problems you already know about, if we were not going to provide some resolution, to this disgusting and unsanitary challenge.

Successful drain line maintenance typically involves more than a one part solution. Fortunately, there's a practical and manageable resolution. We'll outline our three-step solution that we've been very successful with.

• Use the Green Drain to block the entry point for insects. This is by far the most effective and inexpensive process. The one-way valve allows water to enter the drain line but the check valve doesn't allow water to return. It also blocks insects and even sewer gasses. All that's required is to place the Green Drain into the drain. The Green Drain comes in various sizes and we have them - all sizes at $33.00 each. You can see much more info regarding Green Drain on our website:

http://www.chemexindustries.com/prevent-odors-and-insects-from-floor-drains

• A solution to your dry drains is our Eco Seal. Simply add Eco Seal to the drain every month to prevent dry drains. - It's that easy! You'll find Eco Seal technical information by following this link:

http://www.chemexindustries.com/eco-seal-drain-trap-sealer-and-deodorizer-prevents-odors-in-urinals

• The third method to ensure free flowing drain lines is the regular use of our RGP-2017. This formulation is ideal for food plants as RGP-2017 gobbles away grease accumulations, with ease. It's odor free, very safe to the user and extremely effective. You'll find technical information on RGP-2017 by following this link:

http://www.chemexindustries.com/drain-line-repellent-with-powerful-enzymes-repels-insects

We specialize with working with food plants and pharmaceutical manufacturers. If you have questions, you can call us directly. We love to answer your questions, related to maintaining your facility.

Athletic Facilities and the Clorox Total 360 System

People who visit athletic facilities should improve their health, not get sick.

Learn why the Clorox Total 360 System is a game-changer, in terms of healthcare - protecting athletic facilities.

Illness causing pathogens can live on surfaces throughout your facility and many surfaces are difficult to cover completely. Many irregular surfaces are also difficult to disinfect. Studies have shown that over 50% of athletic trainers have experienced cases of MRSA, that resulted in hospitalization.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports that more Americans die from Staph or MRSA each year than from AIDs or HIV. Also according to the CDC, the top sports attributed to MRSA infections are wrestling, football, and rugby. MRSA, Staph, and other skin infections are rampant in high school and college sports due to the amount of skin to skin contact between athletes, as well as the exchange of bodily fluids. In a sport like wrestling, skin to skin contact is unavoidable and there is little way of knowing whether your competition has a skin infection or is carrying a bacteria or virus. Regardless, wrestlers leave a lot on the mat, including bodily fluids which can also transmit MRSA or Staph long after the match is over.

Some professional athletes that have contracted MRSA are listed:

Daniel Fells (New York Giants),Lawrence Tynes (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Brandon Noble (Washington Redskins), Kellen Winslow, Peyton Manning, Drew Goodon, Mike Gansey, Sammy Sosa, Paul Pierce, Kenyon Martin, Alex Rios, Braylon Edwards and Grant Hill. Some of these high profile players had this career ending infection.

Maryn McKenna outlines many of these stories of the outbreak of MRSA in her excellent book "Superbug"..

Areas of greatest concern include: Hydrotherapy tubs, massage tables, contact with weight-training equipment surfaces, towels, used bandages.

Watch out for emerging HFMD. 

Hand foot and mouth disease is an infection with the coxsackievirus A16. The coxsackievirus belongs to a group of viruses called nonpolio enteroviruses. There have been recent cases of outbreaks of hand foot and mouth disease in Southern California high schools, as well as at the Cambridge campus of Harvard University in September 2017. In the case in October 2017 in Orange County, California, football games were canceled and the athletic departments were thoroughly disinfected.

Just last year Florida State University was hit with 22 cases of HFMD.

Why are we having such difficulty controlling pathogens in athletic facilities, classrooms and training centers?

In order to thoroughly provide a safe healthy environment, disinfecting practices must be in place. Not only are the correct products necessary but also the understanding of  the precise procedures to apply these disinfectants. Few people consult the efficacy pages that are available with disinfectant products. How can you know if you're using the exact product, as required for your application? Chemex offers this training!

As noted above, utilizing mop & bucket, sprayers, misters, etc. offer limited coverage of disinfecting capability. Your disinfectant must be able to have contact with the various surfaces for the correct amount of time, as listed on produt labels.

The Clorox Total 360 System with proven electrostatic technology is a game changer.

The revolutionary Clorox Total 360 System is an electrostatic sprayer paired with Clorox trusted solutions. It provides superior coverage through proven electrostatic technology and delivers Clorox disinfectants and sanitizers onto hard-to-reach surfaces. The Clorox Total 360 System helps keep your facility healthier while also saving you time, money and labor.

• Disinfect athletic facilities with Clorox Total 360 system
• Provides superior coverage through proven electrostatic technology and delivers Clorox disinfectants and sanitizers onto hard-to-reach surfaces

 See More information and technical data for the Clorox 360 System HERE

 We can provide a demonstration of The Clorox 360 System, at your location. Please contact us.

Keep safe, avoid fires and eruptions, in your production areas.

Our industrial operations utilize electric motors, generators, bearings, water meters and much more, in the typical plant. Its highly recommended to maintain this equipment, as part of your maintenance protocol.

Using a solvent cleaner is the only method to remove petroleum oils, tar and wax from these surfaces. The majority of these solvents are considered safe on all metals and insulation. Using products in the naphtha, kerosene or diesel family have typically been in use for these operations. The major problem, of course is that they are highly flammable as well as other pose other environmental and health concerns.

The product of choice is a non-flammable, non-conductive degreaser high purity solvent. This product allows the maintenance engineer the ability to clean the equipment, while in operation. There is NO flashpoint. Additionally, it dries quickly with no residue.

Our product contains no soaps, no synthetics, no fillers, no alkalies or acids.

Please view our Technical Report for additional data and the many applications for KWIK DRI, Non-Flammable Safety Solvent.

Once again, it's non-conductive - 29,000 volt dielectric and non-flammable. It dries quickly and leaves no residue. Can be used on electric motors, generators or other electrical equipment while they are operating.It's safe on all metals. Aluminum, brass and copper-plated parts are not adversely affected.

KWIK DRI Is VOC compliant in ALL states. 

See Technical Report HERE

•  Ideal for use on electrical motors, power tools, ice machines, refrigeration units, generators & vending machines
• Ideal for use on motors & energized elelctrical equipment, while in operation

As long as the earth revolves around the sun, we're going to have weather patterns. It simply takes just two air masses to come together to form clouds, precipitation and even tornadoes.

No doubt these patterns are becoming more dire. As I create this missive, Hurricane Harvey is devastating Texas. The National Weather Service tweeted today, "the effects associated with Tropical Storm Harvey are "unprecedented" and "unknown and beyond anything experienced".

All geographical regions, have their rainy seasons and it falls upon the maintenance managers and building managers to secure the integrity of their roofs, in advance of rainfall and storms. Yet, with the best of intentions, blip happens. We often see shingles that have been blown off roofs, after high winds. Shingles act as a protection to the roof surface and the loss of shingles will cause structural deterioration to the roof. In addition, the plywood structure will absorb moisture and begin to cause wood rot, algae, mold and other forms of damage. All of these result in water leaking into your business. As luck would have it, the leak is usually noticed, in the bosses office.

That's why having a supply of an an emergency roof patch material, makes sense...

The mainstay in our product line is our Rapid Seal Emergency Roof Patch. The ingredients are a granular clay substance (silica and sodium bontonite) that swells exponentially from its original size, to allow the granular to seek out the leak and form a temporary patch. (The granular flows along with the water until its restricted by the area causing the leak.) This obstructs the water flow into the area of the leakage. Rapid Seal Emergency Roof Patch is considered a temporary patch. Once dry the material will shrink to its original size, although it does has the capability to bulge again when becoming wet on several subsequent occasions. 

Its highly recommended to repair the leak as soon as possible. Finding the leak becomes much easier, as you can easily locate the area where the granular has traveled to, in order to create the patch.

• Can be using during the rain
• Immediately seeks out and seals leaks in roofs
• Our 25 lb. container will cover up to 40 sq. ft. at .5 inches
• Use it on any flat roof.
• Running water swells the material and carries it to the leak site for sealing
• Rapid Seal Emergency Roof Patch stops leaks fast

Remember, when you see water trickling into your facility, simply pour Rapid Seal EMERGENCY ROOF PATCH onto your roof, in the general area where the leak is found. Rapid Seal will follow the flow of rain water as it seeps through the leak. As it reacts with water, it will begin to swell and seal the leak. No messy pastes or tools are required to apply this patching material. 

 See Technical Data and Video HERE