27 August 2014 - ASSDA publishes new Food Code of Practice
Hygiene and the 'cleanability' of equipment used in the production of food are paramount. The widespread use of stainless steel equipment in the food industry goes some way towards ensuring these criteria are met - but the assurances provided by stainless steel are only as good as the fabrication quality of the equipment.
Following a presentation at ASSDA's annual conference in 2003 on the quality of food fabrications, particularly in the dairy industry, it became apparent that fabrication specifications, if they existed, were often inadequate and inconsistent.
As a result, ASSDA launched a co-operative venture, working closely with many fabricators involved in the food industry, to create the “ASSDA Food Specification: Fabrication and Installation of Stainless Steel Process Plant and Equipment in the Food and Beverage Industries”.
The title may be complex, but the intention is simple: used in conjunction with ASSDA's Accredited Fabricator scheme, it will standardise fabrication practices in Australia and improve efficiency and reliability by raising the standard of quality delivered.
ASSDA's Food Code of Practice is not intended to replace accepted national and international standards. Instead, it reflects their requirements in the design and fabrication process specifically for food and beverage plant. The specification is intended as a step forward from the more generic advice offered by the well-known “Blue Book”, published by ASSDA's sister organisation NZSSDA.
The Food Spec supplements the purchaser's specification and contract, with the purchaser's performance criteria and the supplier's design being the default conditions. There are prescriptive sections, such as those relating to spacing for access or acceptable levels of heat tint. However, best practice is flagged with the expectation that a contrary decision must be well supported. The consistent theme throughout is the delivery of cleanable surfaces in a hygienic environment.
The specification can be broken into four sections:
1. Scope, definitions, interpretation, document hierarchy and supplier systems required;
2. Design requirements with both general rules and specific items for process equipment, process piping and other piping;
3. Fabrication requirements for:
4. Practicalities such as transport, installation, commissioning and insurance.
The specification includes two appendices that list relevant standards and a discussion on the pros and cons of autogenous and filler metal use in welding of tubing.
There is no doubt that ASSDA's Food Code of Practice fills a void in the food industry. It is now up to operators in the industry to use it to improve practices in both their own businesses and the industry as a whole.
Download ASSDA Food Code of Practice
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'Code of Practice for the Fabrication of Stainless Steel Plant and Equipment', also commonly known as the "Blue Book", is intended to assist industry achieve the quality,
structural integrity and food safety requirements necessary for stainless steel plant and equipment.
The document is intended to form part of any tender or contract document for the fabrication of such items and provides guidance on the following code of practice topics:
This publication is prepared by the New Zealand Stainless Steel Development Association (NZSSDA) and is available for sale through ASSDA.
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The 2023 edition of the Stock Guide offers the latest information on the ex-stock (regularly stocked in Australia) portfolio of stainless steel materials. It aims to assist designers, specifiers, engineers, fabricators, and producers of stainless steel goods in their decision-making processes.
Key features and benefits of the ASSDA Stainless Steel Stock Guide include:
The ASSDA Stainless Steel Stock Guide caters to a wide range of professionals in the stainless steel industry and provides them with valuable information to make informed decisions and enhance their operations.
The Manual opens with a useful introduction to the material, contains a wealth of technical information, guidance on relevant national and international standards, an extensive glossary on stainless steel terminology and a full listing of ASSDA Members, ASSDA Accredited Fabricators and their services. Technical sections of the Manual include:
Currently published every five years, the Reference Manual has assisted specifiers, fabricators, and end-users of stainless steel in Australia for over two decades. It is an essential guide for anyone connected with the building, manufacturing, and design industries.
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Australian Stainless is ASSDA's flagship publication and is a leading industry magazine devoted to showcasing the unique diversity and durability of stainless steel.
First published in 1993, Australian Stainless is a high quality, full-colour magazine, featuring carefully selected photographs and well-constructed text with high production values that convey the quality of stainless steel, its elegance and beauty. A well-respected industry publication, Australian Stainless has assisted and encouraged specified and end users of stainless steel, with a focus on local fabrication.
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