Do we need strip curtains if the warehouse doors are rapid close?

Hi All,

We comply with High Hygiene BRC global standard for packaging.  We are having a new warehouse built. We are considering the best doors to use. I have been asked :- 

Do we need strip curtains if the doors are rapid close?.

As far as I can see the speed of closure on the doors is not written or considered anywhere. Does anyone have and advice or experience please?

The warehouse has raised loading bays (ie above ground level) so that the vehicles back up to the bay at the internal floor level. There is no barrier door during working hours between the production area and the other end  (internal interface ) of the warehouse.

I will probably do a risk assessment but if there is any literature /guidance out there I can include it as part of my justification.

Thank you

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

The main requirement is in the Pest Control section:

4.11.5 Effective precautions shall be in place to prevent pests entering the premises. The building shall be suitably proofed against the entry of all pests via doors, windows, ducts and cable entry points.
 

My view is that rapid close doors only restrict pest access if they are 'kept' closed and only open for a short period. Rapid close doors are better than 'slow' closing doors but if they going to be open for extended amounts of time or have regular traffic then strip curtains would sound like the best solution. Some people use two interlocked rapid close doors but that may be a bit OTT.

Kind regards,

Tony

Thanks for your input Tony,

I think the doors will be mostly shut and only moving for short periods of delivery perhaps 2 or 3 times a day for 30 mins. but still moving up and down in between pallets of that delivery. There isn't enough room to allow a vestibule / 2 interlocking doors unfortunately. I realize it is subjective and open to interpretation by each Site and each Auditor/Customer. I suppose we need a good rationale if we decide not to have strip curtains. 

Thanks again for giving me another line of thought.

Sharon