Case at a glance: In a food processing facility, an elevated platform used by workers during cleaning and maintenance had become a problem area. The original steel grating was corroding around edges and supports, and the open mesh allowed food particles and water to pass through onto equipment below. HotFRP supplied solid top FRP grating with a slip-resistant surface as a replacement. The new platform is easier to clean, provides stable footing, and resists the cleaning chemicals used in the area.

Project Background

The platform sits above a processing line where workers routinely stand to reach equipment for sanitation tasks. The area is washed down frequently with water and cleaning agents, and the floor often stays damp between cleaning cycles. The previous steel grating had developed rust around cut edges and fastener points, and its open mesh allowed water and debris to fall through, creating additional cleanup work below.

The facility wanted a platform surface that would not corrode under regular washdowns, would be easy to keep clean, and would provide reliable footing even when wet. Because the support structure was still in good condition, the project focused on replacing only the grating panels.

Material Selection

HotFRP recommended solid top FRP grating with a checker plate surface. Unlike open mesh grating, the solid top design has a closed surface that prevents liquids and small debris from passing through. This makes it a practical choice for food processing areas where hygiene and cleanliness are daily priorities.

The surface texture provides slip resistance in wet conditions, which helps workers maintain footing during washdowns or when moving between stations. The resin system selected for the panels is resistant to the common cleaning agents used in food facilities, so routine sanitation does not degrade the surface the way it had with the previous coated steel.

Because solid top panels are heavier than open mesh of the same size, the existing supports were checked to confirm they could handle the added weight. The support spacing was already within the manufacturer’s recommendations for the panel type, so no structural changes were needed.

Installation Notes

The panels were supplied in standard sizes and installed directly onto the existing steel framework. A small number of panels required field trimming to fit around pipe sleeves and equipment supports. All cut edges were sealed with a compatible resin topcoat before installation to protect the exposed glass fibers from moisture and cleaning chemicals. This step is especially important in a washdown environment, where water can otherwise wick into cut edges and cause problems over time.

The panels were fastened with standard FRP grating clips, and a slight slope was maintained to allow water to run off the surface rather than pool. The installation crew completed the replacement during scheduled downtime, and the platform was ready for use the next production shift.

Outcome and Observations

Since installation, the platform has held up well under daily washdowns and routine cleaning. The closed surface has reduced the amount of water and debris falling onto the processing line below, and workers have reported that the platform feels more secure underfoot when wet. The maintenance team no longer schedules repainting or rust treatment for the platform.

This case shows how a solid top FRP grating can be a practical fit for food processing environments where cleanliness, slip resistance, and chemical tolerance are everyday requirements. The choice of a closed surface with a slip-resistant texture addressed both hygiene and safety concerns without changing the platform structure.