Case at a glance: In a food processing facility, an elevated platform used during cleaning and maintenance had developed corrosion around the edges and supports. The original open mesh steel grating also allowed water and food particles to fall onto equipment below. HotFRP supplied solid-top FRP grating with a slip-resistant surface as the replacement. The reported outcome was a closed walking surface that reduced direct fall-through of water and debris and made the area below easier to clean.

Project Background

The platform is positioned above a processing line where workers stand to reach equipment during sanitation and maintenance tasks. The area is washed down regularly with water and cleaning agents, and the platform can remain damp between cleaning cycles.

The original steel grating had developed corrosion around cut edges and fastening points. Its open mesh also allowed water and food particles to pass through onto the equipment and surfaces below, adding to the cleanup required after washdown.

The project therefore focused on replacing the grating panels while retaining the existing steel support structure. The main selection priorities were a closed walking surface, suitability for the stated washdown environment, and a surface texture appropriate for wet working conditions.

Why Solid-Top FRP Grating Was Selected

HotFRP supplied solid-top FRP grating with a checker plate surface rather than another open mesh configuration. The closed surface limits direct fall-through of water and small debris, which addresses one of the practical problems identified with the original platform.

The textured surface was selected for the wet conditions associated with routine washdowns. In this case, the purpose of the surface texture was to provide a more secure walking surface when the platform was wet, while also keeping the top surface closed rather than open to the area below.

The panel resin system was selected with the site's routine cleaning environment in mind. The case does not establish chemical-resistance performance for all cleaning agents or for all FRP grating configurations; the material selection described here relates to the panel configuration used in this application.

Because solid-top panels can weigh more than open mesh of comparable dimensions, the existing support structure was checked as part of the replacement. The project proceeded without changes to the steel framework.

Installation Notes

The panels were supplied in standard sizes and installed on the existing steel framework. A small number of panels required field trimming around pipe sleeves and equipment supports. After trimming, the exposed cut edges were sealed with a compatible resin topcoat before installation to close the exposed composite surface.

The panels were secured with standard FRP grating clips. A slight slope was maintained across the platform so that washdown water could run off rather than remain in low areas.

The replacement was completed during scheduled downtime, allowing the grating panels to be changed without modifying the underlying steel support structure.

Outcome and Observations

The reported outcome centered on housekeeping and day-to-day platform use. The solid-top surface reduced the direct passage of water and debris onto the processing line below, which reduced the additional cleanup associated with an open mesh surface.

The slip-resistant surface was also used to provide the walking characteristics required for a platform that is routinely wet during sanitation work. The case therefore combines two specific selection decisions: a closed surface to address fall-through and cleaning issues, and a textured surface for wet-footing conditions.

This case illustrates a practical FRP grating replacement approach for a food processing platform where open mesh creates cleanup problems and the original steel grating has developed corrosion. The decision was based on the conditions of the specific platform, including its washdown environment, existing support structure, panel fit, drainage requirements, and field trimming needs.