WHITE PAPER Figure 2b. ‘Contaminated’ brush as seen under UV light. The samples were then cleaned by vigorous dunking in and out of warm soapy water and then shaking to remove excess water (Figures 3a – c). RESULTS: Drilled and stapled brushware Drilled and stapled brushware, as the name suggests, is constructed by drilling holes into a solid plastic block and then stapling bristles into the holes. Figure 4a shows the drilled and stapled brush sample. Figure 4b shows an image of the bristle bundles in the drilled and stapled brush when examined under the light microscope. Figures 3a – 3c. Brush cleaning by vigorous dunking in and out of warm soapy water. The samples were then visually examined in a UV cabinet to assess the extent of any remaining ‘contamination’ (cleanability assessment) and visualise any contamination traps. The hygienic design features of each type of brushware were compared against EHEDG hygienic equipment design criteria [7] , and the FEIBP PHB Charter [9] . Both sets of guidance are written with due regard to the European , [10,11,12] and FDA [13] regulatory requirements. Consequently, comparison of the different brush types to this guidance provides a good method by which to assess their overall hygienic design. Figure 4a. Drilled and stapled brush sample. Figure 4b. Light microscope image of the area where the bristles enter the brush head. Figures 4c and 4d show images of the bristle bundles when examined using the scanning electron microscope. Figure 4c shows the gap that exist between the brush block and the bristles when the bristles are fixed into the drilled holes. Figure 4d shows the gaps between the bristles, and the depth that these gaps extend to within the brush block. Vikan A/S - Department of Research & Development © Vikan A/S. Published, 2015. Revised, 2023 04
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