The rapid opening and closing action of high-speed doors from Maxiflex help to keep birds out of facilities like factories and warehouses, consequently saving end-users substantial costs as well as reducing health risks and increasing productivity by promoting a safer and more comfortable working environment.
Any large production, processing or storage facility normally has loading docks or large entry and exit points that provide the perfect portals for the escape of internally controlled hot or cold air and the admission of wind, dust, insects and birds. “Our high-speed doors form a barrier that separates the internal and external environment,” says Maxiflex Managing Director, Bram Janssen.
The problem of birds nesting inside large facilities presents a huge challenge for most industries and in particular food plant operators. Janssen explains that birds can cause a number of very costly problems: “Bird droppings which harbour over 40 types of parasites fall from the rafters contaminating surfaces, equipment and foodstuffs being produced, processed and/ or stored. Due to the acidic nature of bird droppings it can eat through soft metals, paint, and roofing materials. Bird feathers can also clog coolers compromising their effectiveness and finally, bird nests can present a fire risk by blocking exhaust vents and chimneys. Employees are also at risk from slipping on bird droppings.”
Since the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry (bird flu) in South Africa in June 2017, the virus has been detected in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Western Cape and according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the outbreak is ongoing. Avian influenza, also known as ‘avian flu’ or ‘bird flu’ is an infection (usually of wild birds) but can sometimes also affect commercial or domestic poultry. While human infections are uncommon, it can occur in individuals who have close contact with birds, either live or dead, infected with the avian influenza virus. Avian influenza viruses do not usually spread from person-to-person.
Infected birds shed the virus in their droppings or their mucous and contact through inhalation or direct contact with mucous membranes may lead to infection. Infection in humans can present as mild, flu-like symptoms but more severe infections can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. 2/…Maxiflex High Speed Doors bird infestation.
“While there are a number of humane bird control measures to assist large facilities in dealing with bird infestations, prevention is always better than cure,” says Janssen. “Our high-speed doors from the ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems stable of automated door products offer an efficient and effective solution to bird infestation by helping to prevent birds from entering the facility.”
“These high-speed doors excel during intense operation and in demanding conditions to deliver efficient, reliable, flexible, secure and safe solutions for a wide variety of applications where frequent opening and closings are required.
According to Janssen, the secret lies in the operating speed of the doors. “The range of high-performance doors can open at speeds over 2,5m/s and, with an impressive opening speed of 1m/s, the latest high-speed addition to ASSA ABLOY Entrance System’s range of overhead sectional doors boasts an operational speed four times faster than standard counterparts. In addition to reducing the risk of bird infestations these new high-speed sectional doors can reduce energy expenses by 12% compared to the standard panel sectional door as shown by independent tests.”
The comprehensive range of high-speed doors available with rigid or flexible curtains from Maxiflex are suited for cold storage / freezer applications, process applications, cleanrooms as well as materials handling (loading bays).
With their ability to keep out birds, insects, wind, dust, and rain, and maintaining the interior climate to save energy and create a more comfortable and consequently a more productive work environment, the range of high-speed doors from Maxiflex are meeting a growing customer demand for fast, flexible and efficient entrance and exit door systems.
“Maxiflex also offers a vast range of other products like strip curtains and impact doors that may suit your environment to maintain better control measures in your facility,” concludes Janssen.
