We can all agree that getting HACCP facility certification is serious business. But why is the roof such a big concern? Most people in may not think of a roof as central to food integrity, but it’s among the many intricate factors to consider when food safety is at stake. Toronto’s food industry is well aware of the consequences when problems arise. For example, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued 120 food recall warnings in 2022. Even worse, a total of about 4 million (1 in 8) Canadians are affected by a food-borne illness each year.
Fortunately, there’s a decisive way to make sure the roof is up to standards.
HACCP Canada sets safety standards for the food industry
How can the food industry prevent, eliminate, or reduce food safety hazards and food-borne illness? One way is by applying the rigorous HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) framework to identify, plan for, implement, monitor, and control potential problems before they occur—from harvesting through consumption.
The HACCP system aligns with the World Health Organization, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and National and Provincial Food Safety Acts. HACCP requirements and other standards simply can’t be met without a fully compliant roof.
The impact of the roof on an HACCP facility
The roof affects many of the items required for food integrity, including preventing the entry of:
- Biological Hazards: These include pests, insects, and micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and moulds.
- Industrial Chemicals: Misusing toxic chemicals is certainly a giant no-no, and substances such as oil and grease can be discharged through roof-mounted ventilation equipment, causing a roof to soften, delaminate, blister or crack.
- Physical Hazards: In addition to preventing the hazards above, roofers for HACCP facilities must meet all safety protocols to protect rooftop workers, facility employees, and others in and around the facility. This is including fall protection, access to the roof, railings, and other precautions.
The roofer’s role is to:
- Conduct regular, scheduled inspections
- Perform ongoing preventive maintenance and make repairs in a timely manner
- Identify and fix any roof penetrations that may introduce hazards
- Ensure positive drainage to limit water penetration in case of a leak
- Monitoring roof life and anticipated expiry time
- Operate in safe manner and meet all safety protocols
How can you achieve everything needed for your roof to maintain HACCP certification? Read on to learn how to choose a roofer for your food facility.
Qualities to look for in a roofing company for HACCP compliance
Anyone involved in food safety knows that the HACCP framework is complicated. Achieving certification requires significant coordination among all facility processes and operations. HACCP facility managers should look for a commercial roofing company that has these specific qualifications:
Food Industry and HACCP Experience
A specialist in commercial roofing that is knowledgeable about food safety regulations and has experience working with food safety teams in HACCP facilities.
Quality-Orientation
Optimizes quality through performing a thorough site assessment, recommending the appropriate membrane and materials, and by using best practices to prevent damage to the membrane–such as installing walkways around equipment access panels
Written Plan
Provides a comprehensive written plan with HACCP-specific strategies that addresses operational concerns – such as conducting a comprehensive hazard analysis for the roof, identifying associated control measures, evaluating the severity and likelihood of each potential hazard, and outlining corrective actions, if and as needed
Expertise for Guidance
Able to guide your team on concerns and best practices regarding roofing membrane options, materials, ventilation systems, and other factors affecting temperature, moisture, contaminants, and other concerns at critical control points
Commitment to Safety
Committed to all safety protocols to protect all those on the roof and in and around the facility
Facility-Specific Flexibility
Flexible and qualified to plan and complete roofing work based on the facility’s operational decisions, such as the need to rotate line closures and potential time changes on shift work to accommodate the roofing schedule.
Long-Term Reliability
For post-completion, offers maintenance plans tailored to HACCP needs regarding monitoring the roof, scheduling regular inspections, taking correct actions in a timely manner, and keeping complete records
Licensing and Certifications
Can verify licensing and key certifications that ensure excellence, including:
- NRCA [National Roofing Contractors Association – National USA],
- OIRCA [Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association – Ontario],
- CRCA [Canadian Roofing Contractors Association – National Canada], and
- Relevant roof membrane manufacturer’s authorized installer status certification that would indicate that the contractor is warranty eligible.
References and Portfolio
Enables you to check company references and review their past food facility and HACCP projects
Transparency and Communication
Develops clear and comprehensive roofing proposals that include all costs, materials, and project timelines, and keeps clients informed throughout the project.
Experience matters for continued HACCP facility certification
It’s a long road to achieving HACCP facility certification. A commercial roofing company with HACCP facility experience will help you maintain this valuable status. Facility managers can save time and money with a roofing contractor that can work with you to successfully maintain food integrity according to your HACCP program.
When you’re in need of a roofer for your food facility, choose the best. Elite Roofing is Toronto’s experienced and trusted roofer for commercial buildings and food facilities.
