is unlikely that in any situation there is only one ideal layout for the processing area, but at the planning stage an attempt should be made to conform with some fundamental requirements. Two main considerations are hygiene and economy, and since there is seldom scope for a compromise on hygiene, this aspect should always be given priority. Other requirements are often in conflict, therefore, a compromise has to be made depending on the importance of the different elements in the local situation.
Factory layout depends on the building available and particularly on its size and shape. It is therefore more likely that a good layout will be achieved with a new building than by converting an old one, and this consideration may influence the decision on the choice of building and site.
Some of the factors to be considered, when planning factory layout, are listed below but others, which may depend on local conditions, may be equally important, particularly those relating to building regulations and other relevant legislations.
The layout should be arranged so that raw material and finished produce are kept apart, thus avoiding the possibility of cross-contamination.
Processing after a cleaning or washing operation should be kept apart from pre-cleaning processes.
The layout should ensure that drainage is always away from the finished product and other clean areas.
"Wet" areas used for washing. icing, machine processing and other operations should be kept separate from "dry" areas. such as those used for weighing, packing and labelling.
The layout should allow easy access to all equipment for effective cleaning and maintenance.
Equipment using refrigeration should be sited so that a common plant room can be used for machinery which is not an integral part of the equipment.
Delivery and dispatch of raw material and finished goods should be kept separate to avoid contamination and also traffic problems.
6.1.2 Shrimp processing