Industrial Curtain Inspiration from the Chicago Auto Show

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Industrial Curtain Inspiration from the Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is underway and those who are in attendance are enjoying exploring the latest car trends. However, the auto show is not just another leisure activity for hobbyists and car enthusiasts, for many it’s a source of inspiration. It serves as a spark to go back to the garage, the auto body shop, the warehouse or the manufacturing plant and create, rebuild or transform the next trend in the automotive industry.

The fresh ideas and excitement gleaned from the auto show can also serve as a great catalyst to inspire workspace transformation. If you’re an auto body shop owner or manager, you know the unique challenges that come with trying to set up your workspace for optimal efficiency. Because vehicles are made of metals, glass, plastic, and other materials, it’s important to have dedicated workspaces for each type of job you do in your auto body shop.

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One such way to ensure that jobs don’t contaminate other areas of your shop with chemicals, overspray, or other debris is by implementing auto body shop enclosures around your facility. Enclosures like these are made in a variety of materials and sold in a plethora of configurations. With the recent shift in auto body materials to the use of aluminum, there is an increasing need to include aluminum auto body shop enclosures within industrial workspaces.

Auto body shop curtains provide many different benefits for shop managers. They offer a versatile, convenient space for teams to work on projects that call for either safety from either contaminating the other work in the facility or projects that need protection from being contaminated.

Aluminum auto body shop enclosures are ideal for creating designated workspaces in your auto body shop, particularly where aluminum work is being done. These walls keep other metals, debris, dust, chemicals, and overspray from contaminating the job you’re working on, and having designated spaces for aluminum work is required by certain OSHA regulations. Just as the Chicago Auto Show serves as a great showcase for the latest in production, debut and concept vehicles, your workspace showcases your commitment to efficiency, quality and safety. Industrial curtains for use within the automotive industry helps to create an efficient workspace where the team can safely focus on production without compromising on quality.

To learn more about aluminum auto body shop enclosures, how they can benefit your business or workspace, and how to install them in your auto body shop, contact AmCraft Manufacturing today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have regarding body shop curtains and custom industrial curtain walls for other facilities.

Cool Hacks Using Industrial Spray Booth Curtains

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Cool Hacks Using Industrial Spray Booth Curtains

Working in an auto body shop requires having a versatile workspace to accommodate the various day-to-day functions of caring for a single vehicle or an entire fleet. The challenge is to somehow create isolated work areas within the shop that enables specific tasks to be performed without compromising the work being completed in other areas.

Just the simple concept of moving a given vehicle in a crowded auto body shop make a great case for an industrial curtain wall or paint and spray booth Curtains. Permanent walls fail to provide the flexibility needed, which makes industrial curtain walls an ideal solution.

Industrial spray booth curtains elude to their ability to be used as an enclosure to contain paint over-spray. However this curtain wall is truly a chameleon as it can take on the multi-functional needs of most auto body shop operations. Here are cool hacks that auto body shop owners can use right now with an industrial spray booth curtain.

Retractable Paint Booth Curtain

Work space is a huge asset in any facility. One main challenge you may be facing when dividing space within an auto body shop, may be that you need certain spaces to support multiple functions. If you put a wall into your shop, but at a later time wish you could take it down in order to open up that area for another function, you may end up undoing all the work you just did to divide the area up. Auto body shop curtains can be retractable, so that they can be pulled out to divide space, or tucked away to open up the area as needed. This provides a very flexible and versatile way to divide your auto body shop, without committing to separating the space on a permanent basis.

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Dust-Free Work Zone

Many operations in an auto body facility require an environment that is dust-free. Paint work is a prime example of this. It is important to keep the areas where painting is going on as dustless as possible, in order to ensure that the finish on the automobile is smooth and even. Industrial spray booth curtains are a cost effective and painless option for this type of space division. In addition to the industrial spray booth curtain itself, there are options that can be added on to make the curtain more air tight, such as a floor sweep, a valance, a filler panel, and Velcro sealed side edges. These options, along with the spray booth curtain itself, will keep a vast majority of dust out of your work area.

Wash Bay Stalls

A popular function in any auto shop is washing down vehicles or equipment. Anyone who has done this knows that the water and over-spray has a tendency to spread throughout the entire shop. Industrial spray booth curtains are an efficient, cost effective way to contain the wash bay area and keep the mist from this application from spreading throughout adjacent areas of your facility. Additionally, as highlighted in the retractable paint booth curtain section, the spray booth curtains can be moved into place when wash down occurs, and retracted back when they are not needed.

Metal & Fabrication Area

The use of aluminum to make more parts on newer vehicles, while certain parts and older vehicles are still fabricated with steel, has spurred the need for better division within metal work areas. If particulate from aluminum fabrication mixes with particulate from steel fabrication, the results can be hazardous, and in certain circumstances, combustible. Auto body shop curtains are a great fit for dividing fabrication areas up.

Industrial spray booth curtains go beyond paint over-spray and can be adapted to accommodate the multi-faceted functions required of auto body shops. With the right configuration and accessories, the spray both curtains can transform a large work space into separate designated areas designed to meet the performance requirements of that particular work zone – whether it’s a dust free environment, wash bay stall or metal and fabrication area.

Learn more about multipurpose industrial spray booth curtain wall systems and the versatility they can add to your auto body shop. Contact us today here at AmCraft Manufacturing to learn more.

OSHA Region 5 Targets Noise Levels in Manufacturing

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Dampen and Block Noise in Manufacturing Facilities

In various Manufacturing industries, such as:

Metal fabrication and cutting
Plastic grinding and plastic recycling
Waterjet cutting
Sandblasting processes
and many other industries that have to deal with OSHA’s regulations.

AmCraft’s noise-dampening and noise-blocking curtain panels will make a noticeable difference for all your employees and facility visitors.

By enclosing and/or separating the noise, AmCraft’s curtain panels create a quieter environment that significantly enhances the comfort and productivity of your employees. This not only keeps OSHA at bay but also fosters a more pleasant and efficient work atmosphere.

Please look at OSHA’s daily permissible noise level exposure matrix below. This matrix explains how long, according to OSHA regulations, an employee can work in areas with high decibel levels. If you reduce the overall noise level, a given employee can work in the reduced noise level area for more extended periods.

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The Region 5 Regional Emphasis Program

To identify and reduce excessive noise exposure in manufacturing, OSHA Region 5 has joined several other areas to create a regional emphasis program for noise. The program was announced in June 2021 for immediate implementation. Similar regional emphasis programs are already in effect in Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7.

While the name Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for Exposure to Noise Hazards in the Workplace sounds broad, the program focuses almost exclusively on the manufacturing industry. And with good reason. Workplace noise may be the most significant health and safety challenge facing the manufacturing industry today.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 75.9 percent of hearing loss cases occur in manufacturing. Workers in transportation equipment manufacturing, food manufacturing, and fabricated metal product manufacturing comprise the highest number of cases.

In an effort to address these issues, the REP empowers regional officials to:

Schedule and conduct inspections of select manufacturing industries with hearing loss rates higher than the national average.
Encourage employers to identify, reduce and eliminate hazards associated with exposure to high levels of noise.
Provide notices and education around noise, hearing conservation programs, and OSHA regulations.

If your facility is in Region V, OSHA may communicate with you to remind you of regulations, invite you to participate in training sessions and share the latest news about how noise affects workers. OSHA officials may also inspect and review your operations, records, and health and safety programs.

After reviewing the OSHA REP declaration, you will find the complete list of manufacturing industries being inspected. It includes facilities that manufacture everything from concrete pipes to aircraft. Ultimately, whether your facility’s NAICS code is on the list, you should prioritize meeting noise exposure guidelines.

After reviewing the OSHA REP declaration, you will find the complete list of manufacturing industries being inspected. It includes facilities that manufacture everything from concrete pipes to aircraft. Whether your facility’s NAICS code is on the list, you should prioritize meeting noise exposure guidelines.

OSHA Noise Regulations & Penalties

OSHA penalties for failure to abate can reach up to $13,653 per day, while willful or repeated violations can cost up to $136,532 per violation. Those numbers don’t include the productivity losses and potential legal penalties resulting from inadequate employee noise protection.

Inspectors operating under the REP may review your noise monitoring and conservation programs and take readings throughout your facility. You’ll want to verify that your employees never exceed OSHA’s permissible exposure limit. OSHA recommends that employers keep noise levels below 85 dBA for an 8-hour shift. As dBA increases, the amount of time an employee can be exposed to the noise decreases. Excessively noisy workspaces can lead to productivity loss since employees cannot spend as much time in the space.

Personal protective equipment like earplugs and headphones can help protect the hearing of manufacturing workers. However, per OSHA regulation 1910.95 (c) (1), employees’ noise exposures are computed without regard for personal protective equipment. So, an employee can’t work in 90 dBA for 8 hours, even with ear protection. However, employers can adjust the spaces where manufacturing employees work to help minimize noise.

Strategies for Reducing Worker Exposure to Noise

As mentioned above, PPE can help protect workers, but it’s not enough to meet OSHA standards for hearing conservation. You’ll need other strategies to bring noise levels down to acceptable ranges. These could include:

Investing in quieter machines. This is often the most costly option since much of the equipment used in manufacturing is purpose-built and expensive to purchase.
Limiting worker exposure. This may help you meet the letter of the guideline, but it also reduces the length of time employees can work, which reduces productivity. Your losses will compound over time.

They are installing acoustic panels, curtains, and baffle systems. Such acoustic barriers and containment systems can reduce noise, echo, and reverberation with a much lower one-time investment than new machines. Over time, they can increase productivity by allowing workers to spend more time in the space safely.

Acoustic Panels Reduce Noise in Manufacturing Spaces

Sound barriers can minimize noise by absorbing sound and vibration or blocking them. The most effective solutions do both. While some noise is still reflected or transmitted, the overall A-weighted sound level is reduced.
Here are three ways you can use acoustic sound barriers to meet OSHA noise regulations:

Enclose the noise—If a piece of equipment is particularly noisy, you may want to enclose it with a single-barrier or double-barrier curtain panel. These enclosures can protect employees outside the barrier from the noise of the equipment.
Separate two noise sources—If you have multiple pieces of loud equipment, you can set up a double-absorption barrier to minimize exposure in both areas. Hanging these in an accordion pattern can increase sound absorption in both spaces.
Absorb overall noise—Multi-absorption curtain panels and acoustic baffle systems can cover hard surfaces that would normally reflect noise and create echoes. You can use them on the ceiling, wall, or free-hanging to cover any hard surface in your workspace.

Putting Industrial Curtains to Work in Commercial Barns

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Putting Industrial Curtains to Work in Commercial Barns

For much of human history, agricultural duties have been performed on a small scale. In the 20th century, technology transformed agriculture into a highly specialized industry that is largely executed on a commercial scale to this day.

Commercial barns allow farmers to produce fruits, vegetables and grains and care for livestock en masse. However, that kind of scale requires careful management of the conditions within the barn. How can industrial curtains be used in different types of commercial barns?

Commercial Barn Uses

Commercial barns are larger, industrial facilities designed for specific purposes. Common products that are housed in these buildings include:

Produce. Farms growing large crops of produce, whether fruit or vegetables, need a commercial barn for conditioning and storing products. These barns can also store equipment necessary for farm operations, such as harvesting.
Dairy. Dairy farms need the space to care for the large number of cows responsible for milk production. Commercial dairy farms need areas for operations like milking and the birth of calves
Poultry. Chicken farmers need a commercial barn with precisely controlled environmental conditions to maximize poultry production.
Livestock. Livestock, like cattle, is another area of food production that requires a commercial barn. Like a dairy barn, a livestock barn needs the space to raise and pen animals.

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Why Division of Space Matters

Commercial agriculture requires efficient production, whether that means growing the largest crop possible or managing a high number of animals, supported by precise control. Commercial barns are not simply large, wide-open facilities. Farmers need commercial barns to account for factors like:

Precise temperature control inside of a commercial barn keeps products from spoiling and keeps animals safe and comfortable. Different areas of a barn may need to be kept at different temperatures.
The way air moves throughout a commercial agriculture facility is another important consideration for product integrity and animal safety. Facility design and fans play a role in ventilation, as does the way the facility’s available space is separated.
Commercial barns also need separate areas for different operations. For example, animals need to be kept apart from processing equipment.
Contaminant control. Industrial curtains are also a proven way of creating contamination free environments. A great economical alternative to more expensive hard wall structures, these curtains can ensure produce, meat, and other agricultural elements are kept in separate controlled spaces to avoid cross contamination.

How Industrial Curtain Walls Can Help

Commercial barns can, of course, have solid walls in place, but this is not always practical if you are reorganizing or expanding your operations. Industrial curtain walls offer a cost-effective solution for managing temperature and airflow in separate spaces within barns.

You have the option of installing single-ply curtains or insulated barn curtains in a retractable or stationary configuration. In either scenario, curtains have add-on’s, or options, that will make the curtain airtight. Floor sweeps, Velcro or magnet edges, valances, and filler panels ensure that the curtain can fit tightly to whatever structure you have in place.

Industrial curtains are made of durable and easy-to-clean material, qualities essential for life in a commercial barn. Curtain materials that are anti-microbial and food grade are also offered, to meet additional specifications required in different processing applications. Hardware systems are offered in galvanized steel and stainless steel, as well.

Installed to meet your needs, commercial barn curtains can improve energy efficiency by managing airflow and temperature and protect products, animals, and equipment from the elements.

Learn more about how AmCraft can help you create a custom industrial curtain system for your commercial barn.

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Adapting to Overhead Cranes

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Adapting to Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes

are designed to lift and move heavy loads. In manufacturing facilities, this equipment can be used across a variety of industries, such as automotive and aviation. In warehouses, overhead cranes can be used to move any manner of bulky goods as they are stored, organized, and loaded for distribution. While essential to many facilities, overhead cranes can also present a challenge when it comes to the division of space. Large manufacturing plants often need discrete working spaces for different operations, while warehouses need that separation for the storage of different product types. How can facilities adapt to overhead cranes while using their space as efficiently as possible?

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An AmCraft Solution

ABOVE THE CRANE

When a curtain is mounted above the crane rail, it is essential that it does not interfere with the crane’s movements and functionality.

The curtain panels above the crane can be mounted parallel to or perpendicular to the crane as long as there are existing structural members available to support the curtain panels or strips.

BELOW THE CRANE

Because the hardware for the curtain panels cannot be suspended from the ceiling, we offer a Free-Standing Track System, up to 12’ high, with 12” x 12” floor mounting plates.

The plates are used to secure each upright (upright support has a recommended spacing interval of 5’). This Free-Standing Track System also allows the curtains to be retractable.

Creating Separate Spaces

Businesses need a way to separate areas to maintain temperature control and humidity control; to protect from contaminants; and to manage airflow. Building more walls to divide the space within a manufacturing plant or warehouse is not always feasible in terms of cost and utility, particularly when the facility has to use overhead cranes.

Overhead cranes can lift, lower, and move horizontally, making them a versatile tool, but they need to be able to move freely throughout a facility. Above the crane rail, strip curtains present an effective solution for creating the necessary isolated divisions within a facility without hindering the movement of overhead cranes, as well as equipment like forklifts.

Below the crane rail, some customers use the free standing track system (outlined above), and other customers opt to hang a cable. This cable would need to be strung between two structural supports. Depending on the width of the cable and how well it is tensioned, the curtain could sag a bit in the center of the width; however it still offers a sturdy solution for hanging any of the following curtain solutions:

Single Layer Curtains – Separate space, control air movement
Thermal Curtain – Separate temperature (available in 5 different R-Values)
Acoustic Curtains – Separate Noise and Absorb Sound

Challenges to Consider

While strip curtains are the answer for many manufacturing facilities and warehouses with overhead cranes, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each facility has a different layout and different needs. Before deciding to get a quote on strip curtains, take into consideration:

Ceiling configuration. How does a facility’s ceiling come into play if you need to separate space above the overhead crane? Suspended mounting of strip curtains can accommodate easy movement of an overhead crane, but the measurement and installation of the curtains will depend on the slope of the ceiling. Will the cut of the curtain match that slope exactly? A suspended mount requires a one-inch overlap with the strip door bracket and the curtains.
Airtightness. While strip curtains allow for movement of overhead cranes, it remains important to ensure airtightness of certain areas. Curtains need to be precisely measured to allow equipment to move where necessary and to stop airflow as soon as that movement is completed.

A Knowledgeable Solution

Industrial curtains- single layer, strip, thermal, or acoustic- are a great solution for your facility’s needs but understanding of how to best utilize them in your facility takes specialized knowledge. Our technical representatives’ partner with you to understand the particulars of your business and to get the exact measurements for your curtains. Reach out to us to get started on finding the right curtains for your manufacturing plant or warehouse.

How to Repurpose and Keep Your Warehouse Space Flexible

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How to Repurpose & Keep Your Warehouse Space Flexible

Repurposing Possibilities

When not in use, warehouses tend to be expansive, high-ceiled spaces. You can imagine them as a blank canvas. If there isn’t a future in warehousing for the space, it can be wholly repurposed in several ways. Industrial warehouse space can become:

An entertainment venue. Warehouse space could be repurposed to feature live music or other entertainment like art or cinema. While it may seem like live music and any other in-person event are distant memories, they will become a part of life again. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is cautiously optimistic that live entertainment could return this fall.
Office space. While remote work has become the norm for many people during the pandemic, the need for office space is unlikely to vanish entirely. As the vaccine rollout progresses and we can move back toward everyday life, companies will look for space for their employees. Warehouses could have a second life as medical offices or other businesses.
Production space. Warehouses could be used for other industrial purposes, such as manufacturing or testing. Industries such as biotechnology are booming, which likely means more space is needed.

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Reimagining Your Space

Warehousing space remains important. You may not need to completely repurpose your space. Maybe you only need to reimagine how it is used. Whether you are condensing operations or expanding the type of products stored and distributed through your warehouse, you will likely need to change how you utilize your space. How can you do more with your warehouse space?

Remaining Flexible

Industrial curtains can be used to change your warehouse’s layout and its capabilities.

Separate spaces. Industrial curtains can help turn your warehouse into a flexible, multipurpose workspace. Whether you need an airtight section or an enclosed workspace for administrative functions, you can use warehouse curtains to effectively divide different aspects of your facility’s operations.
Temperature control. Insulated curtains can also be used in warehouses to create storage space for temperature-sensitive products, such as food or pharmaceuticals.
Sound control. If your repurposed workspaces include noisy operations, acoustic curtains can reduce sound and create quieter working zones for other team members.

Opting for retractable curtains also allows you to remain flexible as your warehouse’s needs change over time. Learn more about AmCraft’s industrial curtains and how we can help you get the most out of your warehouse space.

Why Temperature Control is Important for Your Warehouse Employees

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Why Temperature Control is Important for Your Warehouse Employees

Warehouses are a major hub of the logistics industry, storing everything from consumer packaged goods to electronics. Many warehouses store and handle temperature-sensitive products, such as food and pharmaceuticals. Maintaining the proper temperature is essential to supply chain integrity and product quality. However, products aren’t the only reason warehouse owners need to be concerned about temperature. Employee comfort and productivity are also important factors to consider.

Temperature Control Challenges

Warehouse utility management is complex. Environmental conditions need to be precisely controlled to ensure temperature- and humidity-sensitive items are safely stored before moving onto the next step in their supply chain journey. For many facilities, especially large ones that handle a wide variety of goods, this necessitates separate temperature zones.

Discrete temperature areas in a large facility can lead to expensive energy bills, and it can be a challenge for the employees working the warehouse. Can the employees easily access different areas to do their jobs? Does moving from zone to zone affect the temperature or humidity control? Are employees comfortable while they do their jobs?

Temperature Control Challenges

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How Insulated Curtains Work

Thermal insulated curtains are an effective temperature control tool for industrial and warehouse settings. Insulated curtains can work in tandem with heating and cooling systems and commercial humidifiers or dehumidifiers to keep precise environmental control in separate areas configured to your warehouse’s needs and can be retractable or stationary.

The R-value of the product determines how high of a temperature differential a curtain can easily maintain. A curtain with a higher R-value means that maintain a higher temperature differential is possible, which is typically useful for industrial facilities with temperature extremes.

Many warehouses find beneficial use for options on the lower R-value side, such as:

R-4 insulated soft wall curtains (retractable) – R-4 insulated curtains have a maximum height of 25 feet and one inch of insulation material with a maximum temperature differential of 22 degrees Fahrenheit. R-4 curtains have a retractable construction, allowing warehouses to easily reconfigure the curtains for their needs.
R-5 insulated soft wall curtains (stationary) – R-5 insulated curtains have a slightly higher temperature differential of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This option also has one inch of insulation material, but they can reach 40 feet in height. R-5 curtains are designed for stationary use.

Both types of curtains serve as barriers, creating temperature buffer zones wherever is needed in a warehouse.

How can lightly insulated curtains help warehouses?

Product storage – Temperature and humidity control are a primary concern for product quality and safety during storage. Insulated curtains offer a durable, effective and flexible solution to warehouses’ environmental control challenges.
Loading docks – Products need to move through warehouse loading docks to shipping containers, but temperature control remains important in this area of the facility. Insulated curtains can be employed to maintain the proper temperature here as well as in the interior of the warehouse.
The retractable version of our Insulated curtains allows the ability to use the curtains as needed. For example, retractable curtains still allow for machining deliveries.
Energy bills – By creating the separate temperature zones necessary, a warehouse can heat and cool smaller areas more effectively. Employees can easily move from one zone to another, while curtains help contain the temperature-controlled air.
Employee comfort – Prolonged temperature extremes negatively affect employee productivity, and they are uncomfortable for your team. By creating separate temperature zones with insulated curtains, employees only need to move into areas of extreme heat or cold when necessary to their jobs.

Take a look at our insulated curtains and ask us how our products can help your warehouse and your employees.

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How to Use Thermal Curtains to Maintain Optimal Temperature Control in the Food Industry

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How to Use Thermal Curtains to Maintain Optimal Temperature Control in the Food Industry

Temperature and humidity levels need to be carefully controlled by facilities that store and distribute food, particularly perishable foods like meat, dairy, seafood, and produce. A properly maintained environment ensures quality control and compliance with regulations from agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Temperature control in large, industrial buildings can be a challenge. Heating and cooling systems, of course, play a key role, but businesses are challenged to maintain different sections of the facility at different temperatures. Thermal insulated curtains offer an effective solution to creating discrete temperature zones in food storage and distribution facilities. How do these industrial curtains work? How can they be put to work in your business?

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Insulated Curtain Applications

Thermal curtains are made of vinyl and interior insulation. Depending on the R-value of the curtains, they can offer a temperature differential of 22 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Any facility that handles and stores foods likely has varying temperature and humidity requirements. Temperature control curtains can be used in:

Food and beverage manufacturing facilities
Food and beverage distribution warehouses
Facility loading dock areas
Storage areas for produce, dry goods, beverages, floral products, and pharmaceuticals

Benefits of Thermal Curtains

Temperature and humidity control is the primary benefit of thermal curtains, but insulated curtains also offer:

Durability. The vinyl and insulation layer of thermal curtains are extremely durable and easy to wash down. Additionally, this material is resistant to mildew and some chemicals.
Energy savings. Thermal curtains can dramatically reduce a food storage facility’s energy costs. By creating separate temperature zones, large facilities can heat or cool smaller areas more efficiently when the edges are sealed.
Acoustic value. While not specifically designed for noise control, thermal insulated curtains do have some acoustic value, which can be beneficial in large, industrial settings.

Curtain Options

Insulated curtains can either be retractable or stationary, customizable based on the needs of the individual facility. When it comes to temperature control needs, a higher R-value translates into higher thermal resistance. Facilities that handle food can choose from curtains such as:

R-10 and R-12 insulated curtain walls. R-10 and R-12 insulated soft wall curtains have an inner insulation thickness of three inches and offer a max temperature difference of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

R-16 insulated curtain walls. R-16 insulated semi-rigid curtain walls have four inches of inner insulation material. These curtains have a max temperature difference of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

R-25 insulated curtain walls. R-25 insulated rigid curtain walls have six inches of inner insulation: two inches of rigid material and four inches of soft compressed material. With this higher R-value, these curtains are able to maintain a maximum temperature difference of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Creating a Safe Outdoor Dining Experience This Winter

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Creating a Safe Outdoor Dining Experience This Winter

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously threatened the bar and restaurant industry. Usually a hub of social interaction, these businesses have had to shut their doors and adopt creative solutions to keep their staff and customers safe. Curbside pick-up, delivery, and outdoor seating have become the norm for the dining industry during the pandemic. But, the approach of winter makes dining outside a challenge. How can bars and restaurants create an outdoor dining experience that works during the coldest months of the year?

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Safety Recommendations

First and foremost, eateries need to ensure they maintain a safe environment. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local regulations serve as essential reference points for restaurants and bars.

Social distancing. However a restaurant or bar can operate, inside dining or outside, social distancing is a crucial safety measure. Tables should have at least six feet of space between them.
Limited capacity. Limiting capacity can also support social distancing. Smaller groups of people are more accessible to adequately space out within a restaurant or on its patio.
Masking. The CDC recommends that bar and restaurant employees wear facemasks and that customers wear masks when they are not eating or drinking.
Outdoor seating. Adequate ventilation and airflow help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, making outdoor seating a safer option.

Outdoor Challenges

While eating and drinking outdoors was an easy solution in the balmy months of summer, winter brings new challenges.

Temperature. In areas with mild winters, customers might be able to wear a few extra layers and still enjoy outdoor seating. In other areas with harsher winters, restaurants must create an outdoor environment warm enough to attract customers.
Layout. Outdoor tents may be a potential option for restaurants, but the same considerations for safe dining apply. Does the tent allow for adequate ventilation? Can tables be placed far enough apart within the tent? Enclosed tents with poor airflow and large groups are likely not a safe solution.

Outdoor Solutions

What potential solutions do restaurants have to chilly weather and layout concerns?

Heaters. Many restaurants and bars are adding heaters to their outdoor spaces to create a warm enough environment. Some businesses are offering blankets or suggesting customers bring their own.
Physical barriers. In addition to temperature control, restaurants and bars need to consider proper distancing protocols. Physical barriers can be installed in outdoor spaces to divide the airspace and maintain separate, safe areas for customers. For example, Sneeze Buddy™ Social Distance Separation Panels can create outdoor dining enclosures. Freestanding modular frames or clear or suspended panels from above with chains or cables allow restaurants to configure the panels in whatever works best for their outdoor space.

Thermal-insulated curtains can serve as a multipurpose solution, creating separate spaces and helping to maintain a warmer temperature for customers sitting outside.

Learn more about how AmCraft’s Sneeze Buddy™ panels and insulated curtains can help the food service industry weather the winter season.

How Food-Grade Curtains Can Help Facilities Maintain Regulatory Compliance

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How Food-Grade Curtains Can Help Facilities Maintain Regulatory Compliance

The Role of Food-Grade Curtains

Industrial curtains can be an important part of a facility’s compliance strategy. They can serve as separation barriers between different facility areas, either installed as retractable or stationary. AmCraft’s curtains are fabricated to fit your space.

When you buy the ingredients for a meal at the grocery store or pick up a prescription from the pharmacy, you want to know that those products are safe to consume. That is why the facilities that make, handle, and distribute food and medication are overseen by regulatory bodies that help to ensure quality control and food-grade compliance. What regulatory agencies oversee food and drug safety and compliance? What kinds of facilities need to adhere to these regulations? How can industrial curtains play a role in maintaining a compliant environment?

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Regulatory Oversight

Some of the significant North American agencies in charge of food safety are the:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is largely responsible for regulating meat, poultry, and eggs.
S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA primarily oversees processed foods, including dietary supplements, in the United States. This federal agency provides oversight on nutrition labeling and packaging. Drug safety, research, and approval also fall under the purview of the FDA.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA manages regulatory oversight for various areas, including food safety and animal and plant health.

Food Processing Facilities and Pharmaceutical Plants

What kinds of facilities need to maintain compliance with these major regulatory agencies?

Food processing facilities. Many different types of food processing facilities are subject to regulatory requirements. For example, a facility that manages meat products must maintain USDA compliance under the agency’s food safety and inspection rules.
Food distribution warehouses. Once food has been processed and manufactured, it must be shipped to retail locations, which often means time spent in a distribution warehouse. Just like manufacturing and processing facilities, these facilities are required to comply with FDA rules on food safety.
Pharmaceutical plants. Compliance with FDA regulations is essential in pharmaceutical plants, whether they make over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Benefits include:

Regulatory compliance support. AmCraft’s food-grade curtains are made to comply with specific FDA, USDA, and CFIA requirements relating to physical facilities that handle food products. The curtains are also Fire Rated ASTM E-84 Class A or NFPA-701.
Stainless steel track system. AmCraft’s food-grade curtains are available with a stainless steel track system. Additionally, the curtain walls’ welded construction helps prevent bacteria from growing.
Easy-to-clean. The curtains, made of PVC vinyl, are durable and easy to clean.

Food processing and distribution facilities, and in some cases, pharmaceutical plants, must maintain food-grade compliance carefully. Learn more about AmCraft’s food-grade curtains and how they can help your business.

Jack Warren

14:05 23 Oct 24

John, the AmCraft representative was super helpful and responsive. The ordering process was seamless and I would definitely place another order with them again in the future.

erin h

02:28 11 Sep 24

Everything arrived on time and perfect. Install was easier than expected. Thank you!

Rob Wilking

17:01 11 Jul 24

Patti Pope was very helpful in fulfilling my customer order for Data Center equipment rack curtains. My initial measurements were not accurate and she was able to accommodate my requst for a sizing change and deleivered the curtians in a timely manner.

Donald Scholl

20:21 23 Apr 24

Amcraft has again supplied an exceptional product for another one our projects.Their sales and engineering groups were able to meet our extensive custom order. The ship date was as promised, and received in perfect condition. I can’t think of any other manufacturer who could meet our food grade needs.

D “DN” Nguyen

15:43 10 Jul 23

Kristen and the team at Amcraft was very accommodating. They made the ordering process simple, efficient and communicated their expertise with precision and accuracy. The customer curtains (2), were made to our expectations and the lead time/delivery was faster than expected.Although, they were built as curtains, we work in a hot environment and change the way we mounted the curtains. We have seen a decrease in temperature in our facility, which can be an oven.We wish the best for Amcraft, and thank you again.

Warren Evans

20:03 19 Apr 22

Our company installed a machine that is known for the generation of relatively high decibel readings. The readings were exacerbated by the location of the machine adjacent to a concrete block wall. The combination of machinery and location resulted in decibel readings that exceeded expectations.We spoke with several companies for a solution, and AmCraft was chosen for the flexibility of their product. It allowed the sound dampening wall to be retracted when service needed to be done and provided an excellent amount of sound cancellation.Andrea at AmCraft was very patient as we sorted out what was best for our process and our budget.The customer has expressed an interest in using these same panels for other applications in their mill.Good Job AmCraft!! Thank You Very Much.

Industrial Curtain Inspiration from the Chicago Auto Show

Cool Hacks Using Industrial Spray Booth Curtains

Retractable Paint Booth Curtain

Dust-Free Work Zone

Wash Bay Stalls

Metal & Fabrication Area

Dampen and Block Noise in Manufacturing Facilities

The Region 5 Regional Emphasis Program

OSHA Noise Regulations & Penalties

Strategies for Reducing Worker Exposure to Noise

Acoustic Panels Reduce Noise in Manufacturing Spaces

Putting Industrial Curtains to Work in Commercial Barns

Commercial Barn Uses

Why Division of Space Matters

How Industrial Curtain Walls Can Help

Sources

Adapting to Overhead Cranes

Overhead cranes

An AmCraft Solution

Creating Separate Spaces

Challenges to Consider

A Knowledgeable Solution

How to Repurpose & Keep Your Warehouse Space Flexible

Repurposing Possibilities

Reimagining Your Space

Remaining Flexible

Why Temperature Control is Important for Your Warehouse Employees

Temperature Control Challenges

Temperature Control Challenges

How Insulated Curtains Work

How can lightly insulated curtains help warehouses?

Sources

How to Use Thermal Curtains to Maintain Optimal Temperature Control in the Food Industry

Insulated Curtain Applications

Benefits of Thermal Curtains

Curtain Options

Creating a Safe Outdoor Dining Experience This Winter

Safety Recommendations

Outdoor Challenges

Outdoor Solutions

How Food-Grade Curtains Can Help Facilities Maintain Regulatory Compliance

The Role of Food-Grade Curtains

Regulatory Oversight

Food Processing Facilities and Pharmaceutical Plants

Benefits include:

Headquarters

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