Remove contact parts
Confirm which trays, hoppers, chutes and covers are removable, how they are handled and where they are cleaned and dried.
Define the cleaning objective
Product release, hygiene release and maintenance access are different requirements.
Dry product removal may be sufficient for some dedicated non-food applications, while food, allergen or chemical changeovers can require a documented cleaning and inspection process. The customer must define the release standard and any site-specific hygiene or safety requirements.
Inspect retained product
Identify ledges, joints, outlets and hidden areas where product can remain after emptying or dry cleaning.
Return to production
Define refitting checks, recipe selection, zero/calibration confirmation and the first acceptable pack after changeover.
Safe method
Isolate the equipment and control stored energy before maintenance or cleaning access.
Most maintenance should be carried out with power isolated, and equipment must be protected against unexpected restart. Compressed air or other stored energy also needs to be addressed. See the HSE guidance on maintenance and safe isolation.
| Changeover stage | Questions to answer | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Run-down | How is remaining product cleared without waste or mixed batches? | Retained-product inspection and disposition |
| Isolation | Which electrical, pneumatic and mechanical energies are controlled? | Approved site procedure and lock-off points |
| Part removal | Can parts be removed safely, labelled and transported? | Change-part list and handling method |
| Cleaning | Dry, wet or chemical method; food, allergen or COSHH requirements | Cleaning instruction and completed record |
| Inspection | Which contact and hidden areas must be checked? | Release checklist and sign-off |
| Restart | Correct parts, recipe, guards, zero and first pack | First acceptable pack and restart record |
Food and allergen applications
The cleaning schedule should state what is cleaned, how, how often and with which products. Contact parts and surrounding areas need access appropriate to the required release standard. General UK food hygiene guidance emphasises documented effective cleaning; the exact method remains site and product specific.
Chemical and dusty products
Review the product SDS and COSHH assessment before selecting cleaning chemicals, compressed-air use or extraction. Dust should not be redistributed into controls or the operator's breathing zone.
Changeover trial
Time the complete controlled change, not only removal of one component.
Start from the last acceptable pack of the first product and finish at the first acceptable pack of the next. Include run-down, isolation, product removal, part handling, cleaning, inspection, refitting, recipe selection, checks and startup.
Cleaning review
Define the product and release standard before the machine is finalised.
Lancing can review contact-part access, product retention and the evidence needed for the intended changeover method.
Discuss cleaning and changeoverBuyer questions
Frequently asked questions about this application.
Can a multihead weigher be wet cleaned?
That depends on the specific machine construction, ingress protection, product and site method. Do not assume washdown capability without verified model information.
What is included in changeover time?
A useful measure includes run-down, isolation, removal, cleaning, inspection, refitting, settings, startup and the first acceptable pack.
How should allergen changeover be verified?
The site should define the cleaning and release standard, inspection or testing method and responsible sign-off.
Can compressed air be used for cleaning?
Use depends on the product and risk assessment. Compressed air can spread dust and should not be assumed suitable.
Related guidance
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