What is HACCP?
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognised system for food safety management. It requires businesses to identify hazards, establish control measures, and provide evidence of compliance. In food plants, kitchens, and laboratories, the risks are wide-ranging:
- Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
- Unsafe handling or storage of cleaning chemicals
- Slips, trips, and falls in wet or greasy areas
- Delays in reaching emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers or eye wash stations
By combining HACCP planning with visual controls, businesses can minimise these hazards before they cause serious problems.
Zoning for Food Safety
One of the most effective ways to prevent cross-contamination is through clear zoning. Heskins PermaStripe and PermaRoute tapes allow managers to create colour-coded divisions for:
- Raw and cooked food preparation areas
- Allergen storage and handling
- Designated cleaning chemical zones
These markings reduce the chance of mistakes, help staff follow correct procedures, and show auditors that robust controls are in place.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency readiness is another critical part of HACCP. Heskins tapes ensure staff can locate essential equipment and exits without delay.
- Glow in the Dark Tape keeps escape routes visible during power failures.
- Hazard Warning Tape highlights fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and eye wash stations.
By clearly identifying safety points, businesses protect staff and meet compliance expectations at the same time.
Preventing Slips in High-Risk Areas
Slips and falls are a major concern in food preparation zones, where liquids, grease, and constant cleaning create slippery surfaces. Heskins Safety-Grip Anti-Slip Tape provides durable traction in walkways, dishwashing stations, and entrances. For uneven surfaces like checker plate, Conformable Safety-Grip moulds to the substrate, ensuring grip is maintained. These products help prevent accidents that could injure staff or compromise food safety.
Chemical Hazard Control
Cleaning chemicals are vital but must be carefully managed. Heskins hazard marking tapes can be used to:
- Define safe storage areas around chemical cupboards
- Separate pedestrian walkways from chemical handling zones
- Draw attention to eye wash stations for spill response
These visual boundaries reinforce safe practices and reduce the risk of accidental contamination.
Proactive Hazard Prevention
The goal of HACCP is prevention. Heskins tapes provide simple, practical tools that actively reduce risk:
- Directional arrows guide staff flow to avoid cross-contact.
- Reflective and glow-in-the-dark markers ensure evacuation routes remain visible.
- Anti-slip strips on ladders and steps support safe maintenance routines.
Each of these measures integrates seamlessly into HACCP plans, turning hazard analysis into visible action.
Beyond Food Environments
While HACCP is most associated with kitchens and food production, the principles apply across warehouses, labs, and distribution centres. From marking forklift routes to identifying PPE stations, Heskins tapes enhance organisation and safety throughout the supply chain.
Conclusion
HACCP compliance demands careful planning and reliable tools. Heskins products make compliance easier by addressing hazards before they become issues. From anti-slip solutions that protect staff in wet areas to clear markings for emergency equipment and chemical storage, Heskins tapes provide the practical support businesses need to meet HACCP standards.
By integrating these tapes into safety systems, companies can reduce risks, safeguard employees, and maintain confidence during audits.
Contact Heskins today to discover how our tapes can support your HACCP compliance.




