Sink Splash Guards
Sink splash guards help keep floors and surrounding work areas safe from dangerous pools of water, which can cause slips and falls. They're often mandatory under certain health codes that require sink guards to be placed around handwashing or warewashing sinks in certain conditions to avoid cross contamination.
Restaurant Splash Guards: What You Need to Know
Commercial splash guards are simple fins of metal that attach to your hand sinks and keep water from splashing out the sides. These restaurant sink splash guards serve two main safety functions: First, they reduce the amount of water on the floor, which minimizes slip and fall risk; second, they prevent potentially contaminated sink water from infecting other food items in the kitchen. Many health departments require hand sink splash guards to prevent cross contamination of food.
Sink splash protectors are usually a one-time purchase because the durable metal they're made of will last you many years. Many are made to match specific sink designs, while others are a more general fit. Providing sufficient commercial sink splash guards can reduce the chance of foodborne illness, slip and fall accidents, and health code penalties; getting the right splash guards can save you money in the long run.
Common Questions About Sink Splash Guards
Do I need restaurant splash guards?
According to the FDA Food Code 2017, splash guards should be installed if handwashing sinks are located anywhere that splashes might contaminate a food contact surface. If you've ever noticed water splashed from a sink onto a food contact surface, you'll need to install splash guards to prevent this. Local regulations could be even more strict than the FDA guidelines, but the health inspector will be at least as strict as the Food Code 2017 requires. Splash guards help keep water off the floor, as well, which reduces the risk of someone falling and causing lost revenue on top of a potential worker's compensation claim. Depending on the pace of your restaurant, your workers may not make a mess when washing, but if they are, splash guards are a great solution.
How can I mount a hand sink splash guard onto my sink?
The answer to this varies widely depending on which brand of sink you've purchased. Some manufacturers can install these before shipping your sink to you, providing an incredibly stable welded mount, while others can be added on after the fact. Consult the product specification page of the item you're considering to see how much work will be required to install it.
What are sink splash guards made of?
Most of our commercial sink splash guards are made of stainless steel because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. Some other options utilize different materials, such as aluminum, that offer slightly different properties. Consider which materials will be the most resistant to bending, denting, and scratching as well as which one will last longest under the control moisture that comes with a commercial sink. Check the product specification page of the individual unit to determine what each sink splash guard is made of.