Store management of cured animal hides and skins is a critical phase in the leather production chain, ensuring that raw materials retain their quality before processing. In Kenya’s leather industry, especially within tanneries and leather goods manufacturers, proper storage prevents deterioration caused by microbial attack, insect infestation, and environmental factors. This chapter examines the essential characteristics that define an effective hide and skin store, focusing on how these features safeguard the quality and value of raw materials.

5.1 Characteristics of Hide/Skin Store

Storage facilities for cured animal hides and skins must meet stringent requirements to maintain the hides’ integrity and prevent quality loss. The characteristics of an ideal storage environment are influenced by Kenya’s climatic conditions, the nature of the hides and skins, and operational practices common in leather-producing institutions such as county government leather workshops or cooperatives in Rift Valley.

5.1.1 Location and Structural Design of the Store

The choice of location and the physical design of the hide/skin store directly affect the preservation quality and operational efficiency. Selecting an appropriate site involves consideration of accessibility, environmental exposure, and security.

Location Criteria

• Elevation and Drainage: The store should be situated on elevated ground to avoid waterlogging, which accelerates microbial growth and skin degradation. For example, a tannery in Nakuru avoids flood-prone areas for its hide store to reduce spoilage risks.
• Distance from Contaminants: The store must be away from sources of contamination such as sewage, garbage dumps, and chemical storage areas to prevent odors and chemical damage.
• Accessibility: Easy access for transport vehicles allows efficient delivery and dispatch, minimizing handling time that could expose hides to adverse conditions.
• Security: The site should be secure to prevent theft and vandalism, common concerns in urban areas like Nairobi.

Structural Design Features

• Ventilation: Proper cross-ventilation is crucial to reduce humidity and prevent condensation inside the store. Open windows with mesh screens or ventilators are standard in stores at county government leather workshops.
• Wall Materials: Walls constructed with non-porous, durable materials such as concrete or brick reduce moisture absorption and are easier to clean.
• Roofing: A waterproof, insulated roof protects against rain and solar heat, minimizing temperature fluctuations that can degrade hides.
• Flooring: Floors made of concrete or tiled surfaces facilitate cleaning and prevent moisture ingress from the ground, common in leather cooperatives around Eldoret.

5.1.2 Environmental Conditions within the Store

Maintaining optimal environmental parameters inside the hide or skin store is vital for preserving the quality of the raw materials. Temperature, humidity, light exposure, and airflow must be controlled to inhibit microbial growth and prevent physical damage.

Temperature Control

• Cool Temperatures: Ideal storage temperature ranges between 10°C and 20°C to slow enzymatic and microbial activity. In Kenya’s tropical climate, this often requires shading and ventilation rather than mechanical cooling.
• Temperature Stability: Fluctuations cause condensation and skin swelling; thus, insulation and shading techniques are necessary, especially in leather workshops in Mombasa where coastal heat is intense.

Humidity Management

• Low Relative Humidity: Relative humidity should be maintained between 60% and 70%. High humidity promotes mold and bacterial growth, while very low humidity can dry out and crack the skins.
• Humidity Monitoring: Hygrometers are used in some modern stores to monitor moisture levels, enabling timely ventilation or dehumidification actions.

Light Exposure

• Minimized Exposure: Direct sunlight degrades collagen fibers and causes fading. Stores are designed with opaque doors and small, screened windows to limit light penetration.

Air Quality and Ventilation

• Air Circulation: Continuous airflow prevents stagnant humid air pockets. Mechanical fans or natural ventilation systems are employed in larger facilities, such as SACCO leather processing units in Nakuru.
• Odor Control: Good ventilation also reduces odors from curing agents like salt or formaldehyde, improving the work environment.

5.1.3 Storage Arrangement and Handling Practices

How hides and skins are arranged and handled within the store influences their condition and ease of access. Proper stacking and regular inspection prevent deformation and damage.

Stacking Methods

• Flat Stacking: Hides are laid flat in piles with layers separated by clean, dry sheets to avoid sticking and deformation, a common practice in leather factories like those in Kericho.
• Rack Storage: For smaller skins, racks allow air circulation around each piece, reducing moisture retention.
• Weight Control: Piles should not exceed heights that cause excessive pressure on lower hides; usually, stacks are kept below 1.5 meters.

Handling Procedures

• Gloved Handling: Workers use gloves to protect hides from oils and dirt, preserving the surface quality.
• Inspection Frequency: Regular weekly inspections detect early signs of mold, insect damage or drying, enabling prompt remedial action.
• Rotation System: First-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation ensures older hides are processed first, minimizing prolonged storage effects.

5.1.4 Hygiene and Pest Control Measures

Maintaining cleanliness and preventing pest infestations are critical to protecting cured hides and skins during storage. Hygiene protocols and pest management strategies reduce spoilage and economic losses.

Hygiene Practices

• Regular Cleaning: Floors and walls are cleaned frequently to remove dust, dirt, and organic matter that attract pests.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal of waste materials including trimming scraps prevents breeding grounds for insects.
• Disinfection: Periodic fumigation or use of approved disinfectants controls microbial contamination.

Pest Control Strategies

• Insecticides and Repellents: Application of insecticides targeting hide beetles and moths is common in leather warehouses, such as those in Kisumu.
• Physical Barriers: Mesh screens on windows and doors prevent entry of flying insects.
• Monitoring Devices: Sticky traps and pheromone traps help monitor pest populations for timely intervention.
• Environmental Controls: Maintaining low humidity and good ventilation discourages pest proliferation.

Chapter Summary

This chapter explored the essential characteristics of a hide and skin store, emphasizing the need for proper ventilation, cleanliness, and protection from pests to maintain the quality of cured hides and skins. It detailed the variety of resources required in such a store, including general equipment, specialized tools, and materials necessary for effective storage and handling. The chapter also described the specific uses of these resources, such as fleshing knives and cleaning platforms for preparation, weighing machines for inventory management, and protective gear to ensure worker safety. Storage procedures were outlined comprehensively, highlighting the importance of organized workflows and adherence to legal documentation for traceability and compliance. The role of workshops, computers, and stationery in supporting administrative tasks was also discussed, alongside the significance of reliable means of transportation for moving hides and skins efficiently. Finally, attention was given to the design and maintenance of storage facilities, including the use of pallets and frames to prevent damage and contamination during storage.