How to Work Safely in Cold Storage Rooms
Cold storage rooms are an essential feature for most food-related industries, and workers have to spend a significant amount of time in there, sorting out deliveries, organising shelves or simply picking up ingredients. In order to make sure that your staff say safe in your cold room on the Sunshine Coast, Thistlewood Refrigeration would like to offer you some simple tips.
Hazards of cold storage rooms
There are several hazards that you may be exposed to in a cold storage room, including the standard work-related accidents. Specific threats from the cold include being in there for too long, and developing a cold injury, being affected by cold to the point of emergency, and accidental lock-ins. The later poses a very serious risk to health and life.
Follow safety standards
To make sure that your employees stay well, you need to follow the standards set out in Australian state guidelines. This relates to the design and build of the room, which will be fine if you choose Thistlewood Refrigeration for your supplier.
Proper clothing
Your staff should be wearing proper clothing when they go into the cold room. This includes the use of gloves, warm overalls or insulation suits, and suitable footwear. If they are working on a forklift, the cab must be enclosed and heated to a suitable temperature.
Maintaining the room
You need to make sure that the cold room is looked after properly, including regularly removing ice-build up, keeping the walls and doors in good condition, and securing the shelves so that they don’t pose a risk of accident by falling.
Preventing lock-ins
As well as keeping the door well-maintained, you need to provide emergency exits with proper signage that can be seen when the doors to the cool room are closed. You should have alarms in case the doors cannot be opened with emergency lighting. Practical preventatives will include restricting access to approved personnel, making people go in 2-at-a-time, and having a complete check of the area before locking after use.
Buy newer models
To make sure that your cold room on the Sunshine Coast is up to the highest standard, you need to make sure that you have a build in good condition. If the room is getting older, it may be time to purchase a new model from Thistlewood Refrigeration. You can discuss your cold room needs with the team by contacting us online, or by calling 0412-379-204 today.
For more helpful refrigeration and air conditioning advice, read our previous blog on Air Conditioning Options For Your Home Or Business.
