Walk in Freezer and Coolers Safety

Walk in Freezer and Coolers:  Ensure You Have These 5 Safeguards in Place

1. Keep it Clean

Did you know that mold or fungus can build up if proper cleaning measures do not take place?  Not only are you placing your contents at risk, but your employees as well.  Symptoms of mold exposure can include:

• Sneezing
• Nose, mouth or throat irritation
• Stuffiness and runny nose
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• For allergy sufferers, mold can trigger asthma-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing.

2. Keep it Dry

Speaking of mold, moisture can promote the forming of it in your freezer or cooler.  Perform regular maintenance on the cooling system, including the condensing coil, evaporator, and fans. Those systems will circulate the air and remove any excess moisture.  Employee safety also includes reducing risk of falling.  If ice, frost, or water develops, falls and injuries can happen.  Regularly remove ice and water into the drain, using a floor squeegee.  And ensure that proper footwear is worn to reduce slipping.

3. Keep Safety Releases Functional

Your walk-in cooler or freezer should have a functional safety release latch. These latches prevent accidental entrapment. Be sure to check this latch regularly to make sure it's in good working order.  Employee dangers can be hypothermia, or even death.   As a safeguard, it is a good idea to even have a partner when entering and/or have employees tell another employee if they will be in the walk-in unit for extended periods of time.

4. Keep Employee Safeguards a Priority

Use appropriate safety equipment for employees utilizing your walk-ins.  Proper clothing such as jackets, gloves and hats are a good way to make certain they are comfortable and avoid circulation issues.  Rubber-soled shoes will help prevent falls.  Step stools to assist in reaching high shelves reduce back strain and potential falls and will eliminate employees creating makeshift stools with items such as boxes or crates.  Rubber, anti-slip floor pads can also help reduce slips.

5. Keep it Light and Organized

Do not overload shelves. Plain and simple.  Keeping within shelf weight limits will make sure that there are no broken or bent shelves which can be an employee safety hazard. Proper organization of the shelves can reduce or eliminate:

• Improper circulation
• Wasted stock
• Improper food safety and sanitation

With these simple and thought-out precautions, your walk-in cooler/freezer will be a safe place for both employees and your stock.  For more information on performing regular maintenance, today!