Walk-In Coolers and Freezers: Safety Practices to Follow

Walk-in coolers and freezers can pose safety hazards in the workplace. Accidents and injuries can also be costly for businesses, so it’s important to avoid these issues by following best practices.

Cafco Services, a trusted provider of refrigeration equipment services, shares the top safety measures that you should observe to avoid accidents in walk-in coolers and freezers.

Keep the Unit Clean

Clean your walk-in refrigeration systems on a regular basis. This will certainly help minimize the risk of mold or fungus buildup, which can cause a range of health symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and sinus problems. Mold can also ruin your inventory, so it’s highly recommended to invest in regular cleaning.

Keep the Floors Dry

Ice and frost buildup can easily happen in walk-in freezers and coolers, leading to slippery floors. Of course, slippery floors can cause accidents, so you want to avoid them as much as possible. The trick is to mop up spills, soak up condensation and clear frost immediately. Also, make sure to direct any excess moisture into drains.

Don’t Overload the Shelves

HVAC companies also warn against overpacking freezers, because this can cause the unit to become less efficient. It also puts your shelves at risk of collapsing under the excess weight. If an employee happened to be present in the area at the wrong time, inventory items could fall on them in the event the shelves broke.

Check Safety Releases on a Regular Basis

Newer versions of walk-in coolers and freezers are designed with safety releases on their doors. This feature is meant to prevent accidental entrapment. Employees who get locked inside walk-in freezers are at risk of hypothermia; since the temperatures in these units are below freezing. That’s why it’s crucial to check the safety releases regularly and ensure that they’re functioning properly.

Cafco Services has been providing quality service since 1945. From HVAC filter products to various HVAC services, our expertise can give you peace of mind that your heating and cooling needs will be met satisfactorily. Call us at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment.