Walk-in freezers are very important in commercial facilities that prepare and store perishable items, food and beverages. Regardless of what kind of walk-in cooler you have in your facility or how often your employees access your cooler, it’s important to follow some essential guidelines for walk-in cooler safety in Delaware. Keep reading to find out more about how to keep your employees safe while using walk-in coolers and freezers:
- Clean your unit: One of the best ways to improve safety and minimize accidents in your facility is to keep your unit as clean and organized as possible. A cluttered cooler or freezer can increase the risk of tripping and falling and put your employees at risk of getting hurt. It’s also important to clean filters and components to cut down on mold and mildew development that can affect indoor air quality.
- Dry freezer surfaces: Even a small amount of moisture in a walk-in freezer or cooler can create a major slip hazard for employees. Make sure that all your freezer’s surfaces are kept as dry as possible and clean up any patches of ice on the floor to ensure good traction for anyone who uses your unit. Clean up spills right away to keep the floor clear of residue or debris that may pose a fall hazard.
- Encourage PPE use: Personal protective equipment like gloves, jackets and hats protects employees from injury caused by freezing temperatures in coolers and freezers. While most employees aren’t harmed by brief exposure to freezing temperatures, even short periods of time spent in walk-in freezers and coolers can cause circulatory problems that reduce dexterity and increase the risk of injury. Make sure your employees all have access to PPE and encourage them to wear protective gear when accessing the walk-in cooler or freezer.
- Use your unit safely: Overstocking a freezer or cooler or stacking shelves haphazardly is a recipe for disaster in a commercial kitchen. Use your unit safely and avoid overloading the shelves. Keep the floor clear to give employees safe access to food storage and make sure that any stacks of boxes or items on shelves are as stable and secure as possible.
- Invest in maintenance and repairs: Routine maintenance and proactive repairs can significantly improve the safety of your unit. Investing in care for your walk-in cooler or freezer will reduce leaks and cut down on mold and mildew development to improve the overall safety of your workplace and prevent employee injuries.
Walk-in cooler safety in Delaware
For more information about walk-in cooler safety in Delaware, or to request cooler and freezer repair or maintenance services, reach out to Commercial Equipment Service Inc. For decades, we’ve been proud to provide comprehensive services to commercial restaurants and food preparation facilities. No matter what your specific needs may be, our team is here to assist you with professional services to get your equipment into the best shape possible. Give us a call to find out more about everything we have to offer and to request more information about our services.