Walk-In Freezer Safety
While walk-in freezers prove well-suited for the storage of perishable foods, they also pose a risk to those who use them. Slipping and falling or becoming trapped in inhospitable conditions are two examples of things that can happen when you enter a walk-in freezer unit. Fortunately, with adequate safety preparation, you can avoid finding yourself in a dangerous or even fatal situation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Preparation
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Before you enter the freezer, it's important to prepare yourself for the conditions inside. Condensation and ice can develop in a walk-in freezer. Clothing, such as a coat, gloves and a hat, will protect you from the low temperatures, and boots or shoes with non-slip soles can help you avoid a fall. A two-way radio will allow you to communicate with someone else on the outside of the freezer. Checking the radio's batteries and reception before relying on it is always wise. Ensuring that the freezer latch is working properly is a good safety measure. Have someone wait on the outside when you go in the first time to make sure you can get back out. Always remember to notify someone that you will be working inside the unit in case something goes wrong. If you are planning on going in and out of the freezer repeatedly, ask someone to check on you every hour to make sure you're still functioning. If possible, have someone with you when you first enter the freezer to make sure the floors aren't slippery and tripping hazards aren't present.
Inside the Freezer
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Once inside the freezer, it's important to tread carefully so you won't slip and fall. Twisting and bending at odd angles can injure your back or other muscles, so avoid these type of movements. If you encounter heavy lifting, it's better to call someone to come and help you rather than do it alone and injure yourself. When moving boxes around, avoid placing anything in the walk space that might be a tripping hazard.
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Emergency Information
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If you start to slip, it's important to grab something stable to steady yourself. Try to be aware of what you're grabbing so that you don't pull boxes down on top of yourself. If you hurt yourself while in the freezer, you should call for help on your two-way radio immediately. Try to avoid moving around much until help comes, to prevent further injury.
Maintenance
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One way to keep accidents from happening while people are in the walk-in freezer is to perform regular maintenance to keep conditions as safe as possible. Keeping walkways clear and free of tripping hazards is important. Someone should inspect the floor threshold and plates to make sure they won't pose a problem. Door latches should also be periodically inspected to ensure good working order. Any ice that accumulates on the floor should be chipped away and removed. Areas of the floor that develop condensation should be covered with a rubber mat to prevent slipping. If condensation is a problem, the seal on the door may be leaking.
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References
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