General Procedures and Minimum Work Practices for Walk-in Freezers

by Ashley Purcella

Years ago, a safety device to prevent you from being locked in a walk-in freezer was an axe and you literally would have to chop your way out to freedom. In today’s world, the axe has made way for new and improved safety features. However, no matter how much you improve safety devices there is still the possibility of failure with man-made products.

Walk-in freezers are used for food storage and pose special risks to workers. The most common risk associated with walk-in freezers is the possibility of hypothermia as well as poorly or non-functioning opening mechanisms. Workers should not overlook other general workplace hazards such as slips, trips, and falls; and strains and sprains. Workers should also be aware of hazards associated with proper storage and maintenance of the freezer unit. 
Most of the time you are alone when in the freezer, even during regular work hours. You should be aware of this and take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk. Below is a list of general recommended safe work practices to include in your local procedures for walk-in freezers:

1. If possible, always work with a partner. 
2. Tell your supervisor or another co-worker that you are going to work in the walk-in freezer alone and let them know when you will return. 
3. If you are going to be in the freezer for an extended period, check-in with your contact at least hourly. Do not forget to report back to that contact person at the agreed upon time(s)! Be aware that this system will only work if your contact does not get sidetracked and forgets about you. If at all possible, use task rotation if you are going to be working for an extended period of time.
4. Be knowledgeable! Cold temperatures affect you both mentally and physically.
5. Cell phones might not work well in the walk-in freezer and should be checked to ensure that proper reception is available should an emergency arise. A two-way radio system is another communication source that can be used in a walk-in freezer, but make sure it is functioning properly and has a fully charged battery before entering a walk-in freezer.
6. Before entering the freezer, check the quick release latch or safety bar to ensure that it opens easily from the inside. If working for an extended period, check the door mechanism hourly to ensure that it has not frozen shut.
7. Work that requires moving, shelving or retrieval of heavy boxes should not be done alone.
8. An appropriate stool or ladder should be used for shelving or removal of material from the upper storage shelves.
9. Ensure that there is adequate aisle space.
10. Always wear appropriate footgear such as shoes with thick rubber soles that have treads for traction to help prevent slips, trips, and falls.
11. Coats/mittens/headwear or other fabric items of work gear must be hung on the hangers provided outside of the walk-in freezer. Fabric items should not be left on the floor, tables, chairs, storage boxes, or blocking the cooling unit machinery.
12. DO NOT change the temperature of the freezer.
13. DO NOT prop freezer doors open. If equipped, the window of the walk-in freezer door should not be covered.
14. Make sure the blower fans are properly guarded and do not block or cover the cooling fan units inside the freezer or the cooling unit outside of the freezer.
15. If the freezer is accumulating ice on the floor you need to assess why the accumulation is occurring and address the problem accordingly. For instance, if it is due to high humidity a simple solution would be to place rubber mats in those areas to prevent slips.

Guidelines in this article were supplemented from information from the following web sites: University of Alberta and the Texas Association of Counties.