Accidents are bound to happen, especially when people are constantly predisposed to dangerous environments. That being said, you’d truly be surprised to learn just how many of these so-called accidents could have been avoided. As with most things in life, the best approach is to start by arming yourself with the proper information, and that’s what we’re here to help with.
A1 Dallas Commercial Refrigeration Repair
Maintaining A Dry Environment
There is nothing that’s going to lead to an accident quicker than spit liquid in a
walk-in cooler or freezer. Why? Because that liquid will quickly turn into a slick sheeting of ice. none can easily see how this could be a recipe for disaster. The most obvious solution to this is to eliminate spills at the time of their occurrence.
Give them too much time in the arctic environment and they will freeze, only making them harder to remove. Liquid spills aren’t the only potential for slip-and-falls in these coolers. Ice and frost commonly build up on the walls and floors, which creates a similar problem of the same nature. The only way to tackle these potential dangers is by practicing good maintenance etiquette. Make sure your friendly handyman or maintenance guy removes frost and ice build-up when they reach levels where they create potentially dangerous scenarios.
Due Diligence Safety Checks
Any business that uses walk-in coolers and freezers cannot understand the importance of these appliances. They depend on them to hold their inventory at near-artic temperatures. When there are problems, it creates major unwanted safety and inventory issues. If meats aren’t stored at certain temperatures, they become dangerous when cooked or simply don’t taste right. If liquid doesn’t stay frozen it can melt and leak down onto other inventory or not hold an appealing appearance when served. Not to mention the taste.
With all that in mind, you’d be surprised at how common cooler and freezer temperature issues are the results of improperly sealed doors. Nearly all modern walk-in freezing appliances like these come equipped with safety releases as well as gaskets and seals. The safety releases allow the doors to be opened from the inside, while the seals and gasket ensure a proper seal.
Maintaining a diligent eye on these components will go a long way to preventing potential hypothermia or freezing scenarios. Make it a habit to check your seals, gaskets, and the operation of your safety releases once a month.
A Good, Clean Environment
This one honestly goes without saying, but most
walk-in coolers and freezers do not present desirable conditions. Simply no one wants to be in them any longer than necessary, so it is easy to let things go. This only creates a whole potential for disasters. Boxes stacked in the wrong area, inventory cluttering the main walkway or heavy boxes on the highest shelves. All these are a veritable recipe for disaster.
It is best to clean the coolers and freezer once a month or on an as-needed basis and train your employees to practice good housekeeping inside. The cleaner and more organized your coolers and freezers stay, the better it will be for everyone involved.
Overloaded Shelves
Speaking of loaded-down boxes on high shelves, this is a common problem. One thing that people don’t understand is that putting heavier boxes on the very top shelves not only creates dangerous environments, but it makes your appliances all that more ineffective. There is also the very real potential for bending and collapsing shelves. If shelves giveaway to the load, they’ll not only potentially fall on employees, but they prevent you access to proper storage of items below.
Once again, taking the time to properly locate inventory in designated areas only makes everyone’s jobs easier.
Provide The Necessary Equipment
Some coolers and freezers maintain a near zero-degree temperature constantly. It goes without saying just how unattractable such environments can be. It is one thing if an employee goes into work knowing that he or she will be working in the cooler that day, but when it’s a task that’s thrust upon them unexpectedly, it can create problems. Especially, if that employee isn’t properly equipped for the task ahead of them.
As an employer, it will also do well to have proper gloves, hats, coats, and other essentials on hand. There is also the very real potential that an employee misplaces or damages their very own safety equipment, so having some capable backups on hand only serves everyone’s purpose.
Conclusion
Adhering strictly to the above rules and regulations will not prevent all potential accidents or mishaps, but it will certainly reduce your risks and exposure. Day-to-day operations will be so much smoother and your employees will also have more desirable working conditions. It’s a win-win!
