8 Cool Tips to Improve Cold Storage Warehouse Safety & Productivity

Colorado, Here’s How to Optimize Your Cold Storage Warehouse

As Coloradans, we’re accustomed to safely managing cold temperatures; however, operating and working in a cold storage facility comes with a unique set of challenges and concerns. In order to best navigate this environment, it’s imperative to be aware of possible health risks and employ best practices to maintain the safety of your inventory, employees, and equipment while maintaining productivity. 

Working from experience and the  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidance for cold storage facilities, the Apex Colorado team has compiled 8 safety tips and best practices to assist you

8 Cold Storage Operational Safety Tips

1. Cold-Rated Attire

Protect workers from the effects of cold temperatures with low-temperature rated garments, including jackets, gloves, slip-proof and insulated footwear, and layers of clothes.

2. Provide a Warm-Up Space

Working in a cold storage warehouse is both physically and mentally taxing. Provide a warm break room with hot beverages that your employees can consume and raise their body temperature.

3. Keep It Clean

Just like the frozen lakes and ski trails outdoors, the liquid inside a cold storage warehouse freezes. While that can be fun outside, inside a sub-zero temperature facility, ice creates a hazard. Ensure floors are kept dry and complete a regular check for ice build-up in susceptible areas of your facility. Keep all workspaces clear of debris; ensure that they can be easily accessed and are dry. Think about a dehumidifying system to decrease the amount of water vapor in the air. Ice build-up can be a huge issue on ceilings, floors, and storage racks. Ensure that electrical equipment is regularly maintained and cleaned.

4. Safety is Number 1

Perform regular safety inspections. An internal safety checklist that covers everything from pallet rack configuration and alignment to pest control ensures that management and employees are following all protocols. Perform regular inspections to stay ahead of the game for compliance and safety. 

Here are some items to include on a checklist:

• Evaluate slip hazards
• Examine battery charge facilities
• Review dates and times of last inspection
• Assess adherence to employee dress code 
• Appropriate employee break intervals
• Regular pallet rack safety and damage inspection
• Proper lighting and visibility

5. Implement Proper Employee Training

Each employee must be trained on safe operation steps unique to working inside the cold storage warehouse environment. This includes: cleaning and maintaining key areas such as refrigerant and battery stations, how to look out for ice build-up and condensation, and functions of the machinery they operate.

6. Conduct Planned Pallet Rack Inspections

Follow a regular schedule to evaluate pallet rack. Scan for condensation build-up, load size, damaged pallet rack parts, and any other possible hazards. 

Here are a few key pallet rack maintenance points:

• Fix damage immediately
• Schedule annual comprehensive/full pallet rack inspections
• Ensure that each pallet rack has a safe load capacity plaque

Our Apex Rack Repair App provides you with all the tools you’ll need to conduct a thorough pallet rack inspection. Download the app on your phone or tablet and follow the prompts to guide you through capturing all relevant rack specs for any damaged area. Once you’re done, upload your findings to the Apex PROs for an expert evaluation and independent repair solution. This is the best way to immediately address damage. 

For scheduled pallet rack inspections, you can simply leave it to the Apex PROs. Our team will come to you and fully evaluate your pallet racking and warehouse safety. We also provide you with a complete report and the next steps for any findings. 

Both choices provide a complete pallet rack damage evaluation and a non-biased repair or replacement solution.

When configuring your pallet rack layout in a cold storage warehouse, ensure that there is ample aisle width to prevent accidents, collisions, and other potential damage. For an extra layer of protection, add column guards or other upright protection.

7. Let There Be Light

Proper lighting plays a critical role in cold storage warehouses. It helps workers safely operate in the space, illuminates possible hazards, and enhances safety placard visibility – especially for employees who are operating machinery. Make sure that each work area has appropriate lighting and quickly address any lighting issues as they arise. 

8. Minimize Employee Exposure

Don’t allow your employees to remain in freezing temperatures for long periods of time by ensuring that they take regular breaks. Hypothermia has a quick onset. If an employee experiences any of the following signs of hypothermia, they should seek medical attention:

• Extreme shivering
• Loss of balance
• Severe drowsiness
• Slower than normal breathing

Colder temperatures can cause slow mental reactions and lower dexterity. Bulky clothing that is required to keep warm can make it difficult to properly navigate. 

Safety & Efficiency for Your Cold Storage Warehouse

Apex Colorado is your local source for cold storage warehousing and all your industrial safety needs. Our experts are committed to developing and implementing safe, effective, cold-storage warehouse solutions for you and your team. Talk with our design experts to customize your facility. Apex Colorado will also install your warehouse systems to ensure proper function. We also offer expert pallet rack and warehouse safety inspections and repairs through our Apex PROs. 

Give us a call today to discuss your cold storage needs.