Constant exposure to extreme cold poses severe health risks that are beyond cure. So, how to protect yourself against the temperatures? What to wear when working in a freezer warehouse?
The five essential items include thermal undergarments, a jacket, boots, socks, and gloves. You can also add insulating accessories, such as a beanie, chemical hand warmers, earmuffs, and goggles when necessary.
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What to Wear When in a Refrigerated Warehouse
When you work in cold environments without proper PPE, your body suffers. Some serious health implications are:
- Frostbite
- Hypothermia
- Muscle and tissue damage
- Other long-term health issues (e.g., arthritis, rheumatism, and bronchitis)
Fortunately, you can eliminate these risks by following working in a freezer laws. With appropriate practices, working in a cold warehouse can be a long-term and rewarding job. Below are some essential freezer work gear pieces.
1. Thermal undergarments
You should always wear thermal undergarments when working in cold storage. Don’t underestimate these thin pieces! A thermal long-sleeved tee and tight pants help retain your body’s heat.
Plus, freezer jackets are often heavy and unbreathable, which can cause you to sweat. If you don’t put on a base layer to absorb the moisture, you will feel freezing.
2. Freezer jackets or overall suits
Sometimes, a long freezer jacket is enough to keep your body warm. But if your workplace’s temperature is under -30° Fahrenheit, you should choose technical jackets with reinforcements around your body’s core parts for higher protection.
Under harsher conditions, you might need freezer suits. They are one-piece coveralls that provide insulated arms and legs. Their outer fabric is usually waterproof, so moisture in the air can’t penetrate them and decrease your body’s temperature.
Many types of overalls can protect you against harmful chemicals, abrasions, and scratches. You should access the requirements at your workplace before deciding which ones suit you most.
3. Thermal socks and boots
To keep feet warm in freezer, you must wear thermal socks and boots. You should prepare several pairs of ankle-length woolen socks. Throughout the day, switch to a new pair of freezer socks whenever your feet feel numb.
In addition, put on a good pair of safety boots. The most efficient boots for refrigerated wear are from synthetic leather or nylon. You should choose boots with good grips and fleece collars for added warmth.
4. Insulating gloves
Your hands will become cold and numb quickly in subzero temperatures. So, always wear insulating gloves to keep hands warm. The best materials for thermal gloves are wool, fleece, and Polyester.
Also, think about the level of dexterity your job requires. Thick and bulky gloves might hinder your finger’s movement.
5. Accessories
When exposed to low temperatures constantly, your body will redirect the blood flow to the vital organs to keep them warm, leaving your extremities vulnerable. So, remember to put on further protection for your hands and feet.
Some accessories that you can add to your clothes for working in a freezer are:
- Beanies or balaclavas
- Earmuffs
- Chemical hand warmers
- Goggles
If your job role requires special accessories, check Reddit to know what you might need.
Top Rules to Follow When Wearing Cold Storage Clothes
It is crucial to learn what to wear in a refrigerated warehouse before you start the job. The goal of cold storage PPE is to keep you cozy and productive, but it doesn’t mean you should blindly go for the biggest and warmest jacket.
Follow these rules:
- Don’t overdo it: If you put on a bulky and unbreathable jacket when unnecessary, it will hinder your movements and cause you to sweat. Wearing a big jacket might only make you feel damp, cold, and uncomfortable.
- Wear multiple layers of clothing: Instead of wearing one big jacket, you should layer your clothing. The air between the layers will provide more warmth and insulation. Plus, when you feel too warm, you can take off the outer layer.
- Dry your clothes properly: You should never wear damp clothes to a freezer warehouse. Dry them thoroughly at night or after your shift before wearing them the next day.
- Keep your clothes clean: When dust and grime fill up air cells in your clothes, they will lose their insulation properties. Most companies wash and dry freezer PPE for workers. But if your company doesn’t offer that, do it yourself. The items must be clean to function at their best.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are five essential items to wear when walking into a frozen storage facility: thermal undergarments, jackets, socks, boots, and gloves. Employers should provide appropriate PPE and train its usage for all workers.
Besides knowing what to wear when working in a freezer warehouse, you should take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet. We wish you a successful and long-term job role, but remember to put your health first. Stay safe!
Veronica is our content editor. She is a talent in delivery. Her main work is editing and writing articles that are both informative and simple to follow. She is in charge of synthesizing our understanding of what personal protection equipment (PPE) is needed in each job, how to best apply it, and how to visualize that equipment.