RA-HS138 Working in Cold Stores and Freezers
| File Reference : | RA-HS138 Working in Cold Stores and Freezers |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings which are input using select boxes pre-populated with all possible risk ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
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Working in Cold Stores and Freezers Risk Assessment
This fully completed working in cold stores and freezers risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers a typical range of hazards associated with work activities in cold stores, blast freezers, refrigerated warehouses, and chill rooms including product handling, stock rotation, and maintenance, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Working in Cold Stores and Freezers Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with working in cold stores and freezers including;
- Hypothermia and cold stress from prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures in blast freezers and cold stores
- Cold store entrapment risk if an operative becomes locked inside a refrigerated chamber without means of escape
- Slips and falls on icy, wet, or frost-covered cold store floors causing serious injury
- Manual handling injuries exacerbated by reduced manual dexterity from cold and the need to wear bulky gloves
- Refrigerant gas leak causing asphyxiation, toxic harm, or frostbite in the event of a system failure
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating and a listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Insulated cold store PPE including thermal coveralls, gloves, and slip-resistant boots for all cold store entries
- Internal emergency release mechanism checked daily; buddy system enforced; timed entry log maintained
- Non-slip anti-freeze flooring and drainage maintained; spillages and frost build-up cleared promptly
- Warm-up breaks scheduled; task rotation to limit continuous cold exposure; pre-work warm-up exercises briefed
- Refrigerant gas detector installed and alarmed; emergency ventilation plan; ACOP L8 procedures for refrigerant systems
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management can be used to reduce the overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries — improving clarity and helping to highlight risks and mandatory controls.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Working in Cold Stores and Freezers Risk Assessment Suitable For?
This working in cold stores and freezers risk assessment is suitable for health and safety advisers, cold store managers, logistics supervisors, and any employer whose employees work in refrigerated environments with a duty to assess risks under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.