Protective clothing while working in freezers

Hello all,

I tried to find any discussions covering this topic and had no such luck so I apologize if this was covered elsewhere.

I am having an issue where I feel a higher level of protective clothing should be worn while employees are working in the freezer than my company is currently doing. While they do wear hairnets and clean coats, occasionally (especially during colder seasons) they start to wear their personal coats and such over their protective clothes which I know defeats the purpose of their clean clothes to begin with. We do have a few snowsuits that are available to wear that never leave the facility and are strictly worn in the freezers but even those I feel might not be adequate or considered clean? 

I am curious how others approach this situation. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!   

Freezer jackets that get laundered are the industry norm; and they come in various length.  You are correct personal coats should not be in there, so make sure you've got enough company issued gear

https://www.google.c...Q9aACCEM&adurl=

https://www.anchorte...l-jacket-detail

Do a risk assessment - is your product covered or exposed in the freezer? I would say if it's exposed, then buy bigger coats (to fit over jackets).  If not, then you may be able to justify no coats required and as Scampi said you can also purchase jackets that are company issued/laundered. 

Hello all,

 

I tried to find any discussions covering this topic and had no such luck so I apologize if this was covered elsewhere.

 

I am having an issue where I feel a higher level of protective clothing should be worn while employees are working in the freezer than my company is currently doing. While they do wear hairnets and clean coats, occasionally (especially during colder seasons) they start to wear their personal coats and such over their protective clothes which I know defeats the purpose of their clean clothes to begin with. We do have a few snowsuits that are available to wear that never leave the facility and are strictly worn in the freezers but even those I feel might not be adequate or considered clean? 

 

I am curious how others approach this situation. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you!   

Hi wuriu,

I assume by "freezer" you mean approx range -18 to -30degC

IF so, IMO your Management are endangering the health of their employees.

IMEX "cold room" jackets are obligatory for working in such conditions.

Together with stringent operational rules such as (a) minimum 2 workers present at all times, (b) maintained/tested external warning bell in case of door opening failure.

Accidents happen.

I worked in receiving for a store relocation, so I saw what was shipped for all the coolers and freezers: light blue cooler jackets in various sizes up to 2XL, strong freezer jackets in various sizes up to 2XL, matching waterproof freezer gloves, a single pair of overall-looking freezer pants and matching jacket with hood (for the deep/ice cream freezer). Then there are others that wear these dingy 99 Supply work gloves. 

In reality, this stuff gets strewn around and mismatched, and people in those departments prefer to wear them out on the floor—even over their badges and vests—with no repercussions from management (yet). I don't believe any of it has yet been lost or ruined, but I wouldn't expect it to be replaced if it does. I'm just rarely drawn to dairy or produce, but if I were there all the time, I'd probably wear a navy sweater under my shirt and jacket. Nothing in the dress code prohibits you from doing so.

I worked in receiving for a store relocation, so I saw what was shipped for all the coolers and freezers: light blue cooler jackets in various sizes up to 2XL, strong freezer jackets in various sizes up to 2XL, matching waterproof freezer gloves, a single pair of overall-looking freezer pants and matching jacket with hood at this site (for the deep/ice cream freezer). Then there are others that wear these dingy 99 Supply work gloves. 

 

In reality, this stuff gets strewn around and mismatched, and people in those departments prefer to wear them out on the floor—even over their badges and vests—with no repercussions from management (yet). I don't believe any of it has yet been lost or ruined, but I wouldn't expect it to be replaced if it does. I'm just rarely drawn to dairy or produce, but if I were there all the time, I'd probably wear a navy sweater under my shirt and jacket. Nothing in the dress code prohibits you from doing so.

To stay warm, I wear several layers and double-up on my gloves. Ear muffs and a scarf may also be useful. On the handhelds, use a stylus as well. Believe me when I say that it is beneficial. I've previously spent two hours in the freezer, disrupted only by the need for my assistance elsewhere. If you get used to it, it's not so bad.

Hey this might be a bit late but to reply to freezer wear for freezers. I found this post/blog:

https://freezerworkw...or-ppe-wearers/

Hope that helps.

Where is this freezer?  High care?  Low risk?  Are products all enclosed?

Even if all enclosed and in low risk it would be good practice to have company issued coats which are regularly laundered by an outside contractor that the employees can put on before entering the freezer and remove afterwards.  If you have those I see no issue putting them on top of other company issued coats.