Product Overview

This Freezer Work Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement controls for working in and around commercial and industrial freezer environments, ensuring workers are protected from cold-related and operational risks. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Freezer Work to support robust WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for work in freezer rooms, blast freezers, and cold storage facilities
• Safe entry and exit procedures for freezer areas, including door checks and emergency release mechanisms
• Management of cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite risks for workers exposed to low temperatures
• Selection, fitting, and use of appropriate cold weather personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, thermal clothing, and eye protection
• Control of slip, trip, and fall risks on icy, wet, or uneven freezer floors and loading areas
• Safe use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and trolleys within confined freezer aisles and racking systems
• Manual handling of frozen products, boxes, and pallets to minimise strains, sprains, and crush injuries
• Management of condensation, ice build-up, and visibility issues within freezer environments
• Electrical safety around freezer plant, lighting, and defrosting equipment
• Emergency procedures for entrapment, plant failure, power outage, and loss of temperature control
• Safe work around ammonia and other refrigerants, including leak recognition and evacuation controls
• Communication systems and supervision arrangements for workers operating alone or remotely in freezer areas
• Housekeeping, waste handling, and maintaining clear access to exits, fire equipment, and first aid stations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for cold storage facilities, food and beverage manufacturers, logistics and distribution centres, supermarket chains, and site supervisors managing workers in freezer and cold room environments.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe work environment, including temperature, lighting, and access/egress in freezer areas.
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with freezer work.
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for manual handling of frozen goods, pallets, and loads.
• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use and maintenance of freezer plant, forklifts, and associated equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat and Cold: Guidance on controlling risks from exposure to extreme cold environments.
• AS/NZS 2210 Safety, Protective and Occupational Footwear: Requirements for appropriate non-slip and insulated footwear for freezer environments.
• AS/NZS 1337 Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications: Selection and use of eye protection where ice, condensation, or chemical exposure is a risk.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment: Guidance where refrigerant leaks or low-oxygen environments may be a hazard.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017