Using walk in freezer

The walk in freezer provided in the branches are for the safe holding of chilled goods at -18C and below. it is important to follow the following guidelines when using the walk in freezer.

• Always ensure any spills are cleaned up immediately

• Always check on the temperature of the freezer to ensure it is holding at the correct safe temperature (there should also be written recordings made 1st thing in the morning and last thing at night to ensure correct operation of the freezer)

• Always follow correct hygiene procedures when stocking the shelves and ensure that separation is given between different foods to avoid cross contamination

• Ensure stock rotation is adhered too and that the new stock is always re-filled to the back and the old stock moves to the front, always check dates on products before automatically just taking the first one to ensure this procedure is being adhered too.

• When entering the walk in freezer always ensure the door handle internal handle is working before closing the door behind you

• When retrieving goods form the walk in try to do so in a speedy and efficient manner and do not keep the door open absolutely longer than is necessary as this will but extra strain on the motor to try to bring the temperature back down especially in hot weather.

• Always to remember to switch lights on and off when not in use within the walk in freezer

• No items should be stored on the floor and all should be safety stacked in safely separated areas on shelves

• The walk in fridge will need daily brushing and mopping and a weekly deep clean and sort out.

• Do not put anything on top or directly behind the compressor fan unit inside the walk in fridge as it could break the compressor or if stored behind will not hold at the correct temperature due the design of the air flow within the walk in

• If you are going to be loading up or working in the freezer for a period of time always let your supervisor know in case of any accident, they should check on you frequently

• When working in the freezer for periods of time in instances like putting large deliveries away and the door will need to stay open, switch off the compressor to avoid putting extra strain on the motor, then remember to switch back on when you have finished

• When working in the freezer for lengthy periods of time always wear suitable PPE (personal protective equipment, such as thermal coat, hat and gloves.

• Be aware that no metal trays etc should be stored in the freezer as these will become very cold and can cause freezer burns if then handled with bare hands

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Cleaning walk in freezer

The walk in freezer will need regular cleaning and arranging to ensure it is being used efficiently and that correct stock rotation and ordering is able to be followed as well as to prolong the life of the freezer and cut costs on maintenance and repairs.

Daily

• Clean spills and debris away immediately

• Remove empty boxes immediately

• Ensure all items are kept off the floor

• Excess ice and debris brushed up daily

• Door handle to be cleaned and sanitised at regular intervals throughout day

 

Weekly

• Go through all boxes checking if any can be removed to make more space

• Check all use by dates, if any out of date they should be reported to head key chef for him to make decision on

• Door and door seals to be cleaned with damp cloth, warm water and detergent, then sanitised and dried

• Clean door gaskets using baking soda and warm water then wipe off with clean dry cloth

• Records of daily temperatures checked thoroughly for any underlying problems where changes in temperature settings need to be made or maintenance called in

 

Monthly

• Shelves should be pulled out and cleaned thoroughly then sanitised

• Check doors are sealing tightly (report any problems)

• Check all fan blades for signs of stress or wear. Report any damage or problems

• Check drain pan to insure that drain is clear of debris, obstructions or ice build up and is free draining.

• It may be necessary to defrost the fan unit by switching off allowing all the built up ice to defrost (put bucket under condenser) wiping down then switching back on. If this procedure is needed it is a sign that there is something wrong with the condenser and the supervisor should arrange a visit from the maintenance department.

 

Every 6 months

Every 6 months the freezer will require a deep clean which will involve switching unit off and pulling out all shelves and goods, the shelves should then be cleaned and the inside the walk in cleaned to include all walls, celling and floor.  During this process the cooling fans and box should be thoroughly cleaned whilst switched off, as well as the grills removed on the external compressor and the inside coils vacuumed free of dust, the grills should be washed through the dishwasher before being fixed back on.

 

Maintaining walk in freezer

The walk in freezer is a very important piece of equipment for the holding of many products used by the BOH for this reason it is important to ensure that regular maintenance is done on the walk in freezer to ensure the prolonged life and to keep costs down on repairs. However due to the importance of the freezer any problems should be reported immediately to a supervisor and an engineer called out straight away.

• Records of daily temperatures checked thoroughly for any underlying problems where changes in temperature settings need to be made or maintenance called in

• Check doors are sealing tightly (report any problems)

• Check all fan blades for signs of stress or wear. Check that each fan rotates freely and quietly, Report any damage or problems.

• Check drain pan to insure that drain is clear of debris, obstructions or ice build up and is free draining.

• Clean door gaskets using baking soda and warm water then wipe off with clean dry cloth.

• Check condition of condenser. Look for accumulation of dirt and debris (clean as required).

• Check for unusual noise or vibration. Take corrective action as required.

• Inspect wiring for signs of wear or discoloration and repair if needed.

• Look for abnormal accumulation of ice patterns and adjust defrost cycles accordingly.

• If ice has built up on condenser it will need to be switched off to defrost usually this is an in built defrost program that will kick in every day excess ice could show signs of faults and if you see a large build up of ice much more than usual the unit should be switched off to prevent damage to the unit, and allowed to defrost with a bucket under unit to catch an y water, an engineer should then be called straight away.

 

 

Safet use in Walk in freezer safety

All of our branches will have walk in freezers although not a high risk they can still if wrongly used or procedures not followed still become a risk to health and safety therefore care and adherence to guidelines should be made at all times.

Safe use of walk in freezers

• Always check for faults to doors and surroundings before entering walk in freezers

• Ensure the safety push locks are working correctly before closing the door upon entering the walk in freezer.

• The walk in freezer should not be entered by anybody who has not been briefed on these safety guidelines.

• when working in the freezer for a period of time such as loading a stock order switch off the freezer as the door will be open and the motor will get over worked with the potential to cause damage.

• Always follow our documented manual handling techniques when loading and working within the freezer.

• When organising, cleaning or adding stock try always to work with a buddy. There is safety in numbers and an immediate support system in the event of an emergency.

• Be aware! Cold temperatures affect you both mentally and physically.

• If working in the freezer you should wear the protected cold cot and gloves supplied for this purpose.

• Tell someone, your supervisor or another co-worker that you are going to work in the walk-in freezer and when you will return. If you are going to be in the freezer for an extended period, timed checks are advised. Do not forget to report back to that contact person at the agreed upon time(s)!

• You should be aware that cell phones might not work well in the walk-in freezer. Before relying on this as a communications device, check to see if it will work in that space. Remember that frozen batteries might disable the phone

• Any work that requires moving, shelving/retrieval of heavy boxes should not be done alone.

• No food or drink is to be stored or consumed in the walk-in freezers

• DO NOT change the temperature of the freezer.

• Do not block or cover the cooling fan units inside the freezer or the cooling unit outside of the freezer.

• Ensure floors are kept dry and clean with all food stored on shelves to avoid slips and trips as well as for hygiene purposes.

• Condensation inside freezers can cause floors to become wet and slippery, leading to potential slips and falls, report faulty chiller units immediately to duty manager and mop up floors.