Key takeaways:
Cold stores and food manufacturing sites combine the usual work-at-height risks with condensation, ice, washdown chemicals, and strict hygiene rules. Galvanised steel access equipment isn’t fit for purpose in these environments. It’s vital to opt for corrosion resistant materials like aluminium and GRP, as they won’t rust or degrade under repeated freeze-thaw cycles and washdown. Katt Safety’s cold storage ladder systems, walkways, and modular access systems are built from high-strength, non-corrosive aluminium and designed to suit your specific site requirements. They help to reduce the risk of incidents and ensure you remain compliant with all relevant UK safety standards.
Did you know that slips and trips account for 35% of ‘major’ injuries in the food and drink industries? Most slips happen on wet or contaminated flooring, whilst most trips are caused by obstructions or uneven surfaces.
Condensation, sub-zero temperatures, and constant washdown make food manufacturing and cold storage facilities particularly hazardous for workers, especially when they’re moving around at height. But with the right access solution in place, you can minimise accidents and avoid the penalties associated with non-compliance.
Here’s how our food manufacturing and cold store access solutions can help keep your workforce safe and your operations running smoothly.
Common hazards found in cold stores and food facilities
Cold stores and food production environments pose a unique set of hazards, including:
- Rapid temperature changes between ambient and sub-zero areas
- Condensation forming on ladder rungs, walkways, and platforms
- Ice build-up on external access points during colder months
- Regular washdown routines using water and cleaning chemicals
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycling that degrades standard steel equipment
- Reduced grip and dexterity from cold-weather PPE like gloves
- Strict hygiene requirements for easy-to-clean, contamination-free surfaces
Corrosion is a major issue in these environments. Galvanised steel ladders and walkways may hold up well in a typical warehouse – but the coating can break down and rust when exposed to constant moisture and chemicals.
Aluminium is a far better fit for cold stores and food manufacturing settings. It doesn’t rust and performs well after repeated washdowns and temperature swings, without the ongoing upkeep that steel demands. This durability supports the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, which requires you to select materials and finishes with contamination control and corrosion resistance in mind.
Katt Safety’s food manufacturing and cold store access solutions
We supply a range of aluminium access solutions that are specifically designed to withstand the demands of these environments. These include:
Fixed access ladders
Our fixed access ladders provide a safe and permanent means of access to roofs, plant rooms, and elevated service areas.
Here’s why you should choose our cold storage ladder systems:
- Constructed from high-strength aluminium to keep your team safe when working at height
- Extremely low maintenance, with no need to repaint or treat for corrosion
- Compliant with the relevant fixed ladder safety standards, including BS 4211:2005+A1:2008 and BS EN ISO 14122-4:2016
- Quick and easy to install on-site with no welding or specialist tools required
- Made from modular components that can be configured to suit your specific site requirements
Walkway systems
Our fixed and loose-lay walkway systems create a secure and stable route across roofs and plant areas, helping to keep your personnel away from fragile surfaces and slip-prone spots.
Here’s why you should choose our walkway systems:
- Made from non-corrosive aluminium that withstands constant condensation, washdown, and temperature swings
- Spreads load evenly across the roof structure to reduce damage to the surfaces
- The panels are smooth and easy to clean, and won’t trap moisture or debris underneath
- Compliant with the relevant technical standards BS EN ISO 14122-2:2016 and BS EN 516:2006
- Available as fixed or loose-lay systems to suit your specification
Modular access systems
Our modular access systems comprise stairs and platforms that give your teams safe access to raised plant, mezzanines, and service areas.
Here’s why you should choose our modular access structures:
- The modular stairs and platforms can be reconfigured or extended to accommodate any changes in layout
- Ideal for mezzanines, production lines, and elevated areas – not just roof access
- Can incorporate guardrails, handrails, and non-slip treads to meet your site’s safety requirements
- Easily flexes around awkward layouts and tight spaces
- Quick and easy to install, with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations
Helping you choose the right access solution for your site
Not sure which solution is right for your environment? Our safety experts will work with you to assess your site and help you specify the right combination of ladders, walkways, or modular access systems for your facility.
We’ll take into account your layout, access frequency, hygiene requirements, and any specific safety standards you need to meet. This allows us to specify a solution that will withstand the exact demands of your site, rather than just a generic fit.
Get in touch to discuss your access requirements and one of our experts will be in touch ASAP.
FAQs
Why is corrosion resistance important for food manufacturing safety access equipment?
Food manufacturing and cold storage environments involve constant washdown, moisture, and temperature swings. All of these factors can accelerate corrosion in standard steel equipment. Corrosion resistant materials such as aluminium last longer and require less maintenance in these environments, helping you meet your safety and compliance obligations.
What standards apply to ladders used in food and cold storage facilities?
Fixed ladders in food and cold storage facilities should be designed to meet BS 4211:2005+A1:2008 and BS EN ISO 14122-4:2016, and The Work at Height Regulations 2005. These are the primary UK standards governing the design, installation, and safe use of permanently fixed ladders across all industrial environments.
Do cold stores need additional fall protection alongside ladders?
Whether or not cold stores need additional fall protection alongside ladders all depends on the height and layout of the site. If a ladder rises above 2.5-3m, or there’s a risk of falling more than 2m, then you should provide additional fall protection such as a cage, guardrail, or fall arrest system.
