Industrial refrigeration systems play a critical role in many industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, where temperature control is essential. These systems, however, come with inherent risks due to the use of large quantities of refrigerants, complex machinery, and high-pressure systems.

Ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment is paramount when operating and maintaining industrial refrigeration systems. Let’s explore the key safety considerations for industrial refrigeration, covering potential hazards, best practices, and the regulations designed to minimize risks.
Understanding the Hazards in Industrial Refrigeration
Before diving into safety measures, it’s important to understand the common hazards associated with industrial refrigeration. First, industrial refrigeration systems typically use refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, or synthetic refrigerants. Each of these substances presents unique hazards.

For example, carbon dioxide can pose a risk of asphyxiation in confined spaces if concentrations become too high, while synthetic refrigerants can harm the environment. Here at Central Washington Refrigeration, we recommend using ammonia for a refrigerant as it’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient.

Second, industrial refrigeration systems often operate under high pressure, increasing the risk of equipment failure, ruptures, or leaks. Improper handling of pressurized systems can lead to serious accidents, including explosions or chemical releases. Mechanical and electrical hazards, such as electric shocks or burns, are also a concern. Lastly, exposure to extreme cold temperatures from refrigerants or refrigeration components can lead to frostbite or cold burns.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
To minimize the risks associated with industrial refrigeration, a combination of proactive measures, training, and adherence to safety standards is required. Here are some key safety considerations:
Proper Training and Certification
Personnel operating or maintaining industrial refrigeration systems should receive proper training. Training should cover the specific hazards of the refrigerants being used, the operation of the refrigeration system, and emergency procedures in the event of a leak or other incident.

Some of the things operators should be familiar with include the properties and hazards of the refrigerants, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response protocols. Regular refresher courses should be conducted to keep all staff updated on new regulations, equipment, and safety procedures.
Leak Detection and Monitoring Systems
Installing and maintaining leak detection systems is essential for ensuring early identification of refrigerant leaks. These systems should be calibrated to detect even small leaks of toxic or hazardous refrigerants like CO₂, triggering alarms and automated shutdowns when necessary. Monitoring systems should be able to continuously measure refrigerant levels in the air, alert personnel to potential leaks, and automatically initiate emergency ventilation or shutdown procedures.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When working with industrial refrigeration systems, wearing appropriate PPE is critical for protecting against exposure to harmful refrigerants and other hazards. The type of PPE required will depend on the refrigerant and the task at hand but may include:

Respiratory Protection: For ammonia and CO₂ systems, respirators may be required in areas where there is a risk of inhaling toxic fumes or gasses.
Cold-Resistant Gloves and Clothing: To prevent frostbite and cold burns when handling refrigerants or working near exposed cold surfaces.
Eye Protection: To protect against chemical splashes or exposure to high-pressure releases.
Face Shields: When dealing with high-pressure systems, face shields can protect against potential refrigerant spray or debris.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Routine maintenance and inspections are essential to ensuring the continued safe operation of refrigeration systems. Preventative maintenance helps to identify potential issues before they become serious hazards. Key maintenance tasks include inspecting compressors and motors, checking seals and valves, monitoring pressure levels, and calibrating sensors and alarms. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is also important.
Emergency Procedures and Preparedness
Developing a clear, well-documented emergency response plan is crucial for handling potential incidents such as refrigerant leaks, equipment failure, or fires. All personnel should be familiar with the plan and know their role in responding to an emergency. Key components of an emergency plan include evacuation procedures, emergency shutdown protocols, first aid measures, and fire safety.
Compliance with Safety Standards and Regulations
Adhering to relevant local, national, and international safety standards is crucial for maintaining a safe industrial refrigeration environment. Key regulations include OSHA, EPA, ASHRAE, and international standards such as ISO 5149.

For instance, OSHA sets specific guidelines for the use of hazardous chemicals in refrigeration systems, while the EPA regulates refrigerants that are harmful to the environment. ASHRAE publishes standards for the safe design and operation of refrigeration systems, and international standards provide additional guidelines for ensuring safety in industrial refrigeration.
Environmental Considerations
Ensuring the safe handling of refrigerants not only protects personnel but also prevents environmental harm. This includes properly disposing refrigerants and preventing refrigeration leaks through regular maintenance.
Industrial Refrigeration in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
Safety in industrial refrigeration is a multifaceted challenge that requires vigilance, proper training, regular maintenance, and strict adherence to safety standards. Central Washington Refrigeration specializes in large-scale cold storage systems. Aside from designing and building these units, we also provide maintenance and safety management solutions, as well as continuing education classes for industrial professionals. To learn more, please contact us today at 509-248-4600.

In the restaurant industry, refrigeration plays a critical role in maintaining food safety, quality, and inventory control. However, improper refrigeration practices can result in significant financial losses due to spoiled food, higher energy bills, and expensive repairs. Many restaurant owners and managers may not realize that some common refrigeration mistakes are negatively impacting their bottom line.

Let’s explore these mistakes and offer practical tips to help you optimize your refrigeration systems, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
One of the most frequent mistakes in commercial refrigeration is improper temperature settings. Each type of food requires specific temperatures to remain fresh and safe. If your refrigerator is too warm, perishable items like dairy, meats, and seafood can spoil quickly, leading to food waste. On the other hand, setting the temperature too low can cause unnecessary energy consumption and even damage delicate produce.

Make sure your refrigeration units are set to the appropriate temperatures. For refrigerators, this should be between 35°F and 38°F (1.7°C to 3.3°C). Freezers should be kept at or below 0°F (-18°C). Regularly monitor and adjust settings as needed.
Overstocking Refrigerators and Freezers
Overloading your refrigeration units with too much food can restrict airflow, preventing the system from cooling evenly. This can result in some items being kept at unsafe temperatures, which may lead to spoilage. Overstocking also forces the refrigeration unit to work harder, leading to higher energy usage and potential mechanical issues.

Avoid overcrowding your refrigeration units. Properly organize shelves to allow adequate air circulation around stored items. Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure older products are used before newer ones, reducing food waste.
Poor Door Maintenance
One of the most preventable refrigeration mistakes is neglecting the condition of refrigerator and freezer doors. If the doors don’t seal properly, cool air can escape, causing the unit to work overtime to maintain the right temperature. This not only increases your energy bills but also shortens the lifespan of your equipment. Worn or damaged door gaskets (seals) are often the culprit behind poor sealing.

Regularly inspect the door gaskets for signs of wear, cracks, or damage, and replace them if necessary. Additionally, ensure staff are properly closing refrigerator and freezer doors and not leaving them open for extended periods.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Skipping routine maintenance is one of the most common refrigeration mistakes that can lead to costly repairs or even equipment failure. Dust and debris can accumulate on condenser coils, causing the system to run inefficiently and use more energy. Additionally, worn-out parts can cause breakdowns or inefficient cooling.

Schedule regular maintenance for all refrigeration units. Clean condenser coils at least once a month to prevent dirt buildup, which can block airflow and cause the compressor to overheat. Check for refrigerant leaks, and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.
Improper Refrigerant Levels
Refrigeration systems rely on the right amount of refrigerant to function properly. Low refrigerant levels can cause the compressor to overwork, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failure. Conversely, too much refrigerant can reduce cooling efficiency and damage the system.

Have a professional technician check refrigerant levels during routine maintenance visits to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specifications. This helps maintain efficient operation and prevents costly repairs down the line.
Ignoring Humidity Control
Humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of stored food, particularly in walk-in refrigerators. High humidity levels can cause mold growth, which not only damages food but can also harm your refrigeration system. On the other hand, low humidity levels can cause certain foods to dry out or lose their freshness.

Invest in a refrigeration unit that has built-in humidity controls, especially for walk-in coolers. Regularly check and adjust humidity settings based on the types of food stored. Keep an eye out for signs of excess moisture or condensation, and take corrective action as needed.
Improper Placement of Refrigeration Units
The location of your refrigeration units can significantly affect their efficiency. Placing units too close to heat sources, such as ovens, stoves, or direct sunlight, forces the refrigeration system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased workload leads to higher energy costs and premature equipment wear.

Position refrigeration units away from heat sources and ensure proper ventilation around the unit. This will help maintain a stable temperature inside the unit and reduce energy consumption.
Failing to Monitor Energy Usage
Many restaurant owners underestimate the amount of energy that refrigeration units consume, which can lead to unnecessarily high utility bills. Without monitoring energy usage, it’s easy to overlook inefficiencies or potential problems with refrigeration systems.

Use energy monitoring tools to track the performance of your refrigeration systems. This will help you identify inefficiencies, such as excessive power usage or equipment that is malfunctioning. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient models, which may include features like energy-saving modes or better insulation to reduce costs.
Improper Airflow Around the Unit
Refrigeration systems rely on good airflow to maintain efficiency. If the area around the refrigeration unit is cluttered or obstructed, airflow can be restricted, causing the system to work harder than necessary. This results in increased energy consumption and can contribute to mechanical failures.

Keep the area around your refrigeration units clear of obstructions. Ensure there is adequate space for air to flow around the condenser and evaporator coils, and avoid storing items too close to the back or sides of the unit.
Using the Wrong Type of Refrigeration Unit
Not all refrigeration systems are designed for every type of food or storage requirement. Using the wrong type of unit for your specific needs can result in inefficiencies and potential food safety issues. For example, using a regular refrigerator for high-volume storage or highly perishable foods may not provide the level of temperature control required.

Choose the right refrigeration system for your restaurant’s needs. Walk-in coolers are ideal for large-scale storage, while reach-in refrigerators are suitable for easy access to frequently used items. Consider specialized refrigeration units for specific types of food, such as seafood or produce, to ensure optimal storage conditions.
Prevent Common Industrial Refrigeration Mistakes
Refrigeration is a critical component of any restaurant operation, but common mistakes can lead to wasted energy, spoiled food, and costly repairs. By addressing issues such as improper temperature settings, poor maintenance, and inefficient energy use, you can significantly reduce operating costs and extend the life of your equipment. To learn more about saving money while preserving the quality of your food, contact Central Washington Refrigeration today at 509-248-4600.

In the food industry, safety is paramount. The CDC estimates that 48 million people get sick every year due to foodborne diseases. Ensuring that food products remain safe for consumption from the point of production to the consumer’s table relies heavily on effective temperature control.

Industrial refrigeration systems play a critical role in food safety, preserving the quality, freshness, and safety of food products throughout the supply chain. Let’s explore the essential role that industrial refrigeration plays in food quality and how it contributes to maintaining the highest standards in the food industry.
Preserving Food Quality and Extending Shelf Life
One of the primary functions of industrial cold storage systems is to preserve the quality of food products by slowing down spoilage and decay. Most food products are highly perishable and require specific temperature conditions to remain fresh and safe for consumption. Proper refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts, which are responsible for food spoilage.

By maintaining optimal temperatures, refrigeration systems extend the shelf life of perishable foods such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. This not only helps in reducing food waste but also ensures that consumers receive safe, quality products.
Controlling the Growth of Pathogens
Pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli are a major concern in the food industry. These harmful microorganisms can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to serious health risks for consumers. Industrial refrigeration systems are crucial in controlling the growth of these pathogens by maintaining temperatures that inhibit their production.

Most pathogenic bacteria thrive at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, known as the “danger zone.” Industrial refrigeration systems are designed to keep food products at temperatures well below this range, typically around 34°F to 38°F, effectively slowing down or halting the growth of these microorganisms. This temperature control is vital during every stage of food processing, storage, and transportation to ensure that food remains safe to eat.
Supporting the Cold Chain
The cold chain refers to the series of temperature-controlled environments through which food products pass from the point of origin to the final consumer. Maintaining an unbroken cold chain is essential for food safety, as any breach in temperature control can lead to the rapid growth of bacteria and other pathogens, compromising the safety of the food.

Industrial refrigeration systems are the backbone of the cold chain, ensuring that perishable goods are kept at consistent, safe temperatures during storage, transport, and distribution. Whether in large-scale cold storage warehouses, refrigerated transport trucks, or retail refrigeration units, these systems play a crucial role in preventing temperature fluctuations that could endanger food safety.
Compliance with Food Safety Regulations
In the food industry, adherence to strict regulations and standards is necessary to ensure the safety of food products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) set forth guidelines for the proper handling, storage, and transportation of perishable goods, including specific temperature requirements.

Industrial refrigeration systems are designed to meet these regulatory standards, providing the precise temperature control needed to comply with food safety laws. Properly maintained and monitored refrigeration systems help food companies avoid legal liabilities and ensure that their products meet the safety standards required by law.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a significant risk in food processing and storage environments, where harmful bacteria or allergens from one food product can spread to others. Industrial refrigeration systems help mitigate this risk by providing separate temperature-controlled zones for different types of food products.

For instance, raw meats, which may harbor harmful bacteria, are stored separately from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, modern industrial refrigeration systems often feature advanced airflow controls that prevent the mixing of air between different storage zones, further reducing the risk of contamination.
Enhancing Traceability and Monitoring
In today’s technologically advanced food industry, traceability and real-time monitoring are essential for ensuring food safety. Industrial refrigeration systems are increasingly equipped with smart technologies that allow for constant monitoring of temperatures and other critical parameters. These systems can automatically log data, alert operators to potential issues, and even adjust settings remotely to maintain optimal conditions.

This level of monitoring and traceability is invaluable in maintaining food safety. In the event of a temperature deviation or equipment failure, immediate corrective action can be taken to prevent unsafe food from reaching consumers. Furthermore, detailed records provide an audit trail that can be used to verify compliance with safety standards and investigate any issues that arise.
Addressing the Challenges of New Food Trends
As consumer preferences evolve, the food industry faces new challenges that require innovative refrigeration solutions. The growing demand for fresh, minimally processed foods, as well as the increasing popularity of plant-based and organic products, necessitates advanced refrigeration technologies that can accommodate these trends.

Industrial refrigeration systems are adapting to these new demands by offering more precise temperature and humidity controls, which are essential for preserving the quality and safety of delicate, fresh foods. Additionally, the shift toward sustainable practices in the food industry is driving the development of refrigeration systems that use environmentally friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies.
Cold Food Storage: Balancing Safety, Quality, and Efficacy
Industrial refrigeration is an indispensable component of food safety in the modern food industry. As food companies continue to innovate and adapt to new consumer demands, the role of industrial refrigeration in maintaining food safety will only become more important. To learn more about cold storage systems, contact Central Washington Refrigeration today. We invest in advanced refrigeration technologies and practices, ensuring that today’s food products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.

Here at Central Washington Refrigeration, we design and build custom refrigeration systems for the local and global food supply. We mostly serve those in the state of Washington, though we have also designed and installed cooling systems for customers in Oregon and Idaho. With our dedication and experience, we know what’s involved in providing the most reliable, durable, and cost-effective cold storage designs for our clients.

If you are looking to invest in a new large-scale refrigeration system, here are seven factors to consider. Once your design is built, Central Washington Refrigeration will install it for you and provide the system with maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
1. Application and Use
What is the intended use for your cold storage system? Typically, these units are responsible for storing a wide range of perishable goods such as food, medicines, and vaccines. Knowing what you plan to use your system for ensures it operates at a specific temperature range. Most refrigerated food storage spaces operate between 32 and 40 degrees F, which is in accordance with government regulations.
2. Location and Placement 
Think about where the industrial refrigeration system will be installed. A unit that sits in the heat all day long will need a lot more horsepower than one that sits in a shaded location. Just like your home, energy costs fluctuate based on the weather. Since Washington and the surrounding states have diverse weather with sunshine, rain, and snow, it’s important to account for various weather patterns.
3. Size and Layout
Industrial refrigeration systems come in all shapes and sizes. Central Washington Refrigeration custom designs and builds these systems based on your exact needs, so think about your business’s current and future food storage needs. Also think about some of the other ways you can customize your system, such as by installing low shelves for storing meat to prevent cross-contamination and food pans with lids or plastic wrap to prevent spillage.
4. Delivery and Installation
Once your industrial refrigeration system is built, you’ll need to have it installed and ready for use. Central Washington Refrigeration installs the systems we build and leave them ready for hookup. Once your system is connected, it usually takes just a few hours to cool down. In some cases, forklifts may be needed to install cold storage systems in precise spaces.
5. Special Features
When you have a custom industrial refrigeration system built, you can hand pick the features you want to see. Some options to consider include custom paint colors, interior shelving, added doors, safety features, technological advancements, LED lighting, and temperature and humidity controls. Many clients also apply specific signage, protection barriers, and floor marking tape for organization and flow.
6. Parts, Service, and Warranty
Find out what your warranty looks like for the floor, roof, and door of the structure, the compressor, system, and its components, and miscellaneous parts and accessories. Also ask about the warranty that is included with the installation. This gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Even when the warranty is expired, you can always put your trust in Central Washington Refrigeration to make the required repairs quickly, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
7. Customer Service
Lastly, consider the customer service you will receive with an industrial cold storage unit. You deserve to have a unit that you can count on to keep all perishable and sensitive food products safe. If any issues arise, you want to know that you can resolve it quickly and prevent food from spoiling. Central Washington Refrigeration not only designs systems that can withstand the toughest elements, but also we work with our customers every step of the way to ensure they get the system they deserve.

Are you ready to start your project for a large-scale cooling system? Contact Central Washington Refrigeration today for an estimate and to discuss your project’s goals.