A cool room is a specialised installation commonly found in manufacturing or retail establishments, industrial kitchens and other facilities regularly handling large volumes of perishable items. This installation comprises room-sized panels made of durable materials such as polyurethane. It also includes a chiller or freezer unit used to control the temperature within the room.
Cold storage is ideal for safekeeping food, liquor, and other products sensitive to temperature changes. Because of its various functions, it’s considered a go-to refrigeration solution across industries from food, agriculture, and others.
You’ll need to consider some factors before installing a cool room in your establishment. Here are some of them:
- Purpose of the cool room
You’ll have to identify the unit’s primary purpose in your operations before investing in one. You can think about what would be the main contents of the room, the layout and product arrangement, and other essential factors relevant to its function.
Also, you can plan how it’s going to be utilised, such as the ideal temperature which should be maintained to create optimal storage conditions. If you’re managing a supermarket, for instance, you’ll have to determine the food items that you’ll be storing inside a cool room. If the food is considered high-risk and potentially hazardous, you might need a freezer room instead to store it at -5 Celsius or colder, as outlined in the Food Standards Code of Australia and New Zealand.
By knowing the purpose of installing a cool room, you can determine the product specifications that match your requirements and select a storage unit accordingly.
- Cool room size and dimensions
Getting the right cool room size can help you store your items more efficiently. The cool room should have enough space for all the perishables that you’d like to store in the space, as well as other items which need to be organised.
Meanwhile, the dimensions should also match the free space you have in your establishment to allow safe and comfortable movement while in use. Also, you can optimise the space and energy you’ll use in the storage unit by selecting the right dimensions. For instance, your establishment may benefit from having a big cold room if it can double as storage for other items. Meanwhile, a smaller cool room is ideal for those with limited storage needs.
Aside from your current requirements, it may also be wise to consider scalability when choosing the right size and dimensions for your cold storage. Getting a cool room that’s too big for what you presently need may not be an ideal use of space and energy, though it may be more cost-efficient if you plan to expand your business soon.
- Cool room placement
Your cool room’s ideal location depends on how frequently it needs to be accessed in your daily operations. For instance, food businesses may require a cool room closest to the kitchen so the crew can easily access ingredients as they work. Doing so will improve work efficiency in your kitchen, which makes the location ideal.
- Shelving and other fixtures
Depending on your business requirements, you’ll also need to consider the type and quantity of shelving you’ll need to include in your cool room. For instance, meat processing establishments require hanging racks to store items safely and securely. On the other hand, cool rooms for restaurants or industrial kitchens may need separate shelving for animal products and fresh produce to ensure safety in food handling and storage.
Aside from shelving, you can add other fixtures to your storage unit. For instance, businesses that operate in South Australia may require cool rooms with led lights as local work safety regulations emphasise the importance of adequate lighting in cold storage facilities. The light fixtures can help workers navigate a crowded room more efficiently, minimising the likelihood of accidents and improving accessibility.
- Installation Requirements
Finally, you’ll also have to consider the installation requirements for the cool room you’ll put up in your establishment. Depending on the source you’ll select, you can choose a pre-assembled cool room that you can install as is, or you can also have a flat-packed product that has to be assembled before use.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the assembly of your cool room, and take note if there’s any professional knowledge or skills needed so you can put it up accordingly. Meanwhile, you’ll need the services of a licensed electrician to safely and effectively connect the refrigerating unit and light fixtures to power sources. Hire a registered professional with a practising license from the New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board to ensure the quality of work done.
Conclusion
Cool rooms provide a practical storage solution for various business needs, making them a desirable addition to many establishments. To optimise your investment, you’ll need to consider several aspects before installing a cool room in your workspace, including location and accessibility, size requirements, shelving, and installation. Contact a provider now and find the best cool rooms for your business.