This article has been supplied.Working in sub-zero temperatures is challenging, especially in environments where temperatures can drop to a frigid -30°C. Across South Africa, many industrial equipment operators face these conditions daily in cold storage facilities serving the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical industries.
In these highly controlled environments, equipment must deliver safe, efficient and reliable performance while operating within space-constrained and temperature-sensitive settings. Equally important are the ergonomic and comfort-enhancing features that help operators remain productive, comfortable and safe throughout their shifts.
CFAO Equipment Product Manager: Warehousing & Automation, Louis Fourie, says cold stores generally have similar material handling requirements to ambient stores. “The colder temperatures, however, make conditions far more demanding for both the people and the equipment operating in these environments.”
He adds that cold store operating costs are in the region of two and a half times more than those of ambient stores. “This includes the increased labour cost because of the additional breaks needed by operators. Typically, operators are required to take a 10-minute break every hour, which amounts to a 17% increase in the labour cost.”
