HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CLOTHING FOR MAINTENANCE STAFF IN FOOD PROCESSING & COLD STORAGE

Working in maintenance or on the janitorial staff in a food processing facility or cold storage warehouse is a tough job. It gets even tougher when you throw in near-freezing or subzero temperatures and ice-cold equipment and tools. When you’re gearing up for a cold day on the job, you need the best cold weather workwear and freezer gear to help you get the job done.

Following are the four main things you need to consider to choose the best clothing for maintenance workers and janitorial staff in food processing and cold storage.

Consider the Temperature Changes

You move between temperature zones to do your job and keep the facility running. From dry storage to cooler to freezer, you have to adjust to where you are working.

Learning how to layer correctly is vital to keeping warm. But you’re still generating body heat from your movements, so even in the freezer you don’t want too many layers or overly heavy layers that will result in overheating and sweating, or you’ll be at risk for cold stress and cold-related injuries.

The key to proper layering when your environment is always changing is to go with several lighter and more versatile layers that allow you add or remove gear so you can easily adapt to the environment you’re working in at the moment, as well as your activity level.

For example, you might start with a thermal base layer, then add an insulated hoodie and work pants or bib overalls. If you’re headed into the freezer, you can add an insulated work jacket for more warmth. If you’re working in wet areas, a waterproof insulated coat would keep you dry and warm. And, don’t forget to protect your head and ears with a knit cap. Pair it with a gaiter if you want some extra draft protection around your neck.

Cold Contact & Cold Degradation

Moving between different temperatures isn’t just hard on you – it is hard on your gear. Gear that isn’t designed for your line of work can quickly fall apart. You need gear that will protect you from the cold surfaces and equipment you’ll be working on.

Best Clothing for Freezers & Refrigerated Areas

Look for cold weather PPE and insulated freezer gear that is both durable and functional. For example, you don’t want to waste time on work pants or overalls that fray or rip from walking or kneeling on rough freezer floors. Look for pants and jackets, such as RefrigiWear’s Iron-Tuff® Collection of freezer gear, that have reinforcement patches at the heel and knees to make them tough and long-lasting.

For working in refrigerated environments that aren’t below zero, the ComfortGuard™ Collection offers tough-yet-comfortable denim construction and the added benefit of tool loops and utility pockets to help keep your tools handy. You’ll also find handy utility pockets in our HiVis Waterproof Bomber Jacket and matching waterproof pants.

Best Freezer Gloves & Convertible Mitts

You don’t just have to worry about the cold, you work with tools that require dexterity to use properly. Look for convertible mitts to keep your hands warm when you aren’t working, but give you the dexterity you need to get the job done when you are. Pair them with a glove liner for added warmth. If you’re working in milder conditions, or in wet areas, you’ll find that coated gloves provide added grip and protection.

Best Freezer Boots for Maintenance Workers

You’re on your feet all shift, moving from cold floors to warm outside temps and everything in between. Regular work boots and safety shoes aren’t designed for the conditions you work in. They’ll crack and come apart when exposed to cold floors and frequent changes in temperature.

RefrigWear freezer boots and safety sneakers have outsoles that are formulated to tolerate extreme changes in temperature without cracking or falling apart. They’re also made with lightweight composite safety toes that won’t conduct cold from the freezer floor to your feet the way that steel-toed boots can.

Range of Movement

Maintenance workers and janitorial staff get into some pretty tight spots while reaching inside machinery or sanitizing every nook and cranny of food processing equipment. That sort of work requires bending, reaching and stretching comfortably to get the job done.

Heavy, bulky gear won’t work; so, look for cold storage clothing and freezer gear that includes the lightest, thinnest insulation.

For example, the 54 Gold and Frostline collections of insulated workwear from RefrigiWear are made with AirBlaze insulation, a thin, light material that is warmer than traditional insulation while also being 40% lighter. Certain thermal hoodies and insulated sweatshirts from RefrigiWear are also made with AirBlaze insulation, so you can enjoy even greater flexibility and freedom of movement.

Safety & Visibility

Working around heavy equipment, especially in the low-light conditions of a freezer or refrigerated warehouse, can be dangerous. Staying visible is just as important to your safety as staying warm, so look for high-visibility freezer wear and cold storage clothing in bright yellow or orange colors with reflective tape that makes it easier for your colleagues to see you. RefrigiWear delivers a full line of ANSI-rated high-visibility coveralls, jackets, overalls, work pants and safety vests that help you stay warm, stay seen and stay safe on the job.

Choose the Best Workwear for Your Maintenance & Janitorial Staff

Working in maintenance or janitorial for a large facility that includes subzero and near freezing temperatures means your job is extra tough. The right gear for you will depend on how you experience cold, the exact job functions you have and the conditions you spend the day in. If you need help selecting the right cold weather PPE for yourself or your team, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.