Cold-Chain Logistics SWMS
Chilled and frozen food-distribution operations — reefer-trailer loading, cold-room work in -25°C, hypothermia and frostbite controls, condensation-slip prevention, RPE/PPE for cold exposure, temperature-log compliance and forklift operation in constricted cold-store aisles.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Cold-chain logistics covers reefer-trailer loading, sub-zero cold-room picking, and forklift movement through constricted chilled aisles. Prolonged exposure below -18°C, condensation-slick floors, and powered mobile plant in tight spaces trigger WHS Regulation Chapter 4 Part 4.5 plant duties and Reg 39 hazardous task risk management.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Tissue damage, cognitive impairment, collapse
Fractures, head injury, lost-time injury
Crush injury or fatality to pedestrians
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Rotate workers per cold-exposure schedule with heated rewarming room and insulated layered PPE rated to -30°C.
- 2Anti-slip flooring at threshold zones, cleated boots, and scheduled de-icing of condensation drip points.
- 3Pedestrian exclusion zones, forklift speed limit 8km/h, blue-spot lights and licensed operators (HRWL LF).
Applicable Codes of Practice
Powered mobile plant duties for reefer forklifts
Plant risk control in cold-store environments
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Reefer forklifts and pallet trucks operate in narrow cold-store aisles alongside pedestrians.
SWMS mandatory under WHS Reg 291 before work commences.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule
- ✓Cold-chain hazard register
- ✓Worker sign-on register
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 s.19 Primary duty of care
- WHS Regulation 2017 Reg 39 Hazardous task risk management
- Food Standards Code 3.2.2 Temperature control