IoR advises on cold store ceiling work

UK: The IoR technical committee has published a free-to-download technical guidance note on working on cold store ceilings. 

The guidance relates specifically to insulated cold and chill stores that are constructed within a building structure with ceiling panels that are supported by that structure, typically using drop rods suspended from a portal frame or building truss.  

Many refrigerated warehouses and factories are constructed from composite insulated panels which provide a barrier to heat and moisture gain from the surroundings. 

According to the IoR, accidents and near misses over many years have shown that the original design may be insufficient to safely carry in-service or maintenance loads and can be seriously compromised by degradation of the insulation material or the support structure.  

The IoR says the purpose of the guidance note is to provide a reference for good practice in design of these buildings and their use and maintenance. The guidance includes sections on design, installation, inspection and maintenance, other safety considerations and general recommendations.

The guidance note can be downloaded here.