Environment
What's different about cold-store
| Factor | Ambient | Cold-Store / Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Powder coat | Hot-dip galvanised |
| Fasteners | Zinc-plated | Stainless or HDG |
| Inspection cycle | Annual + quarterly | Annual + quarterly (stricter) |
| Condensation risk | Low | High at door zones |
| Thermal cycling | Minimal | Significant — slab and steel move |
Install detail
Layout and clearances
- 50–100 mm clearance from frames to insulated panel walls.
- Door-zone racking gets the worst thermal cycling — over-spec components.
- Plan condensation runoff at floor level — avoid baseplate puddling.
- Avoid drilling through panels — slab-anchor only.
- Match anchor material to slab type (stainless preferred).
Door-zone wear
The first two bays inside any cold-store door see the worst combination of forklift traffic, thermal cycling and condensation. Specify column guards and HDG components from day one — these bays will need the first repairs.
Inspection
Inspection regime
Corrosion in cold-store progresses faster than in ambient warehouses, particularly at chip sites and impact marks where the protective finish has been compromised. Pair a quarterly internal inspection with an annual AS 4084:2023 audit by a competent person, and document each finding with photos for trend analysis.