In a recent announcement, Portabull Cold Storage®, a leading provider of portable electric cold storage containers, has unveiled a pioneering technology aimed at enhancing the safety of workers in high-temperature conditions. This innovative solution takes the form of purpose-built cool-down rooms, tailored to offer relief from extreme heat.
Designed with a focus on prioritising the safety and well-being of employees, these 40-foot-long cool-down rooms are equipped with windows, fold-down benches, easy-access doors, and simple push-button controls. Powered by efficient electric systems, these enclosures are designed to make it more convenient and cost-effective for employers to safeguard their workforce. President of Portabull, John Herman, underscored the necessity of such a solution, noting that employees in high-heat conditions often resort to makeshift or inadequate cooling solutions.
The enclosed cooler rooms provide a safer alternative for employees and are more robust and user-friendly for employers compared to other available cooling options. The increasing risk faced by workers in hot environments has necessitated the development of this new solution as a means to address the escalating threat of heat-related workplace accidents.
Public Citizen, a consumer interest group, has reported up to 2,000 annual workplace fatalities and 170,000 heat-related injuries attributed to high-heat conditions. While specific heat-related workplace standards have not been officially codified by OSHA, their heat stress Emergency Preparedness Guide does recommend the use of shelters and recovery areas, aligning with the purpose of Portabull’s cooler rooms.
These self-contained, portable units feature Carrier© electric cooling motors that maintain stable temperatures between 50F and 80F, ensuring the comfort and safety of individuals within the enclosure. Additionally, the separate entry and exit doors minimise the escape of cool air, providing rapid and comprehensive relief from the heat.
Early adoption of this innovative technology has already been observed at Rockport Terminals, a logistics port in South Texas. Rockport’s CEO, Ross Stevenson, attested to the effectiveness of the cool-down rooms in ensuring employee well-being and productivity, underscoring their critical role in the success and safety of the workforce at the terminal.
Portabull Cold Storage aims to streamline and make temporary on-site cold storage more affordable for businesses across the United States, operating across various industries including grocers, restaurants, breweries, florists, fisheries, and pharmaceutical firms. Their comprehensive approach, which encompasses delivery and pickup logistics, as well as 24/7 access to expert support, offers a comprehensive cold storage solution for numerous businesses. With their recent venture into providing purpose-built cool-down rooms, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being.