What is Cold Storage?
Cold storage in the food industry refers to temperature-controlled environments designed to keep perishable products fresh, safe, and suitable for consumption. These facilities typically include chilled rooms for items such as dairy, fresh produce, and meat, as well as freezers for long-term storage of frozen foods.
Walk-in freezers insulate rooms that allow staff to enter and move stock. They are commonly found in supermarkets, restaurants, commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and distribution centres. They provide the space and temperature stability needed to store high volumes of frozen goods safely and efficiently.
Why is gas detection needed in Cold Storage?
Ammonia is toxic and corrosive, even low concentrations can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, while higher levels can quickly become life-threatening. Carbon dioxide, although non-toxic at normal levels, can displace oxygen in confined spaces and cause dizziness, unconsciousness, or asphyxiation if it accumulates.
Cold storage areas such as walk-in freezers, chillers, and refrigerated warehouses are often enclosed, poorly ventilated, and operate at low temperatures that can allow gas leaks to build up unnoticed.
Gas detection systems continuously monitor for dangerous levels of ammonia, COâ‚‚, or oxygen depletion, alerting staff early so they can evacuate, isolate the leak, and prevent accidents.
Suitable gas detectors for low temperatures
Honeywell BW Solo (NH3-Ext 0-1000 ppm)
The Honeywell BW Solo NH3‑ext 0 – 1000 ppm is an ideal portable gas detector for monitoring ammonia in cold storage and refrigerated environments. Its dedicated ammonia sensor provides accurate real-time readings within the 0 – 1000 ppm range, ensuring early detection of leaks or elevated ammonia levels. The device is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry through tight aisles or confined areas in cold storage facilities.
With its rugged design and IP66/68 rating, the BW Solo resists dust, moisture, and condensation, common in chilled environments. It features audible, visual, and vibration alarms, allowing personnel to respond immediately to any hazardous conditions. While its operating range of -20 °C to +40 °C makes it suitable for most cold storage areas.
Find out more: BW Solo Single Gas Detector | Rockall Safety
Drager PAC 8000 (NH3 0 – 300 ppm)
The Dräger Pac 8000 NH3 (0  – 300 ppm) is a robust portable gas detector that performs reliably in low‑temperature environments making it a strong choice for ammonia monitoring in cold storage and refrigerated facilities. Its operating temperature range spans from -30 °C to +55 °C (with brief tolerance down to –40 °C under sensor‑dependent conditions), meaning it can operate effectively at typical cold‑storage temperatures.
The device is certified IP68 for ingress protection, so it resists dust, moisture, and potential condensation. These are common hazards in chilled or humid warehouses. It uses a dedicated NH₃ sensor covering 0 – 300 ppm, with alarm thresholds (default 20/40 ppm) designed to trigger early warning if ammonia leaks occur, this coverage is appropriate for detecting leaks before concentrations reach dangerous levels.
For more information, click here: Dräger PAC 8000 Single Gas Detector | Rockall Safety
