The IOR technical committee has published a 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. 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 purpose of this 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. It also includes links to useful further information such as the IOR Cold Store Code of Practice, HSE alerts and key legislation and standards.

Free to download here

 

 

Recent posts

About

About the IOR

23 Apr 2026

The Institute of Refrigeration is the professional engineering body for all individuals working in RACHP. Find out more about the IOR here. 

News
What We Do

What we do

23 Apr 2026

Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new  technologies and professional development.

News
Untitled Design 5

Join us

23 Apr 2026

When you become a member of the Institute of Refrigeration you are joining a group of specialist experts driving the sector forward.

News
IOR Programme Card 2627

New IOR Events Programme Card

14 Sep 2026

We have just released our Autumn/Winter Programme Card, showcasing IOR events taking place over the coming months.
News
TechTalk Sep 26

Recording for High Temperature Heat Pumps

14 Sep 2026

The recording for the IOR TechTalk on high-temperature heat pumps and new technology is now available for download from the IOR website.

Recording