-
Technical
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 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
23 Apr 2026
Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new technologies and professional development.
News
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
Catch Up On Flammable Refrigerants Fundamentals
11 May 2026
The IOR Masterclass on core principles for flammable refrigerants is now available from the Institute's webinar channel. This online session introduces the essential principles behind safe handling and day-to-day good practice across RACHP applications.
Recording
BSRIA Reports Huge Increase in Cooling Demand
7 May 2026
The BSRIA has recently released its Worldwide Air Conditioning Report on Chillers and its Split Systems Report, revealing that overall demand in cooling has increased by 245% since 2010.
NewsSitemap
