Maintaining the right storage temperature in keg rooms is crucial for the quality and shelf life of keg beers. For operations that serve large volumes of draft beer, this means a keg room or beer cooler needs to be organized, efficient, and safe. Are there better ways to set up and organize a keg room to minimize safety risks? Absolutely.
In keg rooms and beer coolers, understanding and implementing safety protocols is necessary to mitigate risks associated with handling heavy kegs. Proper organization and appropriate equipment like THE KEG LIFTER can significantly enhance operational flow and prevent injuries, making keg room safety a top priority.
Understanding the Risks Involved with Keg Handling
Handling beer kegs is inherently risky due to their substantial weight. A full half-barrel keg weighs approximately 165 pounds, while a sixtel keg weighs around 58 pounds. The physical demands of lifting and moving these heavy objects can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly affecting the back and shoulders.
Risks are exacerbated when kegs are lifted without assistance, from below knuckle height, or held away from the body. Such practices increase the likelihood of back injuries and other physical strains. Employing two workers for keg handling can sometimes add risks, especially if one worker loses grip, placing most of the weight on the other.
Also, consider the byproducts of keg rooms. Slips, trips, and falls are common in environments where kegs are handled due to wet floors or uneven surfaces. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones and permanent disfigurement.
The Safety Advantage Keg Racks from Cooler Concepts Have Over the Competition
Let's start by reviewing the keg racks that compete with those from Cooler Concepts. For starters, their racks can be up to 11 inches higher than the ones we make. That can have several impacts. First, it can decrease the storage potential inside a walk-in, but this blog is about safety, so let's focus on those points.
When racks are taller, kegs are stored higher. When kegs are stored higher, they can become bigger safety hazards than those that are not. Why store kegs on taller racks when they don't need to be? Beer kegs also need to be stored on flat surfaces, and that's what keg racks from Cooler Concepts will ensure.
Preventative Measures, Safe Practices, & Proper Training
Proper training on keg handling techniques is essential. This includes using any tools or technologies that can help prevent injuries, but more on that in a minute.
Managing stock levels and designing keg storage areas to minimize the need for lifting can further reduce injury risks. It's also beneficial to keep pathways clear and organize the beer cooler to improve operational flow and prevent accidents.
Employees must be trained on the correct methods and processes. Regular inspections and maintenance of keg room equipment is crucial. Identifying common hazards and developing written safe work procedures for specific tasks will help prevent accidents. And all new employees should undergo thorough training on proper lifting techniques as part of their onboarding process. This training should cover how to operate useful tools, as well.
Consider Safety-Enhancing Tools Like THE KEG LIFTER
To reduce the risk of injury, mechanical aids such as keg dollies or devices with lifting mechanisms should be utilized. These tools help move kegs safely and efficiently, minimizing physical strain, and we just happen to provide the best keg-moving solution in the industry.
Designed specifically to navigate the tight confines of keg coolers, THE KEG LIFTER is the most effectively way to safely lift 165-pound kegs, moving them in, around, and out of a keg cooler. With the understanding that most accidents are preventable, THE KEG LIFTER is designed with personnel safety in mind, offering features such as welded steel construction, locking rear casters, and adjustable height, ensuring ergonomic working conditions while requiring only one person for operation. This innovation not only enhances safety but also streamlines keg management, reducing the reliance on additional team members and mitigating potential liabilities for businesses in the restaurant, bar, and hospitality industries.
Recognizing the frequent need for keg swapping in restaurants and bars, the device simplifies the process with its user-friendly design, enabling efficient stacking and unstacking of heavy kegs with minimal effort. By requiring only one person for operation and boasting features like a 12V drill, 32+ lifts capability, and a compact footprint, The Keg Lifter not only optimizes workflow but also contributes to labor savings, addressing the challenges posed by labor shortages in breweries and hospitality establishments. This multifaceted solution offers a compelling combination of safety, efficiency, and labor optimization for businesses reliant on keg management.
