Adding ramps to your walk-in cooler or freezer, whether interior or exterior, can enhance accessibility, especially when you’re frequently moving heavy loads. Industries like food service, florists, pharmaceuticals, and more often require efficient ways to transport products in and out of their coolers. Ramps make this easier and safer, and in some cases, may even be required by municipal codes. This guide will help you decide if your walk-in needs a ramp and what options are available.
Do You Need an Exterior Ramp for Your Walk-In?
Not all walk-in coolers or freezers need ramps. However, the first consideration is whether your walk-in has a step-up floor, which can create a height difference between the cooler and the room floor. This height difference—typically between 2″ and 5⅜”—is where ramps become important for smooth and safe access.
Even if rolling equipment is not in constant use, certain local codes may require ramps for safety reasons when there’s a step-up floor. Always check your local regulations to ensure compliance.
Tip: If your walk-in has a floor that creates a step, adding a ramp can improve accessibility and reduce the physical strain on staff handling heavy loads.
The Relationship Between Flooring and Ramps
The flooring in your walk-in cooler or freezer is directly connected to whether a ramp is necessary and how it’s constructed. The type and thickness of the floor can affect the height of the ramp, as well as its load-bearing capacity. Let’s break down the different floor options to help you understand which ramp would be best for your setup.
| Type of Floor | Load Rating | Description |
| Economy | 600 lbs/ft2 | Smooth aluminum covers 4” insulation, suitable for foot traffic. |
| Standard | 1200 lbs/ft2 | Aluminum, stainless steel, or diamond treadplate over OSB wood, suitable for light rolling racks and hand trucks. |
| Heavy Duty | 1500 lbs/ft2 | Heavy-duty base metals with additional overlay, suitable for medium carts and hand trucks. |
| Pallet Jack | 2600 lbs/ft2 | Reinforced base metals over plywood, suitable for pallet jacks and heavy loads. |
Choosing the right flooring impacts your need for a ramp. If your walk-in uses a reinforced floor to accommodate rolling carts, hand trucks, or pallet jacks, a ramp becomes essential to bridge the height difference and handle the load safely.
Ramp Construction and Features
A well-built ramp should match the strength and durability of the flooring it connects to. The ramp should be long enough to accommodate the floor height while maintaining a gentle slope for easy rolling access.
Arctic’s ramps are designed for durability and efficiency, constructed with a ½” plywood base supported by cross wood beams. They are topped with either 16-gauge stainless steel or aluminum diamond treadplate, ensuring the ramp can withstand the same loads as the cooler floor. Interior ramps are recessed into the cooler’s floor panel for a seamless transition, while exterior ramps are self-standing for flexible positioning.
Industry-Specific Ramp Use Cases
Different industries require ramps for various reasons. Here’s a look at some specific applications:
- Food and Beverage: For restaurants and grocery stores, ramps help move perishable goods on rolling carts or hand trucks with minimal effort.
- Floral: Florists can use ramps to transport delicate floral arrangements without damage during loading and unloading.
- Pharmaceuticals: Laboratories and pharmacies benefit from ramps that allow for easy movement of sensitive materials without risking damage.
- Mortuary Services: Ramps provide a smooth transition for transporting large, heavy equipment while ensuring the dignity of the process.
Conclusion
The right ramp can make a significant difference in the functionality and safety of your walk-in cooler or freezer. If your unit has a step-up floor, consider adding a ramp to ensure smoother operations, reduced strain on employees, and compliance with safety codes. For more information on ramps and other cooler add-ons, consult Arctic’s sales team for expert guidance.