Rubbermaid Introduces Safe Ice Handling System

Innovative System Integrates End-to-End Ice Management Tools for Operational, Safety Benefits

Huntersville, N.C. (September, 2008) – Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), the leader in innovative safety and productivity solutions for the foodservice industry, introduces the Safe Ice Handling System, a suite of integrated ice management tools designed to increase operational efficiencies while reducing food safety concerns and improving employee safety conditions.

Developed to address one of the most common issues within the commercial kitchen – the transfer of ice from ice machine to end destination throughout the operation – the Safe Ice Handling System integrates the newly designed Ice Tote with Bin Hook Adapter, Scoop with Hand Guard and Holder and the first-ever scoop-shovel hybrid, the Scovel™ Two-Handled Shovel. The complete system promotes the safe handling of ice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and improves employee safety.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2004, 3.4 percent of foodservice workers hurt themselves from a slip or fall bad enough to require at least a day off from work. Unsafe ice management can lead to workplace accidents and increased worker compensation costs for operators, but using the proper ice handling tools can ensure safe employee practices throughout the kitchen.

"Ice management is a common issue in any foodservice operation and carries a number of concerns, from employee slips and falls to food safety risks," said Virginia Murray, product director, Rubbermaid Commercial Products. "The Safe Ice Handling System provides an easy-to-use, easy-to-integrate product group that simplifies the ice transfer process and eliminates a great deal of employee and food safety hazards for operators."

The forward-thinking approach to the Safe Ice Handling System also reduces contact with potentially unsafe and unsanitary objects and surfaces. Common bacteria found on kitchen floors or operators' hands are kept safely away from direct contact with ice or the Ice Tote by way of an optional Bin Hook Adapter and specially engineered scoops.

Ice Tote with Bin Hook Adapter
As the primary component of the Safe Ice Handling System, Rubbermaid's Ice Tote features a wide angled top surface, which acts as a pouring spout, helping to reduce spills while filling and increasing control when the ice is poured. The 5.5-gallon, 25-pound tote capacity and ergonomic comfort grip also allow safe transfer and proper weight distribution, and ensure ease-of-use while reducing the potential for injury.

The patent-pending Ice Tote is designed with an elevated hand grip located near the base to allow operators to lift and pour without the risk of cross-contamination from hands touching the bottom of the tote. The unit fits in most commercial dishwashers, is dishwasher safe and includes a rear hang hook for upside down tote storage.

The optional Bin Hook Adapter allows the Ice Tote to attach to nearly any standard or high-capacity ice machine. The adapter offers a number of benefits including reduced spills when filling and decreased employee back injury dangers. Cross-contamination concerns are also eased since the bottom of the Ice Tote does not rest on the floor.

Additional components in the Safe Ice Handling System include:
Scoop with Hand Guard and Holder is the first of two innovative ice scoops from Rubbermaid. The Scoop's impressive 74-ounce size makes use of a scoop handle positioned over the ice cavity for maximum capacity.

• The unique patent-pending scoop handle improves leverage and control and reduces user wrist strain.
• The scoop combines with an open-style holder when stored. The FDA recommends using open holders for air drying to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Scovel™ Two-Handled Shovel combines the easy handling of traditional ice scoops with the capacity of a shovel.

• The patent-pending Scovel Two-Handled Shovel allows for improved maneuverability within the ice bin and faster loading times with its 120-ounce capacity.
• The Scovel Two-Handled Shovel features comfortable dual handles and hand shields that reduce the risk of ice contamination while protecting employees from injury.
• High shovel sides help contain the ice during transfer to reduce spills.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products is a proud sponsor of the International Food Safety Council and American Culinary Federation and is dedicated to providing food safety and productivity solutions for foodservice professionals. For more information, call 800-347-9800. High-resolution photography of RCP products is available upon request.

About Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
Rubbermaid Commercial Products, headquartered in Winchester, VA, is a manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Since 1968, RCP has pioneered technologies and system solutions in the categories of food services, sanitary maintenance, waste handling, material transport, and safety products. A 1999 merger joining Rubbermaid Inc. with Newell Co. formed Newell Rubbermaid Inc., a $6.5 billion global product powerhouse. RCP, an ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, is a division of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and continues to develop innovative products.

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