August 4, 2004—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a Web-based assistance tool to help workers and employers identify and control hazards associated with the operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration systems. The Ammonia Refrigeration “eTool,” a direct result of alliances OSHA recently renewed with The Dow Chemical Company and the American Meat Institute, consists of two initial modules: Ammonia Receiving and Storage, and Emergency Response. Later stages of the product will include the condenser area, piping and pressure vessels, refrigeration spaces, and the machine room.
Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a refrigerant in many industrial facilities, including: meat, poultry, and fish processing facilities; dairy and ice cream plants; wineries and breweries; fruit juice, vegetable juice, and soft drink processing facilities; cold storage warehouses; other food processing facilities; and petrochemical facilities. Accidental releases of ammonia from these facilities have resulted in both injuries and deaths to workers. Because refrigeration systems operate at elevated pressures, additional care must be taken to maintain and operate these systems safely in order to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences.
The Ammonia Refrigeration eTool supplements a Safety and Health Topics Page on the same issue.
