New E-Book Addresses Safety Training in Large U.S. Ammonia Facilities

U.S. industrial contractor Stellar has published a new e-book on the critical elements of a process safety management (PSM) training program for facilities operating a large ammonia/NH3 (R717) refrigeration system.

PSM is a safety protocol established by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for operators using more than 10,000lbs (4,536kg) of ammonia. It complements the Risk Management Program (RMP) created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the same amount of ammonia. Companies who don’t have an adequate PSM or RMP program may be subject to steep fines.

The free e-book, titled, “7 Keys to a Compliant PSM Training Program for Ammonia Refrigeration,” outlines “important questions a facility's program should address and questions that trained plant personnel should be able to answer,” said Jacksonville, Florida-based Stellar in a statement. 

OSHA standards mandate that employees be trained on a facility's specific equipment and process, said Stellar.

Topics covered in rhe e-book include:

Safety hazards and health considerationsEmergency shutdown proceduresAddressing deviations from system operating limitsRisks and costs of non-compliance with regulatory standards

"Unfortunately, ammonia leaks make the headlines too often,” said Ken Philo, Director of PSM Compliance at Stellar. “Industrial ammonia refrigeration is a matter of public safety, and facility owners are responsible for ensuring compliance training on their systems. However, some priorities may have taken a backseat these past two years, possibly leaving some plants unsure if their training even meets OSHA’s latest standards — and that can be costly on a number of levels.” 

Stellar also offers NH360 PSM software, which provides real-time access to PSM resources.

Stellar describes itself as a fully integrated design, engineering, construction, refrigeration and mechanical services firm. Among its ammonia products are the NH360 packaged refrigeration systems, which offer less than 1lb/TR (0.13kg/kW) ammonia charge.

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