Ammonia Refrigeration System Safety

Learn from experts of the U.S. Department of Labor and Environmental Protection Agency to help assure you have a thorough understanding of regulations related to ammonia refrigeration systems. You will also learn best practices for ammonia system safety and operation and how to avoid operational risks, which will benefit your organization.

• PSM coordinators and other plant safety personnel 
• Refrigeration system operators 
• Plant, process, facilities, and applications engineers 
• Contractors and refrigeration service technicians 
• Environmental managers 
• Plant managers and others with operations responsibility for facilities with ammonia systems

This course is part of the Process Safety Management Professional Certificate. Increase your knowledge and effectiveness at managing PSM/RMP programs for your ammonia refrigerated facility, while earning a recognized credential. Course can be taken individually as well.

Characteristics of Ammonia, Fluorochemicals, Hydrocarbons

• Physical properties
• Thermodynamic properties of ammonia
• Health effects
• Flammability considerations

Practical Overview of Systems

• System types
• High-side components
• Low-side components

Safety and Your Machinery Room 

• Emergency ventilation
• Emergency showers/eyewash
• PRVs
• Other machinery room considerations

Elements for a Successful Program

• What is PSM?
• When is compliance mandatory?
• Assessing risks
• Accident prevention

EPA Risk Management Program: Achieving Compliance and Operational Safety 

• What is it?
• When is compliance mandatory? General Applicability
• Applicability of program levels
• Prevention program (program 2 and program 3)
• Management system
• Five-year accident history
• Offsite consequence analysis
• A look at ALOHA computer program
• Risk management plan (documentation requirements)
• Review and update

EPA Risk Management Plan

"Opened my eyes and mind to all types of issues that our ammonia system could cause—and ways to prevent them."
James Rogan, Rich Products

"A great course to get me up to speed in PSM and RMP."
Patrick Abshier, Pinnacle Foods Group

"Everything that was discussed at this course will help me improve our current programs."
George Pecenica, Gusto Packing Company

"Great class. I wish I could have had this class sooner!"
Scott Mason, Wells Dairy

Douglas Reindl

Douglas Reindl, PhD, PE is a professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a Program Director at the Office of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has extensive experience in mechanical systems – including industrial ammonia refrigeration systems. As the founding director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, he works extensively to improve the safety, efficiency, reliability, and productivity of ammonia refrigeration infrastructure. Dr. Reindl received his BS in mechanical engineering technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, MS in mechanical engineering from UW–Madison, and PhD in mechanical engineering from UW–Madison. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin.

Frederick Elder

Dr. Elder received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree from Wichita State University, and a Ph.D from UW-Madison, all in Mechanical Engineering. He has extensive experience in safety including Process Safety Management and its application to ammonia refrigeration systems. He regularly serves as an instructor for the OSHA Training Institute. Dr. Elder is a registered professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin.

Deanne Grant

Deanne Grant is an EPA Risk Management Program professional within EPA headquarters’ Office of Emergency Management. Her duties involve implementing chemical accident prevention, laws, regulations and policies through development and review of regulatory guidance, assessments, training workshops, and outreach activities. Prior to her time at headquarters, she was the regional coordinator for the Region 4 Risk Management Program based in Atlanta, GA where she managed and served as an inspector, case development officer and outreach specialist for RMP covered facilities. Deanne has been with EPA for 11 years. She holds a B.A. and M.Sc. in Environmental Science both from the University of Virginia.

Mike Marshall

Michael Marshall, PE is PSM professional within OSHA’s Office of Chemical Process Safety and Enforcement Initiatives. His duties involve coordinating agency process safety enforcement and investigation activities. During his more than 32 years with OSHA, he has investigated several major catastrophes in the ammonia refrigeration, chemical, petrochemical, and refining industries. Prior to working at OSHA, Mike worked for 5 years in private industry in oil/gas well servicing, and as a civil engineer. Mike holds a BSCE from North Dakota State University.