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.

Attendees participating in this course will be able to earn a digital badge as evidence of the knowledge they obtained during the course. Digital badges are micro-credentials that can be earned by successfully passing a final quiz administered online after completing the course. Click here for information on digital badges.

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 Interdisciplinary Professional Programs 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.

Nicole O'Connor

Nicole O'Connor is currently the Assistant Area Director with the Madison Area OSHA Office with expertise specializing in Industrial Hygiene. Prior to joining OSHA in 2006, Mrs. O’Connor worked as a Project Manager for an environmental, health and safety consulting firm, providing occupational safety training, industrial hygiene monitoring, safety program and policy development, compliance auditing, and environmental reporting. Mrs. O’Connor received both her Bachelor of Science - Biology, and Master of Science - Occupational Safety, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.