Machinery Room Signage
What signage is required for an ammonia refrigeration machinery room?
This question is often made to be more complicated than necessary. This blog post will clarify the three (3) categories of signage required for machinery rooms, as well as give examples for best practices.
Machinery Room Door
According to Chapter 6 of ANSI/IIAR 2-2014 [1], machinery room entrances shall be provided with signage which (1) restricts the area to authorized personnel only and (2) indicates the proper NFPA 704 designation.
In the informative section of IIAR 2-2014, Appendix J offers further suggestions for machinery room door signage which we embrace as a best practice. It suggests that all entrances to a machinery room include the following information:
- Refrigeration Machinery Room
- Authorized Personnel Only
- Caution – Ammonia R-717
- Caution – Eye and Ear Protection Required
- NFPA 704 – Ammonia Fire Diamond (Blue-3, Red-3, Yellow-0)
Alarm Signs
As a minimum requirement for facilities which properly have ammonia detection, signage shall be placed next to the actual audio / visual alarms that identify these alarms as part of the ammonia detection system [ANSI/IIAR 2-2014 §17.6].
As a best practice, the informative Appendix J offers the following suggestive wording:
- Warning – When Alarms Are Activated, Ammonia Has Been Detected
a. Leave room immediately when alarms are activated.
b. Do not enter except by emergency trained personnel only.
c. Do not enter without personal protective equipment.
In addition, Appendix J rightly recommends that both the Refrigeration Stop Switch and Emergency Ventilation Switch be labeled as well.
System Installation Signage
This is often an overlooked element of machinery room signage, but important nonetheless. Required by the California Mechanical Code [2016 CMC §1115.3], a system installation sign should be a permanent sign which includes the following information:
- Name of installing contractor
- Name and number designation of refrigerant in the system (e.g. Ammonia 717)
- Pounds of refrigerant in the system
[1] Specifically, ANSI/IIAR 2-2014 Ch. 6.15 “Signage”
How or where can i get the signs i need for my compressor room
There are several websites available to purchase the signs you need and you can also reach out to you contractor for help. I’ll shoot your an email with specific recommendations.
Where can i get this exact signage?
Hi Terrance. While a refrigeration contractor should be able to supply them, there are several websites where similar signs can be ordered. I will email you an example.
Could you provide me with the websites where I can find these signs? Also, what are the requirements for windows on doors? Are those required for ammonia safety in Engine rooms?
You can get the signs from a variety of online vendors. Here is a link to one.
Windows are not required on machinery room doors, but can be helpful to observe the room prior to entry.