Recent Blog Posts

RAGAGEP: Codes, Standards, and Good Engineering Practices (Part 1)

January 9th, 2018

Peter Thomas, P.E. recently wrote a technical paper and presented at the 2017 RETA National Conference on the topic of RAGAGEP: Codes, Standards, and Good Engineering Practices. The next few blogs will include excerpts from his technical paper. Introduction The arena of codes, standards, and regulations can be confusing, frustrating, and often intimidating. The barrage of […]

CalARP and Aqueous Ammonia

December 12th, 2017

As we have summarized in a previous blog post, the CalARP regulation (Title 19 CCR, Division 2, Chapter 4.5) closely models USEPA’s RMP regulation (Title 40 Part §68) with the most notable difference being that the CalARP chemical list is longer and the threshold quantities are lower when compared to RMP. With regard to anhydrous […]

RMP Applicability

November 28th, 2017

The RMP regulation (Title 40 CFR §68) is divided into three program levels: Program 1, Program 2, and Program 3. The requirements of each program level differ in that Program 3 is more stringent than Program 2 which is more stringent than Program 1. The following flow chart which was obtained from General Guidance on […]

Ammonia Pressure Vessel Nameplates

October 30th, 2017

Pressure vessels are used pervasively in the ammonia refrigeration industry for a variety of different functions. It is required that every vessel be constructed in accordance with ASME B&PV Code Section VIII, Division 1. The quickest way to verify that the design and construction requirements have been met is by inspecting the vessel nameplate. The […]

Respirator Fit Testing

October 17th, 2017

OSHA (Title 29 CFR 1910.134 and Title 8 CCR §5144) requires employers to develop a Respiratory Protection Program and provide respirators to employees “when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee”. Ammonia refrigeration operators and technicians must utilize respirators for a variety of their job functions including, but not limited to: […]