Recent Blog Posts

Ammonia Refrigeration Machinery Room Classification

July 12th, 2016

I was recently asked to consult regarding the several Fire and Building Code issues related to Occupancy Classification for an ammonia refrigeration machinery room. Local authorities were under the impression that the machinery room should be classified as a High-Hazard Group H location, but upon further research into the building and mechanical codes, here is […]

Pipe Labeling – ASME A13.1 Update

June 28th, 2016

ASME A13.1 Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems provides minimum requirements for the identification of hazardous materials conveyed in piping systems. The document applies to general industry and does not address specific chemical (ammonia, chlorine, etc.) labeling requirements. Basic requirements contained within ASME A13.1 include: Pipe labels must include arrows to indicate flow direction (§3.1) […]

History of Refrigeration

June 14th, 2016

Refrigeration, as a tool, has been used for thousands of years. Early civilizations noticed that cold food remained fresh longer, and would use running water to lower its temperature. The Roman and Greek cultures dug snow pits that were insulated with grass or leaves to cool their beverages. Home refrigeration was attempted by hanging wet […]

Respiratory Protection for Non-Technicians

May 31st, 2016

Are personnel who work near ammonia refrigeration systems required to be equipped with respirators per Title 8 CCR §5144 Respiratory Protection? This is a prudent question to consider before assigning employees to work near any hazardous material. The risk faced by personnel who inspect equipment, work in machinery rooms, on roofs, etc. yet never perform […]

Risk Management Program De-Registration

April 5th, 2016

If a process modification occurs that reduces a chemical inventory below the RMP threshold quantity, the facility is no longer subject to the requirements of USEPA’s Risk Management Program (Title 40 CFR §68). The proper protocol for notifying USEPA of this change is to submit a De-Registration Form which is contained within the RMP eSubmit Users Manual (Page 112). Once received […]