Anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant in many industrial facilities, including food processing plants. It’s a highly hazardous chemical gas that is both toxic and flammable. Because of the dangers associated with it, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employees working in ammonia-refrigerated facilities to go through safety training.
The amount of ammonia safety training employees need is based on the amount of ammonia in the facility’s refrigeration system:
- Ammonia refrigeration systems with 10,000 pounds or more of ammonia are covered by the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard.
- Ammonia refrigeration systems with less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia are covered by OSHA’s General Duty Clause.
Ammonia Safety Training Requirements – 10,000 pounds or more of ammonia
Refrigeration systems with 10,000 pounds or more of ammonia are covered by the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119). This standard requires that each employee working with anhydrous ammonia be trained in an overview of the process and the operating procedures when working in or with the refrigeration system. The training must cover the specific health hazards, emergency operations, and safe work practices applicable to the employee’s job tasks. Refresher training is required at least every three years, and more often if necessary.
Training Requirements – Less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia
Refrigeration systems with less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia are covered by OSHA’s General Duty Clause. This clause requires that employers provide employees with a work environment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training
Anhydrous ammonia also follows OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.120 regulations for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. This is to prepare employees for a potential leak in their system. Under this standard, the required training must cover specific health hazards, use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices, signs and symptoms of hazardous exposure, and the site safety and health plan which covers what to do in case of a leak. In addition to the full initial training, employees are required to complete refresher training every year.
Where to Receive Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Training
HazMat Solutions offers nationwide training for anhydrous ammonia, along with a variety of other hazardous materials and confined space training. Due to the potential dangers associated with anhydrous ammonia, we would recommend our full HazMat Technician training for employees at ammonia-refrigerated facilities. We customize all training specific to your facility. Please contact us with any questions. We would be happy to discuss your unique needs and the appropriate training for your employees.