IIAR
1110 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22201
703.312.4200
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III. SAFE USE OF REFRIGERANTS

A well-designed and properly maintained refrigeration system requires its owner and operator to be familiar with the operation of the equipment and the characteristics of the refrigerant. Prevention is key to ensuring a safe work environment associated with any refrigeration system.⁵⁵ Workers must be knowledgeable of emergency procedures and applicable standards.⁵⁶ In addition, regulations require regular inspection of safety equipment and ongoing training to prepare workers in the event of an emergency.⁵⁷

The risks associated with any refrigeration system that must be addressed through appropriate control mechanisms include accidental releases, releases occurring during operations and maintenance, and engineering flaws. Modern plants have state of the art detection and ventilation systems. These systems provide immediate warning once the presence of a refrigerant reaches a pre-selected level and immediately remove the released refrigerant from the confined space.⁵⁸ Ammonia refrigeration safety features address minimizing the refrigerant charge, suitable ventilation, ammonia absorbing systems, restricting the use of ammonia in public locations, and promoting indirect cooling systems.⁵⁹

In the event of a leak of any refrigerant, evacuation and ventilation are important mechanisms for minimizing exposure. The true danger of any refrigerant occurs when an individual is unable to leave a confined space with a high concentration of a refrigerant or when liquid refrigerant comes in direct contact with the body, particularly the eyes.⁶⁰ Under normal circumstances, individuals will always seek relief from ammonia before its presence becomes a serious health hazard. Air containing amounts of ammonia in which a person is willing to remain is generally not dangerous; however, as with any irritating atmosphere, care should be taken to prevent prolonged exposure.