AMMONIA SAFETY CHECKLIST NH3

PREVENT THE MOST COMMON AMMONIA SAFETY HAZARDS BY FOLLOWING THIS LIST

For years, Stellar’s refrigeration teams have focused on mitigating ammonia safety risks, visiting food facilities worldwide.
Many of the safety issues we see stem from elements plant personnel have direct control over—and can correct.

Review the checklist below to ensure your facility is free of the most common ammonia safety hazards:

Clean floors, free of oil and water

Sufficient pipe quality beneath insulation (controlled with spot checks for corrosion under insulation (CUI)
or the utilization of a corrosion inhibitor/ stainless steel piping)

Pipes properly labeled and marked per International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Bulletin No. 114

Equipment operates within design parameters, temperatures ranges

Personnel practices maintenance cycling program on valves, regularly opening and closing valves so they
don’t sit in one position for too long

Clear escape routes from areas with ammonia present (no boxes in front of exits)

Personnel and operators are sufficiently trained on ammonia refrigeration operations and safety awareness

Safe access to frequently used valves, equipment for maintenance

Items that require maintenance are accessible from the ground

Items up high have a catwalk or a clear path accessible via a scissor lift or ladder

Complete annual testing on leak detection systems to ensure alarms work properly

Pipe plug or cap on all valves open to the atmosphere

Self-closing, spring-loaded valves to prevent the presence of open oil draining valves

Gas mask systems readily accessible, close to ammonia source

Piping and components free of heavy ice buildup, added weight

Complete annual safety switch testing

Closed electrical cabinets

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