Representatives from some of the leading U.S. brands, including Tyson Foods Inc., Campbell Soup Company, ConAgra Foods and Port Newark Refrigerated Warehouse, shared their NH₃ experiences with the 200 participants at the 2nd annual ATMOsphere America 2013 conference in Washington DC. Employee safety and training were the focal points of the discussion.

Eric Smith, Technical Director at the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), opened the Industrial End-User Panel with a brief introduction to his organisation the IIAR which provides advocacy, education, standards and information for the benefit of the ammonia refrigeration industry. Emphasising the importance of the IIAR as an ANSI accredited standards writer, Eric Smith stated: “If we do not develop our standards, someone else will” and “OSHA would use our guidance if it was complete.” When standards are accepted by Code Bodies, they are given more “heft” and are, consequently, more likely to be adhered to.

Preparedness is key

Michael Chapman, Manager of Process Safety and Risk Management Programs at Tyson Foods Inc., explained that most of Tyson’s 100+ facilities employ anhydrous ammonia because it is economical, efficient and natural. “[Ammonia] can be managed safely but it requires preparedness, as does using any other refrigerant. Preparedness is a combination of education and maintenance.”

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