Population data continues to come up during EPA Risk Management Program inspections and technical discussions, specifically the use of 2010 Decennial Census population data in off-site consequence analyses. The issue is simple: that data is over a decade old. Why this matters Population counts directly drive the number of people potentially impacted in both worst-case and alternative release scenarios. If that input is outdated, the output is also outdated, regardless of how

OSHA, from time to time, issues “interpretations” that explain how the various language in its regulations will be enforced. On June 5, 2015, an OSHA memorandum was issued that addressed several topics regarding RAGAGEP. One of the topics of the memorandum addressed the words “shall” and “should” as used in the RAGAGEP.  While these two simple words should be straightforward in interpretation, we shall see that it is not necessarily the case. First, “shall” was discussed as u

For those in the natural refrigeration industry, IIAR often feels like a set of high holidays, a time when professionals from across the country come together to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate the work that makes this space so meaningful. IIAR 2026 lived up to that expectation and more. Amidst a packed schedule of exhibit hall hours, technical sessions, and countless conversations, our team had the opportunity to do what matters most: connect. Whethe

There’s a consistent pattern behind most serious injuries and fatalities in industrial work. They rarely start with a catastrophic failure or a single dramatic mistake. More often, they begin with something small: PPE not worn correctly, a fire watch left unattended, a permit step skipped, or a shortcut taken to stay on schedule. In the moment, these actions don’t feel significant. They’re easy to justify. The job needs to get done. Time is tight. “We’ve done it this way befo

For more than a decade, the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program served as the United States’ primary regulatory framework for protecting high-risk chemical facilities from terrorist threats. But on July 28, 2023, Congress allowed CFATS’s statutory authority to expire, effectively shutting down the program overnight. If you work in ammonia refrigeration, chemical manufacturing, energy, distribution, or any sector handli

In February 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a proposed rule that would significantly modify the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations under the Clean Air Act. The proposal, referred to as the “Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention,” would reverse or scale back many of the requirements established in the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention (SCCAP) rule. If finalized, the proposal could substantially change

In industrial ammonia (R-717) refrigeration systems, choosing the right valve isn’t just a design preference; it’s a safety-critical decision. Ammonia is toxic, mildly flammable, and typically flows through the system at elevated pressures while constantly shifting between liquid and vapor phases. If the wrong valve ends up in the wrong location, the result can be excessive pressure drop, unstable control, trapped liquid expansion, or fugitive emissions. Understanding how glo

Planning for an emergency at a refrigeration facility can be a daunting task, particularly when deciding whether to prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or an Emergency Repose Plan (ERP). Choosing the best option depends on several factors, including the placement of responsibility for response, the facility’s desire to maintain trained responders onsite, the financial burden for training, and whether the local fire authority can provide timely incident response. In truth,

In ammonia refrigeration, removing non-condensable gases is not optional maintenance; it is essential for system performance. Air and other non-condensables raise discharge pressure, increase compressor workload, and reduce overall capacity. Over time, even small amounts can translate into measurable energy penalties and unnecessary mechanical stress. The two primary methods for removing these gases are manual purging and automatic refrigerated purging. Both methods are used

If you’ve worked around modern industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, you’ve likely encountered a plate-and-frame heat exchanger. While shell-and-tube exchangers have long been the workhorse of the industry, plate-and-frame units have become increasingly common where efficiency, tight temperature control, and space savings are priorities. Plate-and-frame heat exchangers are widely used in ammonia systems for ammonia-to-water or ammonia-to-glycol chillers, heat recovery app

If you’ve spent any time around industrial ammonia refrigeration, you’ve seen a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. It is one of the most common ways to transfer heat between two fluids without letting them mix, and it appears throughout ammonia systems. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers show up all over industrial ammonia refrigeration because they can serve many duties in one durable package. You may see them as water-cooled condensers, where hot, high-pressure ammonia vapor is con

I’ve been in a lot of facilities that technically have piping colors, but no visual legend to explain what those colors actually mean. Especially as a recent graduate getting started in the ammonia PSM industry, which turned machinery rooms into instant mazes instead of functional workspaces. You’d see blue, yellow, orange, and green everywhere—but without a key, none of it told a story. It was just paint on the pipe. In an ammonia machinery room, piping density is high, and

For facilities operating ammonia refrigeration systems, January 1, 2026, is more than a future date on the calendar. It represents a clear line between proactive compliance and regulatory exposure. By that date, existing ammonia refrigeration systems are expected to have completed a Minimum System Safety Evaluation (MSSE) in accordance with IIAR 9. This is not a theoretical expectation or an optional safety exercise. Failing to complete An MSSE is a compliance issue with real

In modern industrial refrigeration, reliability and capacity are critical. Among the various compressor designs available, rotary screw compressors have become the preferred solution for large-scale applications. Their ability to deliver high capacity with fewer moving parts has made them a cornerstone of today’s industrial refrigeration systems. Understanding Rotary Screw Compressors  Rotary screw compressors were originally developed in the 1930s; however, early versions we

There is a persistent misconception in the agricultural ammonia world that bulk distribution facilities with large bullet tanks are “exempt” from federal process safety rules. This belief often comes from partial or outdated interpretations of OSHA and EPA exemptions. In reality, while certain exemptions do exist, they are narrow, and misunderstanding them can leave facilities unintentionally out of compliance. This article explains how anhydrous ammonia is used in agricultur

The first episode of The Cold Truth Podcast  kicks off with hosts Mike and Eli sitting down with Ryan Reardon, founder of R2 Mechanical Consultants, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on industrial refrigeration, system selection, and where the industry is headed. Whether you’re an owner, engineer, contractor, or simply involved in refrigeration decision-making, this episode delivers real-world insight grounded in experience—not hype. Getting to Know Ryan Reardon

Reciprocating compressors are the most widely used compressor type in refrigeration history and remain common today, especially in residential, commercial, and small industrial systems. Their straightforward mechanical design and proven reliability make them an essential technology for anyone entering the refrigeration industry to understand. Understanding Reciprocating Compressors A reciprocating compressor operates on a principle similar to early steam engines and automobil

OSHA has finalized updates to its Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection standards that affect how fixed ladders over 24 feet are protected in the general industry. For ammonia refrigeration facilities, the most common impact is not a single piece of equipment, but fixed ladders that provide access to rooftops where ammonia piping, Emergency ventilation fans, and sometimes evaporative condensers, are located. When the Rule Applies The updated OSHA requirements apply to

As the industrial refrigeration industry continues to evolve, so do the standards that govern safe system operation and emergency response. One question that continues to surface among facility owners, engineers, and contractors is whether Field Test Pressure  must be included on a machinery room placard. Recent updates to IIAR standards have brought clarity to this topic—and also corrected common misconceptions. At Macha PSM, our engineering team frequently receives requests

At Macha PSM, we believe that strong safety programs begin with strong training. One of the most valuable educational opportunities available through our PSM Academy platform is the Ammonia Awareness Training | Course AA101 —a course specifically built for individuals who work in, around, or in support of ammonia refrigeration systems. While this training has been part of our curriculum, many facility teams may not realize just how impactful it can be for strengthening safety