The EPA is rolling out a new initiative aimed at boosting safety in smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest. If your facility has less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia, you might not have been the focus of strict enforcement before, but that’s changing. The EPA is giving facilities a heads-up to get their safety practices in order before formal inspections and penalties begin.
What’s Process Safety Management (PSM)?
Process Safety Management (PSM) is a set of safety standards that facilities must follow if they handle hazardous chemicals like ammonia. Facilities with 10,000 pounds or more of ammonia are required to have a PSM program in place. However, smaller facilities aren’t totally off the hook. You’re still expected to operate safely under the General Duty Clause (GDC), which means that, even with smaller quantities of ammonia, you have to prevent accidents and protect your workers and the community.
What’s the EPA Focusing On?
This new initiative is aimed at facilities that fall below the 10,000-pound threshold. The EPA is concerned that these smaller operations, while not officially covered by PSM, could still pose significant risks if ammonia is not handled safely. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Advance Notice: The EPA is giving smaller ammonia facilities an opportunity to address any safety concerns before enforcement kicks in. It’s a chance to take corrective action without facing penalties right away.
Focus on Safety: The initiative is aimed at reducing the risks associated with ammonia leaks, especially for facilities that may have flown under the radar before.
Compliance Resources: The EPA is also providing support to help facilities understand their responsibilities and make necessary improvements before formal inspections.
How Can Macha PSM Help?
At Macha PSM, we work with all kinds of businesses, whether you’re a smaller facility or a large corporation. If you’re unsure about how this new EPA initiative affects your ammonia refrigeration system, we can guide you through the necessary steps to get everything up to speed.
Custom Safety Programs: Even if your system is under 10,000 pounds of ammonia, we can help you develop a safety management program that complies with the General Duty Clause.
Engineering Solutions: We offer practical engineering services like P&ID development, relief vent analysis, and inventory calculations to help ensure your system is safe and organized.
Compliance Audits: Our team can perform a detailed audit of your facility’s safety practices and identify areas for improvement to keep you ahead of any regulatory issues.
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA): We can work with you to assess any potential hazards in your operation and put preventative measures in place.
Why Choose Macha PSM?
We’re not just here for the big players; we work with smaller businesses too. Our team takes pride in tailoring solutions to fit your facility’s specific needs. And we keep things simple—clear pricing, actionable recommendations, and expert support throughout the process.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Ammonia leaks, even in small systems, can cause serious safety risks. The EPA’s new initiative is a clear sign that smaller ammonia facilities need to step up their safety game. Don’t wait for an inspection or, worse, an accident—now’s the time to make sure your facility is compliant and safe.
Final Thoughts
With the EPA’s new focus on smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities, it’s important to ensure your operation is running as safely as possible. Even if your system is below the 10,000-pound threshold, you’re still expected to prevent hazards under the General Duty Clause.
At Macha PSM, we’re ready to help you develop a robust safety program that fits your needs, keeps your facility safe, and ensures compliance with EPA and OSHA standards.
Ready to get started? Contact us today, and we’ll help you navigate these changes with confidence.
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