Your IIAR 9 MSSE is Due SOON! Are You Ready? | Blog No. 81

If your facility uses an ammonia refrigeration system—no matter the size—you’ve got a major deadline coming fast.

Under ANSI/IIAR 9-2020, every existing ammonia system must undergo a Minimum System Safety Evaluation (MSSE) by January 1, 2026. This requirement applies to both large facilities with full PSM programs and smaller ones operating under the General Duty Clause (GDC).

Here’s what the MSSE is, why it matters, and how Macha PSM can help. At the end, we have a special offer for you to help get this audit completed.

What Is a Minimum System Safety Evaluation (MSSE)?

The MSSE is a structured evaluation of your ammonia refrigeration system to determine if it meets the minimum safety requirements outlined in IIAR 9. It’s specifically aimed at existing systems—especially those originally built to now-outdated codes and standards.

Per IIAR 9:

• §1.1.1 establishes that the standard applies to existing closed-circuit ammonia systems.

• §8.2.1 requires systems to be evaluated using IIAR 9’s minimum safety requirements.

• §1.2.1.1 mandates that the first evaluation must be completed by January 1, 2026.

• After that, the MSSE must be revalidated every five years.

  
  

And it’s not just a recommendation. Federal regulations require you to document that your system complies with RAGAGEP (Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices). For ammonia systems, IIAR 9 is the benchmark.

Why You Can’t Wait

If you’re thinking about waiting until the end of the year to complete your MSSE—you’re probably cutting it too close.

Once January 1, 2026 hits, every facility without a completed MSSE is out of compliance. And that includes small sites under 10,000 lbs.

Completing the MSSE now gives you time to:

• Address any issues found during the evaluation.

• Avoid a backlog with consultants.

• Be fully documented and audit-ready.

  
  

How Macha PSM Can Help

At Macha PSM, we’ve helped facilities of all sizes get their first MSSE done—thoroughly, clearly, and on time. We recently completed the MSSE for a large dairy facility - here is what the Utilities Engineer had to say about his experience working with Macha PSM.

"Our company enjoyed having Macha PSM conduct our initial IIAR 9 Validation. The Macha team communicated with us leading up to the inspection and after it was conducted, answering all questions we could come up with. Their findings were thorough and the help they provided with what should be done to correct them was insightful. We look forward to building a working relationship with Eli and his team." - Scott F.

Here’s what we provide:

• Perform an on-site gap analysis based on system documentation and visual inspection

• Prepare a written MSSE report, including the IIAR 9 checklist and clear recommendations.

  
  

We typically complete MSSEs for $6,000–$10,000, depending on your system size and complexity. The report turnaround time with Macha PSM is around 2-4 weeks.

Here Is Our Special Offer

Macha PSM offers Annual PSM/GDC Agreements that cover all of your bases for PSM or GDC programs. 

This all-inclusive agreement includes:

• Building or updating your full PSM or GDC program

• Process Safety Information (inventory calculations, M&E balances, updated P&IDs, etc.)

• Compliance audits

• PHAs

• RMP submissions

• Hazard assessments

• PSSRs, MOCs, and more

  
  

All for a flat monthly rate—often half the cost of what larger firms charge.

And here’s the offer:

If you hire us for the MSSE and then decide to enroll in our annual agreement, we’ll waive your account setup fee (a savings of $5,000–$15,000, depending on facility size).

Our clients have been super pleased with our turnaround times, report quality, and pricing. Try us out on a one-time project and, if you’re happy with our work, let’s talk about making the switch—and start getting the ongoing support your facility needs.

Ready to schedule your IIAR 9 MSSE?

Let’s make sure your facility is safe, documented, and ready for 2026.

Call (256) 871-5627 or email micah@machapsm.com.