Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Refrigeration Industry
Ammonia refrigeration facilities use various substances to facilitate refrigeration processes. Some of these chemicals are highly hazardous and can cause dangerous incidents if mishandled. Some examples of these substances include:
Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia is an effective refrigerant, but it is also highly dangerous. Exposure and inhalation can lead to skin burns, eye and nose irritation, and tracheal burns. If ingested, it can cause corrosive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach.
Sodium Hydroxide
Also called caustic soda, sodium hydroxide is a chemical often used to clean refrigeration equipment. Workers who handle this substance daily must take extra care because exposure results in skin burns, nose and throat irritation, and nausea.
Chlorine
Chlorine is sometimes used in refrigeration facilities as a disinfectant since it effectively eliminates germs and bacteria on surfaces. However, mishandling it can lead to cough, eye and nose irritation, and skin inflammation.
Importance of Chemical Process Safety in the Refrigeration Industry
Handling and storing ammonia and other hazardous substances in refrigeration companies can be challenging. For this reason, it is crucial to prioritize chemical process safety in these facilities. Doing so can help with the following:
Keeping Everyone in the Workplace Safe
Conducting regular risk assessments and implementing process safety measures allow you to protect your employees as they perform their day-to-day tasks. These safeguards can help you prevent casualties resulting from chemical-related incidents in the workplace.
Protecting the Environment
When certain chemicals are accidentally released, they can pollute the land, air, and water. They damage the surrounding environment and even destroy nearby communities. Such scenarios can be prevented by implementing effective chemical process safety programs.
Preventing Unnecessary Asset Damage
Some substances are flammable and explosive. Fires and blasts in the workplace not only injure workers but also damage essential equipment. Fixing or replacing these broken units can be expensive, so your company might incur unnecessary profit losses.
Industries We Serve
Aerospace
The aerospace industry makes use of different combustible chemicals that can endanger the lives of people and cause severe environmental damage if mishandled. Chemical process safety is crucial to prevent such incidents. Saltegra Consulting LLC provides consulting services to help you ensure proper safety programs are in place.
Biogas/Biomass
The biogas/biomass industry is concerned with the use of renewable energy sources from organic matter. Companies in this industry typically utilize different chemicals to convert agricultural waste into biofuel. Saltegra Consulting LLC can help these companies keep their workplaces safe through chemical process safety solutions.
Chemical Manufacturing
The chemical manufacturing industry is a broad field that encompasses the research, mass production, and distribution of various substances that other sectors will use. To prevent the accidental release of the toxic, flammable, and explosive compounds utilized in their operations, chemical process safety programs are essential.
Reach Out
Contact Saltegra Consulting LLC today for chemical process safety solutions for your refrigeration facility.