The Occupational Safety and Health Administration renewed its partnership with the Global Cold Chain Alliance to help protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemical releases from ammonia refrigeration systems. The alliance will also focus on improving the process safety management (PSM) programs for these systems.

Anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant in many industrial facilities, and releases of the chemical can pose the risk of fires and explosions.

Through the alliance, OSHA and GCCA will provide training to OSHA staff, including a webinar on ammonia safety, and develop outreach materials related to ammonia safety and PSM. The alliance also will support the agency’s national outreach campaigns, including the National Emphasis Program for Chemical Facilities and the prevention of falls in construction.

 Through its Alliance Program, the Washington-based government agency works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, among others, to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources as well as to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.