Ammonia refrigeration systems, when designed, installed, and maintained according to standards, codes, and safe practices, are safe and efficient. However, due to ammonia’s properties, these systems can pose significant risks if not managed properly.

Ensuring the safety and compliance of ammonia-charged refrigeration systems is critical for several reasons:

Health and Safety Risks:

Toxicity:

Ammonia exposure can cause severe respiratory issues, skin burns, and eye damage. Proper safety measures prevent harmful exposures and serious health consequences.

Flammability:

Ammonia can become explosive under certain conditions. Proper handling and storage reduce the risk of ignition and explosions.

Regulatory Compliance:

MHSWR (Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations):

Ensures a safe working environment by identifying and mitigating workplace hazards.

EN 378 (Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps - Safety and Environmental Requirements):

Ensures refrigeration systems are designed, constructed, and operated safely.

DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002):

Mandates the assessment and control of risks associated with explosive atmospheres, including ammonia.

PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations) / PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations):

Ensures the safe use of pressure systems and equipment, crucial for ammonia refrigeration systems.

Environmental Protection:

Incident Prevention:

Leak Prevention and Control:

Properly maintained systems minimize ammonia leaks, reducing environmental impacts like air and water pollution.

Emergency Preparedness:

Compliance with safety standards ensures effective emergency response plans, reducing the impact of accidental releases.

Operational Efficiency:

System Reliability:

Regular assessments and adherence to safety standards maintain system reliability, preventing costly downtime and repairs.

Longevity of Equipment:

Ensuring compliance prolongs the lifespan of refrigeration equipment, providing long-term cost savings.

Moral and Ethical Obligations:

Duty of Care:

Employers have a moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees and the surrounding community.

Community Safety:

Properly managed ammonia systems protect workers and nearby residents and businesses from potential hazards.

Ammonia Risk Assessment 

Our Ammonia Risk Assessment service addresses the critical need for businesses, using, storing or handling anhydrous ammonia (refrigerant number R717), for compliance with various standards and safety regulations, including MHSWR, BS EN 378, DSEAR, and PSSR/PUWER and ensuring a safe working environment.

Our range of services related to ammonia risk assessments includes:

• Ammonia Hazard Assessment
• Ammonia Risk Assessment
• Ammonia Toxic Plume/Cloud Modelling
• Plant Room DSEAR Assessment

The process: 

• We conduct thorough audits of ammonia plant rooms and associated equipment in accordance with the BS EN 378 series of standards and relevant regulations related to ammonia usage. 
• We identify hazards and determine the specific risks associated with ammonia in your workplace. 
• We assess the likelihood and severity of potential incidents involving ammonia 
• We help to develop measures to mitigate identified risks and provide detailed recommendations to enhance site safety and ensure adherence to BS EN 378, aligning with health and safety legislation.

Ammonia Toxic Plume/Cloud Modelling

Additionally, to reinforce your commitment to regulatory compliance and safeguarding human life and property, we can offer ammonia release and toxic cloud / plume modelling to predict potential toxic cloud dispersals, demonstrating common release scenarios with illustrative layouts of typical dispersals to Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) 1, 2, and 3. We also offer modelling for other concentrations, such as Lower Flammable Limits (LEL) or Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) / Short-Term Exposure Limits (STEL).

Plant Room DSEAR Assessment

Following the 2015 amendments to DSEAR regulations, which included gases under pressure (hazard class H280), all ammonia-charged refrigeration system installations need to be compliant.

At Nova Vita, we specialise in DSEAR assessments. These assessments consider release grades, ventilation effects, and likelihood of ignition, provide detailed zone descriptions and estimate the potential impact on people and property.

Industries We Serve

Based in Cambridgeshire, we offer our services nationwide.

Our team work regularly and closely with industry refrigeration contractors and have extensive experience conducting ammonia assessments for various industries, including, but not limited:

• Breweries
• Chilled Distribution Centres
• Cold Storage Warehouses
• Food Manufacturing Sites
• Food Processing Facilities
• Pharmaceutical Plants
• Recreational Facilities (e.g. Ice Rinks)

Our Team 

Each of our assessors holds relevant qualifications, including NEBOSH Diploma, CMSE(r), accredited ammonia handling and DSEAR qualifications, and have years of hands-on experience managing and running refrigeration plants. They are well-equipped to handle the complexities of ammonia refrigeration plants safely and effectively and to ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Our specialists not only focus on the practical aspects of ammonia plant operations but also thoroughly evaluate the procedural, policy, and practice frameworks in place. This comprehensive approach ensures total site compliance with regulations related to ammonia use, handling, and storage. By addressing both the technical and administrative components, we help you achieve a safe and compliant operation.