Why IIAR?
What are the benefits of Ammonia?
- Safe
- Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Natural Refrigerant (Most widely used in the world)
- Cost Effective
- Energy efficient
Who is IIAR for?
Are you an owner or charged with the financial responsibility of your facility?
Is your goal is to develop and operate a safe, efficient, and dependable business.? Do you want to create a facility that has the flexibility to react to industry changes and can easily adjust without needing major capital investment? Are you looking for an organization that can support your operations personnel and you as well?
Are you a Facility Manager or Engineer responsible for maintenance or compliance?
Through its committees, government affairs efforts and document library, the IIAR is your prime source for all things regarding industrial refrigeration systems. The IIAR’s committees encompass people who deal with the same challenges you face daily; they understand your needs, day-to-day challenges and long-term goals. Committee members train and hire refrigeration system operators. They report refrigerant quantities to regulatory agencies, schedule mechanical integrity inspections, interview service providers and ensure economical equipment operations. Just like you.
Are you an Operator or Technician charged with the day to day operation of your refrigeration system?
Through your hands-on efforts, the refrigeration system at your facility operates at top condition. You are the eyes and ears of effective preventive maintenance and optimal operation; the first line of defense in preventing process upsets. Despite all your strengths you could probably use some help. The IIAR works daily in the industry and faces the same challenges you face. It is made up of refrigeration people like you who negotiate all the twists and turns this industry presents.
What are some benefits of IIAR membership?
IIAR resources available to you as a member include an eLibrary, Publications, Online Membership Directory, and Annual Conferences focused on increasing the knowledge of our membership in areas of best practices.
IIAR members share their collective knowledge and experience on committees and task forces to produce consensus documents that address various aspects of the commercial and industrial refrigeration industry. IIAR is a member organization with industry representation including manufacturers, design engineers, contractors, end-users, academics, scientists and trainers.
You can find out the latest available membership benefits on the Membership Benefits page.
How can IIAR help me?
IIAR is the world's leading advocate for the safe, reliable and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants. IIAR sets the standard for providing the most up-to-date technical information to the ammonia and natural refrigeration community.
IIAR is currently the only organization writing design and operation standards specifically for ammonia refrigeration systems. IIAR develops standards following the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) procedures, and is and ANSI accredited standards developer.
IIAR standards are cited by building codes, and used as Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices for compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations.
What else do I need to know?
General Duty Clause
Under the Clean Air Act Section 112(r)(1), the General Duty Clause states: “The owners and operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling or storing such substances (i.e., a chemical in 40 CFR part 68 or any other extremely hazardous substance) have a general duty [in the same manner and to the same extent as the general duty clause in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)] to identify hazards which may result from (such) releases using appropriate hazard assessment techniques, to design and maintain a safe facility taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases, and to minimize the consequences of accidental releases which do occur.”
The General Duty Clause requires you to identify hazards your facility may present from accidental releases of hazardous substances, design and maintain a safe facility, and minimize the consequences of accidental releases which do occur. Generally, among other things, you should:
- Adopt or follow any relevant industry codes, practices or consensus standards (for the process or facility as a whole as well as for particular chemicals or pieces of equipment),
- Be aware of unique circumstances of your facility which may require a tailored accident prevention program, and
- Be aware of accidents and other incidents in your industry that indicate potential hazards.
First Responder Coordination
Does your local fire department know about your ammonia refrigeration system?
Do they know what to do when there is an emergency?
Their knowledge can not only save your facility, but most importantly, it can save lives. You should have a scheduled walk through with your local first responders at least once per year to review response requirements and procedures in case of an emergency.
Emergency Response Coordination Activities Effective Date
The RMP Amendments finalized on January 13, 2017 included a requirement for owners or operators of a stationary source to engage in emergency response coordination activities (40 CFR §68.93). The regulatory text in 40 CFR §68.10(b) states that compliance with these activities must be completed by March 14, 2018.
There is no grace period and facilities should comply with these activities as soon as possible. For more information on compliance timeframes, please visit EPA’s RMP Amendment Compliance Information Web site.