Fire Code Requirements for Facilities with Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

Dean Pedrotti Special Hazards Unit Phoenix Fire Department

January 31, 2008

Goal
To familiarize RETA members with the Fire Code requirements for facilities that have ammonia-based refrigeration systems.
Ammonia-Specific Requirements General Fire Safety and Hazmat Requirements
Common Fire Safety Violations Common Hazmat Violations

Fire Code References

IFC Chap 6, Section 606 Mechanical Refrigeration Other Applicable IFC Chapters
Fire Protection SystemsChap 9 High Pile Storage Chap 23 Hot WorkChap 26 Hazardous MaterialsChap 27 Hazmat Specific Chaps 28 - 44

International Mechanical Code IIAR Bulletin 109 (1997 ed.) ______________ For more information, go to Fire Code Online at:
http://www.phoenix.gov/fire/codes.html

Special Hazards Unit

History & Overview Purpose Core Operation

Hazardous Material Submittal

Permit Application Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement Site Map

IFC 606 Mechanical Refrigeration

606.17 Maintained in accordance with IIAR 109
Each owner should ensure an ammonia system safety check is conducted annually. (IIAR 5.2) A more thorough inspection of an ammonia refrigeration systems should be conducted by a competent ammonia refrigeration engineer and/or fire safety official and/or other authority every five years. (IIAR 5.3).

Good record keeping

is EVERYTHING!!

Hazardous Materials Management Plan

Emergency Response Plan Emergency Operating Procedures
Control Actions Fire Department Notification Site Evacuation (or Protect-in-Place) Location/type emergency equipment FD Liaison

Other Considerations
Control sources of ignition Isolate the release Manage the pressure Positive-pressure ventilation

Machinery Room
Horns/strobes (inside/outside) Two exits Leak Detectors Continuous Ventilation NFPA Placarding One-Hour Fire Rating No Combustibles Emergency Shutdown Procedures Posted Tight-Fitting Doors

Periodic Testing
Treatment/flaring systems Control valves Fans Detection Alarm

Common Fire Code Violations

Fire Alarm Fire Sprinklers Fire Extinguishers FD Access Doors Electrical Exits High Pile Storage Housekeeping

Common Hazmat Violations

Above-Ground Storage Tanks Compressed Gases Corrosive Liquids Flammable/Combustible Liquids Liquified Propane (LP Gas) Welding/Hot Work

Above-Ground Storage Tanks

Compressed Gases

Corrosives

Corrosives

Propane

Hot Work

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!!!