OSHA Regulations for Storage of Refrigerants

Most refrigerants are considered toxic chemicals hazardous to human health or the environment, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As such, OSHA has safety standards for the storage of refrigerants.

Receiving

• OSHA says that ammonia is a widely used refrigerant, especially for the food and beverage industry. The process for transporting and receiving ammonia is highly controlled to avoid accidental releases of the refrigerant. Transporting vessels are brought to the destination site where pumps or compressors are used to transfer the ammonia from the transport vessel to the storage vessel.

Storage

• Refrigerants are stored inside fire-resistant tanks. Storage areas must be kept dry and cool. Extremely hot temperatures can cause a change in the chemicals that could lead to an explosion. Storage vessels are accessible by pumps and pipes that are designed to be leak-proof. OSHA adds that, for ammonia stored in outdoor, uninsulated tanks, the outside of the tank must be coated with a reflective paint to keep the internal temperature cool.

Release

• Storage processes are heavily controlled by OSHA to avoid the potential for refrigerants to leak or spill, which would cause a public safety and health hazard. Accordingly, storage regulations require refrigerant storage vessels to be maintained and inspected on a regular basis to check for cracks or corrosion.