Stellar, a fully integrated firm focused on design, engineering, construction and mechanical services worldwide, said it published a new e-book about the critical elements of a process safety management (PSM) training program for facilities operating an ammonia refrigeration system.

Titled "7 Keys to a Compliant PSM Training Program for Ammonia Refrigeration," the e-book outlines important questions a facility's program should address and questions that trained plant personnel should be able to answer, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Stellar said. Topics covered include:

• Safety hazards and health considerations.
• Emergency shutdown procedures.
• Addressing deviations from system operating limits.
• Risks and costs of non-compliance with regulatory standards.

"Unfortunately, ammonia leaks make the headlines too often,” said Ken Philo, director of PSM compliance at Stellar. “Industrial ammonia refrigeration is a matter of public safety, and facility owners are responsible for ensuring compliance training on their systems. However, some priorities may have taken a backseat these past two years, possibly leaving some plants unsure if their training even meets OSHA’s latest standards — and that can be costly on a number of levels.”