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public refrigerated warehouse

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Europe is Shaping the Industry in the Utilization of Natural Refrigerants

European countries are at the forefront of efforts to reduce the use of industrial refrigerants that harm the ozone layer and lead to global warming. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, called for phasing out the use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

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Pros and Cons of Popular Industrial Refrigerants

As R22 refrigerants are being phased out, many food processing facilities are re-evaluating their industrial refrigerants due to environmental concerns, legislative requirements and cost efficiency. In selecting a long-term refrigerant, it is important to consider your system’s requirements and the operational considerations / limitations of each refrigerant. Equally important are the refrigerant’s safety, impact on the environment, and performance. Continue Reading “Pros and Cons of Popular Industrial Refrigerants”

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Your Checklist for Risk Management Program Updates Required in 2014

Food processing facilities that use certain flammable and toxic substances in amounts that exceed threshold quantity must have a documented Risk Management Program (RMP) per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Companies must also update and resubmit their RMP every five years and 2014 marks one of those five year cycles.

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The Importance of Detailed Standard Operating Procedures

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that PSM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide instructions clear enough that employees will be able to effectively utilize them. SOPs must be documented in sufficient detail and provide specific direction so that employees can follow the procedures and determine how to safely perform service and maintenance activities.

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Eight Reasons to Ditch the Paper and Go Digital with PSM

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) mandates Process Safety Management (PSM) for industries involved with highly hazardous chemicals. For example, food processors often have large ammonia refrigeration systems and must comply with OSHA standard 1910.119, or Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.

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Four Reasons Shrinkage-Compensating Floors Make Sense for Warehouses

The floors of food distribution facilities must endure a lot wear and tear, with heavy forklift traffic continually moving across the surface. As new warehouse facilities are being built, owners are choosing to invest in shrinkage-compensating concrete for the flooring, which eliminates control joints, reduces curling, and minimizes cracks.

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Why an Integrated Approach is Crucial in Designing and Building Distribution Facilities

The design and construction of a distribution warehouse is more complex than meets the eye. Industrial designers, architects, mechanical engineers, refrigeration experts and a thermal team all working together can lead to a more functional, efficient, and cost-effective facility. Working with multiple contractors in multiple locations increases the likelihood of miscommunication, competing workflows, and increased costs — in addition to a longer production schedule.

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Two Approaches, One Goal: Reducing Your Ammonia Charge

Efficiency and low cost are the major reasons ammonia is the preferred industrial refrigerant in the food processing industry. Ammonia is often a natural refrigerant and has no ODP/GWP. However, ammonia is a dangerous substance and there are several advantages to lowering the overall amount of ammonia used at a facility.

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