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The Global Cold Chain Alliance and the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration have signed a historic two-year Alliance agreement to raise safety awareness across the cold chain and in particular with regards to ammonia refrigeration.

Under the voluntary agreement, members of Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) will be assisted in protecting the health and safety of workers, mainly by preventing exposure to hazards related to ammonia refrigeration systems.

“OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr David Michaels.

Access to training, forums, case studies …

The following safety awareness related activities are planned under the agreement:

• Provision of Information, guidance and access to training resources to GCCA members and others

• Improving Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and help companies provide a safe working environment under the Occupational Safety and Health Act

• Organisation of forums, roundtable discussions, and stakeholder meetings on ammonia refrigeration system-related issues

• Development of written communication tools, exhibit and speak at industry events, and develop case studies to illustrate positive examples of safety programs.

Key role for the IIAR

As a Core Partner of the GCCA, the International Institute for Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) will have a key role in developing these programmes. “Our industry has a strong safety record, and working with OSHA through this Alliance will ensure that all companies are fully aware of regulations and the resources available to help them stay on top of safety issues”, said IIAR President Bruce Badger. 

About OSHA and GCCA

The US Congress created OSHA with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

The GCCA represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled logistics and comprises Core Partners, including the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, the World Food Logistics Organization, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, the International Refrigerated Transportation Association, and the International Association for Cold Storage Construction.