Hanson Cold Storage Co. - Logansport Division - Executive Summary |
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The Hanson Cold Storage Co. - Logansport Division facility located in Logansport, Indiana is a cold storage warehouse that has a refrigeration system containing ammonia which is considered toxic by EPA. The primary purpose of this warehouse is to store products for various companies at either subzero temperatures or at "refrigerator" temperature to preserve and / or extend the life of the product. Ammonia is used at the warehouse to refrigerate rooms to maintain a correct temperature as required by the customer. Ammonia is a valuable chemical used in the warehouse refrigeration system, providing the means to maintain specified temperature and / or remove heat from the products being handled. Ammonia is contained in equipment in the warehouse and is compressed, condensed and evaporated to remove heat from rooms within the warehouse. Since ammonia is classified by EPA as a toxic chemical, it is necessary to observe certain safety precautions in handling the chemical to prevent unnece ssary human exposure, to reduce the health threat to our own workers, and reduce the threat to nearby members of the community. It is our policy to adhere to all Federal and State rules and regulations. Safety depends upon the manner in which we handle ammonia combined with the safety devices inherent in the design of this warehouse. The warehouse was constructed using codes and standards existing at the time, including the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) guidelines as appropriate, and is in compliance with state codes. This cold storage warehouse complies with EPAs Accidental Release Prevention Rule and with all applicable state codes and regulations. The warehouse ammonia refrigeration operators are trained using various methods such as on the job training, equipment manufacturers training sessions, tapes and literature from the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA), a nationally recognized authority in ammonia refrigeration, and contractor explanation and training (contractors are members of IIAR). This program consists of having an effective preventative maintenance program and employee training to insure adequate response to equipment integrity. The emergency response program is based upon federal guidelines as they apply to this warehouse. The emergency action plan includes procedures for notification of the local fire authority, local emergency response agencies, and notification of any potentially affected neighbors. The warehouse emergency action plan is based on all known applicable regulations and requirements. The emergency action plan has been discussed with the Clymers Fire Department and other agencies involved with a response. The warehouse is not an emergency responder, however, select warehouse staff are trained in response and are able to assist the local Cass County Hazmat Team at their request. The warehouse has had one reportable ammonia releases in the past 5 year history. The r elease occurred in 1997 when a valve where the end was not capped was accidentally opened and released ammonia liquid. The condition was corrected within 60 minutes. One employee was injured on the release inside of the warehouse and that person lost no time at work. . No property damage occurred. No one off site was injured and off site evacuation or shelter in place was not necessary. The only area within the building requiring evacuation was the room where the release occurred. The worst case release scenario for ammonia, as defined by EPA, is from the inside accumulator and could extend beyond the Hanson Cold Storage Co. Logansport Division property. An alternative, more likely, release scenario could extend just beyond the property boundary but not in all directions. In all cases of a potential release, the extent of downwind areas affected is dependent on the amount of chemical released, weather conditions, wind speed and direction, etc.. |