OSHA Renews Alliance with Global Cold Chain Alliance
Based in Alexandria, Va., and with offices on five continents, GCCA represents more than 1,600 employers in the temperature-controlled supply chain.
OSHA announced it has renewed its alliance with the Global Cold Chain Alliance, an alliance that works to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemical releases from ammonia refrigeration systems. The partners also will focus on improving the process safety management programs for these systems.
"We look forward to our continued alliance with GCCA and working together to protect worker safety and health," said Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. The Global Cold Chain Alliance is based in Alexandria, Va., and represents more than 1,600 employers in the temperature-controlled supply chain; combined, they employ about 300,000 workers, according to OSHA.
Its announcement cited the hazards associated with anhydrous ammonia, a corrosive that is used as a refrigerant in facilities including meat, poultry, and fish processing facilities; dairy and ice cream plants; and cold storage warehouses.
Through the alliance, OSHA and GCCA will provide training to OSHA staffers, including a webinar on ammonia safety, and will create outreach materials on ammonia safety and PSM. The alliance also will support OSHA's national outreach campaigns, including the National Emphasis Program for Chemical Facilities and the prevention of falls in construction.