How windsocks are used in the refrigeration industry
Many of us are used to seeing windsocks at airports and other aviation locations, however they are also used in many industrial applications. One of the other areas where windsocks are used is commercial refrigeration sites. Windsocks are an essential health and safety tool within the commercial refrigeration industry. They are positioned at key points across refrigeration and cold storage sites and are used to indicate wind direction in the event of a hazardous substance leak.
Hazardous substances used in commercial refrigeration
Anhydrous ammonia N3H is a potentially hazardous gas which is found at commercial refrigeration sites. It is a refrigerant and utilized in cold storage facilities to maintain low temperatures. As long as employees of the site do not inhale the gas there is no risk to health. However, in the event of an accident or leakage of the gas, if it is inhaled it can cause several symptoms and become a health hazard.
Symptoms include
– Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
– Breathing difficulties
– Burns
-Blisters
-Rapid dehydration
Anyone who is exposed to the gas should immediately seek medical treatment as long-term exposure could be fatal.
The hazard increases in high winds as the gas may be blown across the site and surrounding areas. To help avoid these types of hazardous leaks anhydrous ammonia is maintained under high pressure storage.
Refrigeration site evacuation plan
As this sensitive chemical is used at all refrigeration and cold storage sites, they all require an extensive evacuation plan. The plan includes the emergency response procedure to help avoid possible life-threatening consequences if there is an accident or leak. A crucial element of the plan is an industry standard windsock. The windsock is installed in a visible location to indicate wind direction in the event of a leakage of anhydrous ammonia. This enables workers to move to a safe location away from the hazard and avoid contact with the leaked gas.
Which size windsocks are used in commercial locations?
At Windsock Company we produce and supply quality windsocks, masts and components to the refrigeration industry, aviation and many other industries. Usually standard windsocks 4ft in length are used at commercial refrigeration sites and other industrial locations such as water treatment plants and petrochemical plants. These are available via our online shop here, our part number for a 4ft standard windsock is WICA-048-015-008-AAP-AA. However, if you require others sizes, bespoke orders, or a windsock mast. Please contact our team either via email, call our team on 01245 230700 or complete our online form.
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