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OSHA News Release
2006 - 09/20/2006 - OSHA and Wisconsin Public Health Agency Launch Effort to Prevent Ammonia Hazards

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Region 5 News Release:    06-1595-chi
September 20, 2006
Contact: Brad Mitchell
Phone: (312)353-6976


OSHA and Wisconsin Public Health Agency Launch Effort to Prevent Ammonia Hazards

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Division of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health joined with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in an effort to inform workers and employers about the risks of ammonia, especially in workplaces where the substance is used as a refrigerant.

"The accidental release of ammonia from refrigeration facilities has resulted in both injuries and deaths," said Kimberly Stille, OSHA area director in Madison, Wis. "This alliance with the state environmental and occupational health unit will aid us to prevent these tragedies in Wisconsin workplaces."

Because refrigeration systems operate at elevated pressures, additional care must be taken to maintain and operate these systems to prevent releases with potentially catastrophic consequences. The alliance will work to develop training, education and prevention/outreach programs for workers and employers. It will allow the two cooperating agencies to share expertise on the issue.

OSHA health and safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing effort to improve health and safety for workers through cooperative partnerships. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

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