Hoses - Possible Controls

• Provide information pertaining to the hazards of ammonia to workers. [29 CFR 1910.119(d)(1)]
• Use hoses that are designed according to generally accepted good engineering practices. [29 CFR 1910.119(d)(3)]
  • Use hoses that are commonly used for ammonia, such as:
    • Stainless steel braided
    • Nylon braided
  • Use hoses that:
    • Indicate suitability for ammonia.
    • Have a working pressure of at least 350 psi and a burst pressure of at least 1750 psi.
    • Mark at least every 5 feet the manufacturers name, the words Anhydrous Ammonia, the working pressure, and the year of manufacture.
    • Make up hose assembly that is capable of withstanding a test pressure of 500 psi.
  • Replace hoses according to the manufacturers recommendations.
  • Do not use old, damaged, or mistreated hoses.
• Ensure employees are trained in the proper care and maintenance of hoses. [29 CFR 1910.119(g)]
  • Implement the following recommendations for the use of hoses:
    • Do not drag hoses over sharp or abrasive surfaces, unless specifically designed for such.
    • Protect hoses from severe end loads.
    • Ensure the pressure in the hoses is at or below its rated working pressure.
    • Change pressure gradually to prevent excessive surge pressures.
    • Do not run over hose with equipment.
    • Do not kink hoses.
    • Use dollies to handle large size hose.
  • Storage of hoses
    • Protect hose from:
      • Extreme temperatures
      • Too high or low humidity
      • Ozone
      • Sunlight
      • Oils
      • Solvents
      • Corrosive liquids and fumes
      • Insects
      • Rodents
      • Radioactive materials
    • Avoid stacking hoses in such a way that the weight of the stack creates distortions on the hose at the bottom.
    • Store hoses in the original shipping container if possible.
• Conduct routine inspections or testing for hoses as part of a Mechanical Integrity Program. [29 CFR 1910.119(j)]
  • Inspect hoses and connectors prior to each use. Look for:
    • Loose covers
    • Kinks
    • Soft spots, which may indicate broken or displaced reinforcement
  • Perform a hydrostatic test periodically:
    • Test for one minute at 150 percent of the recommended working pressure.
    • Test hoses when they are straight, not coiled, or kinked.
    • Flush hoses with alcohol to remove traces of moisture.
    • Never use a compressible gas for the test due to the explosive action of the hose should failure occur.
    • Bleed air through an outlet valve while filling it with the test medium.
    • Place steel rods at ends and at approximately 10 foot intervals to prevent "whipping" should failure occur.
    • Bulwark the outlet end of the hose to stop blown-out fittings.
    • Protect testing personnel from the forces of the testing media should failure occur.
    • Do not stand in front of or in back of the ends of the hose being pressure tested.
  • Inspect the couplings or fittings.

To learn more about Ammonia Refrigeration visit our Ammonia Refrigeration Safety Online Training web page.