The IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants is a long-term education program created to address the need for knowledgeable, highly trained professionals in natural refrigeration system design, safety, and maintenance. The objective of the academy is to address the technical training needs of end users, design build contractors, equipment manufacturers, operators, safety/PSM specialists, and consulting engineering sectors of the IIAR membership. As industry codes and regulations evolve the need to expand the skillsets of trained professionals in our industry will continue to grow as well.

IIAR Certificate Courses are based on ASTM standards and allow industrial refrigeration professionals to show that they have received documented and standardized instruction regarding the requirements for design and operation of ammonia-based refrigeration systems.

Bassett is proud to announce that our team of Mechanical Contracting associates passed final examination for the IIAR 4/5/8 Certificate Course as part of the IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants. Our team of associates went through six required training sessions and preparatory tests prior to taking the comprehensive examination at the 2018 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo in Colorado Springs, CO. Last year, our team passed the IIAR 2 Certificate Program which was the first of many training programs being developed by IIAR under its new Academy of Natural Refrigerants.

Course requisites included:

• General knowledge of the physical properties of ammonia
• Familiarity with design, operation, and maintenance of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems
• Working knowledge regarding equipment that may be employed in operational closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems

IIAR 4/5/8 Certificate Course learning objectives include the ability to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the requirements for safe installation of equipment that may be employed in closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pressure vessels, piping, valves, components, and controls.
• Explain the significance of–and requirements for–field leak testing, pressure testing, final leak testing, evacuation, and dehydration of a new closed-circuit refrigeration installation.
• List the required procedures in a typical installation start-up.
• In accordance with the requirements outlined in ANSI/IIAR 5-2013, compile a pre-start-up system component inventory list for each of the major components of an ammonia refrigeration system.
• List examples of decommissioning activities and identify appropriate and safe procedures for accomplishing those tasks.
• Demonstrate familiarity with decommissioning requirements for ammonia removal and disposal.

Bassett Mechanical’s long history of providing our customers with the knowledge and expertise they need to ensure successful engineering and construction of their industrial refrigeration systems is complemented by our involvement in the IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants. IIAR Certificate attainment demonstrates Bassett’s proactive engagement in and understanding of the evolving industry standards, best practices, regulations, and codes.

Working with a Mechanical Contractor whose team of engineers hold both the ANSI/IIAR 2-2014 Certificate and IIAR 4/5/8 Certificate credentials is especially important for facility owners, as they are responsible for the safety of their facility and the impact of safe design practices in the community. The recognition of our Certificate Program achievements takes Bassett’s promise of providing unparalleled experience in designing, fabricating, and installing ammonia refrigeration systems to a new level. With over 80 years of experience and dedication to continuing education, we know what it takes to build your system for safe, efficient, and problem-free operation.

 For more information regarding the IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants and Certificate Program, visit IIAR’s News Announcement Page. 

Please join us in congratulating our team: Chuck Campbell, John Jaschinski, Keith Rettler, Dave Schaefer, Mark Stencel, Nick VanAlstyne, Jeff Vissers,  Jim Wedemeyer, and Ryan Young

Upcoming courses under the IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants and Certificate Program include:

• PSM/RMP – Process Safety Management and Risk Management Program (Spring 2018)
• CO2 Basic System Design (Fall 2018)
• Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Safe Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems (IIAR 6)
• Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (IIAR 9)Top of Form