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In a vapour ammonia release , using water curtains to absorb the ammonia vapour will create ammonium hydroxide . This is now a different chemical to deal with , where pure ammonia would flash off and dissipate relatively quickly , minimising the downwind impact .
In a large release where water has been used , ammonium hydroxide can off-gas for hours , sometimes days . This results in high ammonia concentrations in the area and renders the area inaccessible to personnel . Using fans instead of water for vapour suppression increases the vapourisation of the ammonia and disperses it to the atmosphere faster . This will result in lower concentration levels in the area .
In the US when dealing with an emergency situation , a SCBA ( self-contained breathing apparatus ) is a requirement . Canister gas masks are only to be used in normal work conditions or for escape in an emergency situation . SCBA is required over IDLH limits ( 300 ppm ). Level A PPE ( personal protective equipment ) is required when an emergency is declared . Emergency services train to put a mask on in eight seconds . Any longer is failure .
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We are extremely proud to be associated with ASTI and look forward to enabling our industry to be a safer place to work . That ’ s us with our ASTI hats . |
Stay safe until next and remember your PPE . CLA |
GCCA is committed to providing our members in Africa with expert advice , to advocating on behalf of the cold chain to governments and authorities , and to creating invaluable forums for discussion , sharing knowledge and building new relationships . It was a real pleasure to deliver these commitments when we brought the cold chain together at our GCCA Africa Conference in Cape Town in August . In addition to the insights and discussions of the conference programme , we also announced our GCCA Call to Action document . This sets out clearly why the cold chain industry in Africa is vital for food security , public health , economic development and sustainability . It details the actions needed to encourage and support investment into this sector and enable the significant long-term benefits for communities across the continent which cold chain growth will deliver .
Since launching this Call to Action at the conference , GCCA has taken its messages to a plethora of politicians , government departments and development officials across the continent . This included a constructive series of meetings in West Africa in September and October , with strong progress made towards accessing the fantastic potential for cold chain growth and development in the region .
One major challenge that our Call to Action document highlights is the widespread issues with reliable access to energy supply . We detailed the impacts of loadshedding in a special report that we published in October 2024 , urging governments to work with the cold chain on a suite of policy actions that will allow operators to boost their energy resilience – and therefore Africa ’ s food supply chain resilience – in preparation for future blackouts and load-shedding .
In 2025 , GCCA Africa will be working to advance the development of cold chain
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infrastructure and logistics across the continent . There is striking potential for cold chain growth , and GCCA will be working for the policy environments , networks and solutions to challenges that will allow temperature-controlled logistic operators to deliver the multiple benefits of a growing African cold chain . These cover food waste reduction and improving food supply chain resilience to crucial contributions to international trade , economic growth , public health and environmental sustainability . Throughout the year I will be engaging with various stakeholders , including government entities , private sector companies , and agricultural organisations , to promote best practices and innovative solutions in cold chain management .
A key aspect of our strategy is capacity building for members of the industry through projects . These include training programmes to educate local workers on cold chain operations , ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge . I will be driving an instate concept , as well as specific skills training and industry regulation training through the GCCA Africa Risk Management Committee .
Another priority focus for GCCA Africa in 2025 is supporting adoption of new and emerging technologies . Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is transforming the cold chain in parts of Africa , not least through predictive analytics to help forecast demand and reduce waste ; temperature monitoring using AI sensors ; route planning for refrigerated transport deliveries informed by traffic patterns , cross-border delays , weather conditions and delivery windows ; AI-driven automation in cold storage facilities ; and monitoring energy use in refrigeration using AI systems .
The cold chain can play a major role in developing African trade in 2025 and beyond , both at global and intra-Africa levels . GCCA Africa will be helping our members gear up to maintain the integrity of products through temperature control , which is especially important for exports , enhancing the competitiveness of African products in global markets . We will also continue
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Supplied by GCCA
Paul Matthew , Director for Africa at the Global Cold Chain Alliance ( GCCA )
promoting the fact that investing in the cold chain can help the continent access the potential benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ).
In 2025 our Call to Action strategy will strengthen the African cold chain ’ s partnerships with policymakers to establish supportive regulations and incentives that foster growth in the temperature-controlled logistics sector . We will be working to ensure a widespread understanding of our industry ’ s crucial role in reducing food spoilage and improving Africa ’ s food supply chain resilience .
This is a time of change and uncertainties for the cold chain , and GCCA will continue helping our members in Africa navigate a successful course that overcomes the challenges and capitalises on the opportunities , for 2025 and beyond . CLA
Throughout the year I will be engaging with various stakeholders , including government entities , private sector companies , and agricultural organisations .
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