2024 Mar-Apr RETA Breeze

RETA BREEZE

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION MARCH / APRIL 2024

RETA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS SOONER THEN YOU THINK

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BREEZE

The RETA Breeze is the official publication of the Refrigerating

Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA). RETA is an international not for-profit association whose mission is to enhance the professional development of industrial refrigeration operating and technical engineers. Don Chason Executive Editor 704-455-3551 Jim Barron Executive Director

jim@reta.com Sara Louber Senior Director of Operations sara@reta.com Stephanie Date Events Manager stephanie@reta.com Harry Wilkins Education Coordinator harry@reta.com Samantha Ibarra Certification Coordinator samantha@reta.com Dan Denton Chapter Relations Liaison ddenton@reta.com

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How Many Operators do we need?

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Hazard Communication (HAZ-COM) at Home

Message From The President........... 4 YaYA: Youth and Young Adults ........................ 6 History: RETA 1920 convention .......................... 7 Conference Corner: RETA National Conference is sooner then you think .......................... 14 Certification FAQs ......................... 17

What’s Under Your Sink? (Part 3) ........ 18 How Many Operators do we need?..................................... 22 Kenton G raeme Lorenz In Remembrance ................................. 25 RETA Testing Corner No. 41.......... 26 The Shade Tree Mechanic Volume LIV ........................................ 29 Certification Honor Roll................ 30

The information in this publication is based on the collective experience of industry engineers and technicians. Although the information is intended to be comprehensive and thorough, it is subject to change. The Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association expressly disclaims any warranty of fitness for a particular application, as well as all claims for compensatory, consequential or other damages arising out of or related to the uses of this publication. Publication of advertisements in Breeze , or any other RETA publication, does not constitute endorsement of any products, services or advertisers by RETA and shall not be considered or represented b y advertiser as such. Copyright © 2024 Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association.

REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS & TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION 1725 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322 Telephone: 541.497.2955 | Fax: 541.497.2966 RETA.com

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2023-24 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Bengie Branham, CIRO, RAI SCS Engineers PRESIDENT Michael Hawkins, CARO Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT David Gulcynski, CIRO Dot Foods Inc. TREASURER Bill Lape, CARO, CIRO, CRST SCS Engineers SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Raymond Urban, CARO Lineage Logistics DIRECTORS Melissa Cassell General Refrigeration Company Dale Clinton, CIRO Stellar Victor Dearman, Jr., CIRO, CRST Peco Foods, Inc Arlie Farley, CARO, CIRO, CRST Farley’s SRP Inc Ron Fetterley, CARO, CIRO, CRST Applied Process Cooling Corp Brandon Jones, CARO Tyson Foods, Inc Barbara Kirkpatrick Mi-Docs Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Mike Missall, CARO Summit Refrigeration Group Jeremy Murfin AC & R Specialists Andrew Palomar, CARO Stellar Gordon Rascoe, Jr, CIRO, CRST, RAI ConAgra Brands COMMITTEE CHAIRS Certification: Lee Pyle, CARO SCS Tracer Environmental Education: Eric Girven, CIRO, CRST, RAI SCS Tracer Environmental Marketing: Jodie Rukamp SCS Tracer Environmental Membership: Jason Daniell, CIRO APSM National Conference: Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Services Publications: Vern Sanderson,

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Greetings everyone, I hope that you all had a wonderful and blessed Easter! Spring is finally upon us, and it is so refreshing to see the trees beginning to bud, flowers sprouting up, and things turning green again; not to mention the more pleasant tempera tures. Just as Mother Nature is a flurry of activity, so is RETA. Your Board of Directors is working diligently behind the scenes continuing the necessary tasks to continue moving forward with our merger with RSES. Our committees are busy with book reviews and updates, marketing ideas, planning for Confer ence, and a variety of other activities. I cannot begin to thank all the committee members for their countless hours of arduous work to make our organization the Gold Standard that it is! Also, a huge thank you to all the Chapter leaders out there planning and executing exciting and informative monthly meetings and safety days, tasks that I know are no easy feat to accomplish. If you are not already involved in your local chapter or a committee, I strongly urge you to get involved. Yes, it is more “work” outside of your normal workday but the camaraderie, new friends, and learning experiences are rewards that make it all worthwhile. And who knows, you could have an impact on someone that is new to our industry. To those of you who are actively involved, I encourage you to invite someone to your next chapter meeting or safety day. Introduce them to RETA and show them what we’re all about. I recently attended the IIAR

Mike Hawkins CARO, RETA National President

Conference in Orlando and had a brief opportunity to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine. As I sat outside eating lunch enjoying the Florida weather and admiring the beautiful flowers that were blooming, it made me realize how RETA is really starting to “bloom” internation ally! For the first time we offered a review course at IIAR, and we had 7 people take and pass the CRST exam at IIAR! Congratulations to all of you who tested and passed! There was great traffic at the RETA booth, and all of us had terrific discus sions about RETA and what we have to offer. There were many many questions about our variety of educational material as well as how to obtain one of our certifications. While at the booth, I was fortunate enough to meet some young and energetic folks from Puerto Rico and Honduras who were eager for RETA training and certification. They were timely conversations as there is currently an updated Spanish translation of Book 1 that provided us an opportu nity for new volunteers to review the book for correct dialect translations. The engineer we met from Honduras is going to help with book peer review and is interested in education and potential certifications there. The contractor from Puerto Rico is working on an apprentice

CIRO, CRST, RAI Schwan’s Company Executive Director: Jim Barron 4 RETA.com

ship program and has a goal to have all of their technicians be RETA Certified. Who knows, there may eventually be a new chapter in the future. I was so excited and energized after speaking with them, I can’t see wait to see what the future holds for them and RETA in Honduras and Puerto Rico in the future. The future is bright my friends and the word is getting out but we need to continue to promote RETA at the grass roots level, talking about it to people throughout our workday and our travels. Following up from my last article, let’s keep the “RETA Revolu tion” going. It’s working, word is getting out and interest is growing.

Thank you, Mike Hawkins, CARO RETA National President

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Dear RETA Community, We are thrilled to introduce three initiatives that are close to our hearts and are making a significant impact in the refrigeration industry and we’re looking to our member ship to help us move forward in exciting new ways! Many have heard of the Women in Natural Refrigeration (WiNR) and REDWHITEandCOOL initiatives, but one that hasn’t received as much attention yet is the Youth and Young Adults (YaYA) program. The Youth and Young Adults (YaYA) initiative focuses on inspiring the youth of today to pursue careers within our industry. One of the biggest barriers to bringing young talent into our industry is knowl edge that our industry exists and the prom ising careers that are available to a wide variety of skill sets.

YaYA will be attending the upcoming SkillsUSA Championships Conference to promote career and technical education, and they need your support to make a lasting impact! The SkillsUSA Champion ships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students. It’s also one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world. Held in conjunction with SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference each June, this awe-inspiring event features more than 6,000 state champions from across the United States competing head-to-head in 115 skilled and leadership competitions. RETA-TI has made a commitment to showcasing the industrial refrigeration industry and career opportunities by exhib iting at SkillsUSA this year, and we are looking for financial support to ensure a successful conference and demonstration

of our industry. Get involved by donating to RETA-TI, a 501(c)(3) organization, and together we can bring the next generation of skilled workers into the refrigeration industry. As a sponsor of at least $2,500, your company will receive prime recogni tion and exposure during the conference. There will be a dedicated backdrop to advertise your company’s brand, products, and services, ensuring maximum visibility amongst the attendees. This opportunity will allow you to connect directly with potential customers, industry leaders, and talented individuals who are passionate about pursuing careers in industrial refrigeration. Learn more today about the RETA-TI initiatives at https://www.reta-ti.org/. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to advancing our industry! STAY FROSTY & KEEP IT COLD!

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The following is an excerpt from a much larger unpublished work

History: RETA 1920 convention

means, they should be encouraged. Every engineer who can possibly do so should attend, and his employer should gladly pay at least part of his expenses, and give him his full time while away. It will be a much-needed vacation after a strenuous season, and he will appreciate it in renewed effort to “deliver the goods” Secretary Brewer issued invitations to several nation organizations. At the Annual convention of the Kentucky Ice Manufacturer’s Association, Secretary Brewers invitation was read to the members present. The president then, instructed the organization secretary to send invitations to every member of the Kentucky Ice Manufacturer’s Association who was not in attendance. Mr. Lawrence was called upon to attend the Southern Ice Manufacturer’s Associa when he returns home. F. L. Brewer, Secretary.

The 1920 conference would be a pivotal one in the history of the organization. The 11th annual convention left its southern roots and was held in Chicago. Originally scheduled for Wednesday December 8th through Friday December 10th, 1920, some issues forced its delay until December 13 – 16th. The Conven tion location was the hotel Sherman. Secretary F. L. Brewer and the Publicity Committee did a tremendous job of building anticipation for the conference. The Publicity Committee Chairman Edward H. Fox, resided on West Lake Street in Chicago, making it easier for him to coordinate activities as the convention came near. In his November advertisements, Secretary Brewer wrote: The Association is composed of practical engineers who are banded together for the sole purpose of education, and by all

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tion meeting and deliver a personal invite as well. President Sapper stated that in reply to Mr. Lawrence’s presentation “that he (President Sapper) was a great believer, personally, in educating his men, if he can. That if it were possible, send them off to college, but if that could not be done, they brought the college to them, or just as close as they could.” At the Chicago subordinate (Chicago Chapter) meeting in the lead up to the conference, Thomas C. McKee addressed the assembled membership. USEFULNESS AND BENEFITS OF THE N. A. P. R. E. This being my first appearance at one of these meetings I will take the opportunity to thank you for granting me membership in your Association, also to express my appreciation of the honor of addressing you. When the name and purpose of this Association was first called to my attention I made up my mind to apply for membership. The field of usefulness for such an Association is very apparent, and I hope every engineer operating refrigerat ing plants, either directly or indirectly, will join the Association and become a worker for the general good of the organ- ization. Every member is bound to profit by coming in contact with brother engi- neers and exchanging ideas and experiences. If experienced practical refrigerating engineers covered every field of endeavor in this line and would present the subject of application from their own experiences you would have sufficient subject matter to fill many meetings and all would be interesting and instructive. The average practical operating refrigerat ing engineer knows the subject from his own limited experience. He has hazy ideas about how other engineers apply refrigera tion in their respective plants but of the many uses for refrigeration in the arts he knows nothing, much less how it is applied. These meetings present a fine opportunity for exchange of ideas. To make ideas of real service it is necessary to create a market for them. The man that knows anything worthwhile, does not usually care to gratuitously dispense his idea

right and left unless requested to do so by someone that is interested. Before an intelligent question can be asked about refrigerous matters it is necessary to think, and by thinking, the questioner often answers his own questions. At the same time he evolves a tougher one. So, my friends, let us think about our work, study our problems in refrigeration with a view to doing things better and at less expense for power, supplies, upkeep, etc., and when you find the refrigerous question that baffles you, write it down fully. Do this with every such problem and bring them to your next meeting. Someone present will probably have the answer but be sure you get an answer that is correct. “Misinformation” is frequently stated for gospel and unfortunately the dispensers of this brand of information are both noisy and numerous. When an engineer learns that his em- ployer is to install a plant he should acquaint himself with all the conditions under which the proposed plant will operate and in detail write them down. These should include the total work to be done, the products to be cooled, the peak load, the hours of operation per day, temperatures required, the sources of power and costs, the temperature and kind of condensing water available, whether hard or soft, the period during the year that refrigeration must be produced and the peak period. Bring this data to the meeting and discuss the proposed plant with a view to informing your employer as to how large a plant he wants, how many units, what type of plant, how he will affect his cooling in the various departments, how he should drive the machine, pumps, etc. By securing this information in advance you have educated yourself: you are in a position to pass real information to your employer. When you can do this you will begin to draw compen- sation for what you know, rather than what you do. We all know which is the best paymaster. Probably every member of this organiza tion started at the foot and was paid accordingly. Those who put their heads and hearts into their work as well as their hands are the best informed among you

today. The man that uses his hands only seldom rises above common labor. He probably manages to make a living and will always use his hands. He who uses his head only, gains information and some skill but probably is a shifter and not depen- dable, and likewise not a desirable employee. The purpose of this organization is edu- cation for its members. Education is a result of effort by the individual. You cannot buy it, nor can it be forced on you. My message is that’ each engineer take a new interest in refrigerating engineering which is still young. Think about the work and bring your problems and ideas to these meetings for discussion. Suppose we go into a poker game with a wad of money. We may draw and we may not. When we come here with a variety of ideas and questions on which you have concentrated your thoughts we are sure to draw a crowd, a discussion. a conclusion and go home better informed which is the object sought. Thomas C. McKee October 13, 1920 His words are still true today! We meet, we learn, we grow. As the excitement climbed to a crescen do, the 1920 convention began. There were over 225 delegates present at the convention. The farthest traveler

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was an Australian. This is the first convention without Norman Register, known as the father of the organiza tion. Norman was one of the three ori- ginal members who met in Shreveport in 1909. Ill health prevented his travel. The conference featured some heavy weight presenters. Industry legends; Milton Arrowwood (published author), and the compressor gurus Thomas McKee and Henry Sloan. Kohler would be elected president. Nickelson would excerpt his influence on the organiza tion. The concept of a “Certificate member” would be born. If I could attend but one conference, of course I would choose the next one. But if you choose one from our history, this would certainly be a strong candidate. In contrast to today’s conference, bus- iness was normally conducted prior to the education sessions with elections for the following year, late in the program. The operation of the organi zation was so much different from today. Today the Board of Directors meet monthly, the Executive Commit tee (national officers) meet at least twice monthly(once as part of the Board meeting and once in an indepen dent meeting). But back at the time of

producing are perhaps first to realize its swiftness. As I look back, it seems only a few weeks since we greeted each other in Kansas City and you elected me as the pilot of your organization. When I accepted the position which you so graciously gave me, I well realized the task that was before me... I knew that the Association with its noble objects was destined to grow out of the bounds of the past, and into new fields, where the same great good was to be accomplished as had been in the section of the country where it received its birth. I realized that the purpose of the National Association of Practical Refrigerating Engineers were not only to promote good-fellowship among its members but, above all, to lead its members into the land of learning and thus better equip them in their profes sion. For the Association to function properly, it would necessarily require much effort on the part of each and every officer. I gladly accepted the task that was

the 1920 convention, the vast majority of business was conducted at conven tion, with the president running the organization between conferences. Officers and Committee chairs acted more independently. December 13th 1920. Morning Session President George E. Kloss called the morning session, as well as the conven tion, to order. Temporary officers were appointed; J. E. Lawrence would serve in place of Secretary Brewer, Frank S. Russel served in place of sergeant-at-arms Gray President George E. Kloss then presented his address: Members of the National Association of Practical Refrigerating Engineers, and guests, I greet you. We have come to another milestone in the history of our Association. Another year has gone, and we who have been busy

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before me, because, the profession is dear to me, and it was my thought if... as your president, I could assist any to a better understanding of problems of refrigerat ing engineering it would be a privilege which would indeed be sufficient compen sation in itself. My desire has only been partially realized. It seems that we have only done a small part of what we had planned. This is true in a sense, but after all, much really has been accomplished, and I am glad and thankful for the privilege of having had my share in it. Growth of the Association. The Association has grown in number and influence; it has come to be recognized by the plant owner and manager as an organization destined to wield a powerful influence for good practice in the ice and refrigerating industries. It has taken its place with the other great associations in the refrigerating industries, through its affiliation with the federated organization, known as the American Association of Ice and Refrigeration, representing every interest in the industries. As time goes on, the benefits to be derived from this affiliation will be more apparent than today, as the federated body has only partially completed its organization. Preparing for the Future. Looking outside of association matters and into the broad future, all is most promis ing for the practical refrigerating engineer who is conscientious and takes a pride in his profession. It is reasonable to state that refrigeration is only in its infancy at the present time. It is true, that the art and science of refrigeration have made wonderful strides in the last years; especially during the years of the great war and since, but the growth of the future cannot be comprehended. The world war was the one great factor in bringing to the notice of the nations of the world, the advantages of applying artificial refrigeration to food for preserva tion, whether it be through the medium of cold storage or the direct application of ice. In many countries, such a thing had been practically unheard of before the war; today those countries are taking advan tage of the lessons learned and are erecting, or preparing to erect ice plants

and cold storage houses. While this growth is taking place in foreign lands, it is also a fact that thousands of tons of capacity are being added to that already in existence in our own country, and there never was a brighter outlook for the future. This being so, it behooves each one of us to prepare ourselves for the time when we will be called on to take a more important position in our present plant, or when we are called to take charge of the newly erected plant. The enormous growth of the ice making and refrigerating industries has had few parallels, and it should be gratifying to each and everyone of us to know that we are engaged in a growing profession that constantly demands more and better, men. We must realize, however, that the better men are always in greater demand. To make ourselves better men in our profession it is necessary for us to study as we work. That is exactly the object of the National Association of Practical Refrigerating Engineers to furnish its members with material for study while they work. Join the subordinate associations, men; attend the meetings regularly. If there is not a subordinate association in your vicinity, join the National Association as a member-at large. Become a part of this great movement for the advancement of our profession, and you will be surprised at the personal satisfaction you will experience, and the benefits you will receive. Recognition of Its Value by Employers. It is encouraging to the officers of the Association, to know that its importance is being more and more recognized by the employers, many of whom send their engineers to these meetings and pay all of their expenses. This fact shows the trend of the times. The engineer is coming to be considered as the primary important factor in the operation of the plant. Without proper care, the best of machin ery will not yield its capacity, and in addition to this, the cost of maintenance, occasioned by lack of knowledge on the

engineer’s part will often make operating expenses almost prohibitive. On the other hand, the engineer who takes the trouble to inform himself is often in a position to inaugurate many economies, eliminate much of the necessity for repairs, and likewise increase the capacity of his machines above their rated capacity. These and many others, are possibilities which result from learning. Which of the two engineers is the most valuable to his employer, and, incidentally, which one is the better serving himself and family? The question answers itself. The question is answered for the employer in his increased earnings, and for the engineer in his pay envelope. The employer who will send his engineer to the convention of this Association will also reward him by increasing his salary as he puts into practice things he has learned. The engineer takes back to his plant the advanced ideas of the profession, and he is, therefore, better equipped to cope with emergencies when they may arise, and, as a result he may be able to save his employer hundreds of dollars in increasing the efficiency of the plant and operating conditions. Some apparently insignificant work by a speaker might solve a problem that will result in increasing the tonnage of his plant, and which reflected in the company’s earnings will mean a perma nent income on the investment of the few dollars required to send the engineer to the convention. I will not talk further, as we have a most interesting and instructive program ahead of us, filled to the brim with good things, which we will all enjoy. I am gratified to see this first session so well attended. There are many to be her e from out of the city, who have not arrived as yet, and all indications point to one of the best meetings ever held by the Association. Please make an effort to be prompt in attendance at all sessions, and thus let us show our apprec- iation of the efforts of the gentlemen who have so generously given of their valuable time in preparing papers on the subjects assigned them. Many of them come from long distances, and each is particularly fitted to discuss his subject. The program

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represents the best talent that could be secured; therefore, let us all give strict attention. At this time the organization utilized a credentials committee. The committee’s function was to assure that members had the knowledge to be refrigerating engineers. The next order of business was the appointment of this committee to perform validations during the conference. President Kloss appointed J. E. Porter, Louis H. Turba, and Gus Sterling. The morning session then adjourned. December 13th. Afternoon Session President George E. Kloss called the afternoon session to order at 2:15 PM. Committees for the convention were then appointed. The Auditing Commit tee consisted of Charles M. Gilbert, G. H. Kendrick, and Charles Roberts. The Nominating Committee consisted of Chairman M. N. MacDonald. Charles W. Chapman, J. G. Hansen, J. W. Mar shall, and T. T. Harris. Then came the financial reports. These are interesting. The Secretary main tained a financial report of his transac tions. The secretary had $166.20 given to him when he took office. He received $1,131.90 in receipts during the year. He spent $582.40 during the year. The remaining $725.70 was given to the treasurer. The treasury started the year with $ 166.20. The treasurer received $725.70 from the Secretary dispersed $ 240.10 leaving the organization with $556.60 to start 1921. This report was approved by the membership. Next President Kloss asked that any applicants for examination be present ed to the Educational and Examining Board chairman Porter. In addition, President Kloss asked for a change in the examining process. This is a pivotal point in the history of RETA. This would be the birth of uniform examinations. Previously qualifications were deter mined through a process similar to a job interview.

The assistant Corporate Counsel of Chicago, Alfred O. Erickson, welcomed the membership. This was followed by a welcome from the Chicago Subordinate #1 (Chicago Chapter) president M. N. MacDonald. Mr. President, officers and members of the National Association of Practical Refrigerating Engineers, you have been welcomed to this wonderful city of Chicago by Mr. Alfred O. Erickson, assistant corporation counsel of this city, and having listened to his splendid greeting, delivered with all the eloquence of which he is a master, I know you all feel assured that in selecting this great city for your annual convention you selected wisely. Chicago Subordinate has felt deeply the honor conferred on it in selecting this city, and recognizing its responsibility has endeavored in every manner to leave nothing undone to make this meeting one that will be recorded in the annals of the Association as comparable with the best. To this end, we have devoted all of our energies. It is extremely gratifying to see that so many of you from all parts of the country deem the occasion of the annual meeting of this Association of such importance that you feel justified in leaving your plants and traveling long distances to be present with your fellow men, to the end that all may enjoy and derive benefit from closer association with each other, and for the presentation and discussion of topics related to the greatest branch of engineering science, by reason of its importance in conserving the food supplies of the nation and its use in the industrial arts, refrigeration. The large attendance present amply demonstrates that our efforts have been successful and the pleasure experienced by every member of Chicago Subordinate in that fact alone. Of the benefits he will derive from the meeting itself, is suffi cient recompense for his labor, and on behalf of the members of Chicago Subordinate, No. 1, I bid you a hearty and cordial welcome. May your visit be a pleasant, as well as an instructive one. M. N. MacDonald, October 13, 1920

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Steam The Egg Reporter and Creamery Journal The Valve World In addition, Convention notices were sent to newspapers in the 35 largest cities in the united states. Notices were delivered via the Associated Press as well, but exact distribution to newspapers internationally could not be conclusively counted. Over 3000 individual letters were also mailed via United States mail. Letters and telegrams were sent to the various Ice Associations. The close association the organization has with industry manufacturers was also present 100 years ago. The Publicity Committee made special note of F. M. Niebling & Co., ice machine manufactur ers, of Cincinnati, who used advertising space in the Cincinnati daily papers, calling the attention of the refrigerating engineers of Cincinnati and vicinity to this convention, and offering to pay a part of the expenses of any who would notify the firm of their desire to attend, inviting them to write, wire or telephone.” A considerable expense for a manufac turer, even in 1920. The committee also noted that they believed this was the largest marketing effort by the organization to date. Next the president called for the report of the Committee of Federation. Chair man J. F. Nickerson recommended that the organization join the new American Association of Ice and Refrigeration. So that the industry would have one voice. A motion was presented and carried. Mr. Joseph W. Hays, then presented the first technical paper of the conference “Combustion and Refrigeration”. The paper dealt with the efficiency of boilers and combustion in refrigeration plants. Mr. Hays was a very noted engineer of the time. He operated a school named for himself, Hay’s School of Combustion”. Following the presentation, an extended discussion ensued with a multitude of members presenting points and counter points. The discussion continued for

The Exams Board reported the gradua tion (Certification) of 10 members. They were: Bert A. Goldsmith, E. K. Strathan, J. L. Conhole, R. W. Williams, Arthur G. Burleson, H. W. Chapman, F. A. Delle, W. F. Rose, W. L. Caret, and Frank C. Pedley. In Exams Chairman Porter’s report, he presented some very common themes. Some which persist even to this day. The need for members to be diplomad (Certified) and the need for that Diploma to mean something by establishing and maintaining high standards. We hope to raise the standard to the point where the first and only question a prospective employer will ask is, “Do you hold a diploma in the N. A. P. R. E.?” Now, in order to obtain the above standard the board must be very careful in passing on the various applicants. Diplomas issued to one or two unreliable persons would naturally lower the standards of all and we must guard against this. Chairman Porter, October 13, 1920 Also in the Exams report was a recom mendation to implement Exam Boards at the local chapter (subordinate) level. Also, they proposed to change the terminology from Diploma to Certificate. This change was adopted. Next the president called for Publicity Committee chairman Edward H. Fox to present the Publicity Committee report. The committee reported the cooperation of trade magazines in spreading the word and helping with dissemination of the organization’s materials. They were: All of New York

some time. The amount of discussion is a great testament to the importance of the topic. A condolence committee comprised of Martin Boyle, J. F. Nickerson and G.K. Williams was appointed by the President. The next presentation was by Milton Arrowwood. The presentation was entitled “Pulverized Fuel”. At the time, Milton was the executive engineer of the Chicago based Ground Coal Engineering Company. The methods outlined in the paper were reported to realize a 25-30% savings in coal consumption. Much discussion occurred following the presentation. Though the discussions were more question oriented that dissenting opinions. The third paper of the day was presented by George H. Trout, of Smith Gas Engineering Co. The paper was titled “Gas Power for Ice Making and Refrigerating Machines”. At the conclusion of the presentation the Convention was adjourned for the day. The entertainment for the evening was a dinner theater party. December 14th. Morning Session President Kloss called the morning session to order at 10:00 AM. President Kloss then answered questions that had been submitted from the membership. This session continued until all the submitted questions had been answered. Given the discussions of the previous day, President Kloss asked J. D. Harper of the Fairbanks-Morse Company to address the assembly on the subject of oil engines as applied to refrigerating machinery. At the conclusion of the discussion, the first paper of Day 2 was presented. “The Unaflow Steam Engine” by Robert Cramer. After the presentation President Kloss closed the morning session.

American Brewer Beverage Journal Brewers’ Journal Butter and Egg Bulletin Butter, Cheese and Egg Journal Chicago Daily Produce Ice Cream Trade Journal National Poultry National Provisioner New York Produce Review Power Power Plant Engineering Refrigerating World Refrigeration

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December 14th. Afternoon Session President Kloss called the afternoon session to order at 2:15 PM. The first paper of the afternoon was “The Development Of The Modern High Efficiency Ammonia Compressor Through The Application Of The Worthington Feather Valve”. Presented by Thomas C. McKee of the Carbondale Machine Company. The paper was very enlighten ing for the day. The design of compres sors was changing. (Editor’s note: An edit ed version of this paper is being featured in an upcoming retro-technical report.) The next paper presented also con cerned compressor design. Harry Sloan, all-star engineer, from the Vilter Manufac turing Company presented “The Present Status of the Two stage Compressor.” While two-stage compression was not new, it was not utilized to the extent that it could have been. Mr. Sloan demon

strates his knowledge of the history of the industry in this paper. It is a must read for those interested in the subject. (Editor’s note: An edited version of this paper is being featured in an upcoming retro-technical report.) Dr. Siebel addressed the organization with his thoughts as to the organizations importance to the industry. The next presentation was originally titled “Increasing Capacity of Ice Ma chines by Application of Multiple Effect Devices.” It was also published as “Increase Ice Machine Capacity By Use Of Voorhees M. E. C. And M. E. R. Devices”. At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Kohler and Mr. Porter offered additional information. The next paper presented was by C. W. Kohler, Booth Fisheries Company entitled “The Absorption Machine in Theory and Practice”. The paper presented in detail the operation of the ammonia absorp

tion machine. In addition to the overall operation, Mr. Kohler went into detail on each major component, Rectifier, Absorber, Exchanger, and Liquor Cooler. A lively discussion occurred during the question and answer session. The secretary of the National Association of Stationary Engineers, Fred Raven, addressed the assembly. He compliment ed the assembly on their devotion to education. The next paper presented was “Manufac ture of Raw Water Ice” presented by Gilbert Sellers, South Chicago Ice Plant. The presentation was the longest of the convention. But it was also one of the best received. Following the conclusion of the question and answer sessions. President Kloss adjourned the session. The entertain ment for the evening featured a smoker

and industrial movie night. Continued in the next publication.

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CONFERENCE CORNER

RETA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS SOONER THEN YOU THINK

T HE 2024 RETA NATIONAL CONFERENCE is just over six months out and provides a forum for attendees to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry, as well as to network and exchange ideas with their peers. Join us October 22-24th, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. EARN most of YOUR PDH CREDITS at once! One thing the RETA National Conference has that is hard to find anywhere else, is the opportunity to gain an abundance of PDH Credits all in one shot! Not only that, but you can also earn them in a variety of ways from technical topic presentations, workshops, hands-on sessions and. company hot points. The Technical Topics, Hands-On Sessions, Workshops, and Hot Points Sessions will make this year one jammed with educational

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OPERATIONS TOPICS •

• EPA RMP Rules Changes: What You Need to Know NETWORKING AND SOCIAL EVENTS • Sunday, October 20th Past Presidents Dinner Monday, October 21st Top Golf Networking Event & Lunch WiNR Reception (onsite Gaylord Texan) Circle R Ranch Monday Night Out Event • Tuesday, October 22nd RETA Business Meeting & General Session Exhibit Hall Opening Reception Tuesday-Thursday, October 22nd-23rd RETA After Hours Lounge • •

How to Prolong the Life of Your Screw Compressors

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Thermosyphon Systems Revisited

A Journey into Industrial refrigeration: From a Woman’s Point of View ARC Flash Safety Update-10 Things to Know that Might Kill You Answering the Biggest Questions About Industrial CO2 Refrigeration

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ENGINEERING TOPICS •

opportunities and knowledge to be taken back to your workplace. Our “Call for Abstracts” has been closed and the technical papers submitted have been reviewed and graded by our Technical Review Committee. There were many, many very well thought out Technical Topics submitted as abstracts, that made the grading process rigorous. I am pleased to announce our Technical Topics for 2024: War Stories – A Collection of Ammonia Incident Investigations AI in the World of Ammonia Refrigera tion Summary of Natural Refrigerant Codes & Standards • • COMPLIANCE TOPICS •

Cloud-Based Refrigeration Systems and Who Is Really in Control?

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Liquid Overfeed System Alternatives

Large CO2 Transcritical Compressors for Industrial Applications: Design and Test Challenges

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Wednesday, October 23rd RETA Rumble Pre-Awards Mix n Mingle RETA Awards Night

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Demystifying Decarbonization

RSES TOPICS •

IAQ for the HVAC Technician - Don’t forget the “V” Using the Pressure Enthalpy Diagram as a Service Tool

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Thursday, October 24th Chapter Leaders Lunch Reception Big Ticket Drawing

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Disaster is coming-Are you ready?

GUEST PROGRAM The RETA National Conference is a fabulous opportunity to work and play. If your spouse or companion can join you in Grapevine and the magical Gaylord Texan, you may well want to consider this very special program. Our guest program includes an exclusive schedule of events with an array of activities and off-site adventures. A schedule of guest program events can be located by visiting www.RETA.com and selecting 2024 Conference. *A spouse or companion may only attend the program as a partner of a registered attendee. During the registration process, you will be presented with the procedure for adding your spouse or companion as part of your registration.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS AND COURSES • Train the Trainer • CIRO Review Course • CARO Review Course • CRST Review Course • CRES Review Course • Management of Change (MOC) Workshop • WiNR Workshop • Ammonia Refrigeration Code Work shop • Epic Fails • The Operators Challenge • Chapter Leaders Round Table • The History of Refrigeration - Volume 1 & Volume 2

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IIAR Suite of Standards Update

How to Optimize your PSM Program Building Blocks of a Contractor Program

MANAGEMENT TOPICS •

My CRES Projects – Getting the Best Bang for the Buck Integrating the MOC and PSSR Processes – Reducing Turnaround from Project Completion to Startup Finding Operators - Exiting Military as One Option Using Scorecards to Manage and Improve your RMP/PSM Program Managing PSM with a Business-Own er’s Mindset

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RETA.com 15

HOTEL INFORMATION Our hotel reservation site for the Gaylord Texan is open beginning in May 2024. You can locate the link by visiting www.RETA.com and selecting 2024 Conference. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION The 2024 National Conference registration portal will also be open May 2024. You will be able to register for the Conference, Review Courses, Workshops, Guest Program, social events and more. SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS A very big thank you to all our partners who supported our 2023 RETA National Conference in Jacksonville. Without our Sponsors and Exhibitors support, we would not be able to provide our members and industry with the educational experience and commitment to safety in the Refrigeration Industry. 2024 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities are now available! Interested in Sponsoring RETA 2024? It is not too! We have many opportunities available. Please contact Stephanie Date at Stepha nie@reta.com for more information. There is no limit to what you can take away and accomplish at this year’s 2024 RETA National Conference. See you in Grapevine, Texas!

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CERTIFICATION FAQS

Q A

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

What does RCD Stand for? RCD stands for RETA Certification Database. Can I use the same PDH for more than one certification? Yes, as long as the PDH are earned during the time frame in which all certifications are active. They must uploaded separately under each certifica tion. How many PDH do I need to renew? A minimum of 24 PDH are required for your certification renewal every three years. It is only necessary to upload 24 PDH. If you would like to upload more, that is acceptable, but not required. Am I required to use the RCD? Yes, it is required to use the RCD for your PDH. It is recom mended to upload the documents as you receive them. PDH documents must be uploaded in PDF format only. Why doesn’t RETA know how many PDH I have? RETA does not track, nor have records, of your PDH documents other than RETA National Conference Certificates and what When a PDH is returned to you, RETA staff adds notes as to why it was not accepted. Why isn’t Hazwoper approved for PDH? RETA’s certification committee has made the decision that Hazwoper is not an acceptable PDH. Refer to the Appendix 500-B table for more information. I thought my employer paid for my certification renewal. Why did it expire? It is the INDIVIDU AL’S responsibility to renew their certifica tion prior to the expiration date. Exactly what steps are needed to renew my certification? You need to upload your 24 PDH documents to the RCD, complete the electronic certification renewal application, and pay the renewal fee. YOU have uploaded into the RCD. Why was my PDH returned in the RCD?

I didn’t know certifications expire. How do I know when it expires? Certifications expire every three years. Your expira tion date is listed on your certificate and membership card. It is the individual’s responsibility to know when their certification expires. RETA sends courtesy reminder emails beginning at 6 months before your certification expires. Make sure RETA has your correct email address on file. *Important Note* The certification renewal fee is not the same as your annual mem bership fee. Certifications are paid every three years and memberships fees are paid annually. All of my PDH have been approved. How far in advance can I renew my certification? You cannot renew your certification more than 6 months prior to your certification expiration date. Can I get an extension to renew my certifica tion? RETA does not offer extensions. If you do not meet the requirements PRIOR to your expiration date, your certification will expire, and you will need to take and pass the certification exam to become certified again. A PO was issued for my exam fee, why cannot I schedule my exam? Per RETA policy exam fees must be paid before the exam can be scheduled. If using a PO, it must be paid prior to scheduling an exam. What can I do to make sure I get my exam scheduled when I want? PLAN AHEAD! IF you are taking the exam at a Kryterion test center, schedules are on a first come, first CERTIFICATION EXAMS

served basis. Some centers have very limited availability. You must contact RETA directly to schedule your exam. When your application is processed, you will receive an email to contact us to schedule. If you are taking the course at a school, plan ahead and make sure you have turned in your exam application and fees have been paid (this includes PO’s being paid) If you do not, you will not be able to take the exam with the other students. I need to reschedule or cancel my exam. You may reschedule an exam by contact ing RETA no less than four business days before the scheduled date of the exam. Exams that are cancelled or rescheduled without notice, or failure to show up to the exam, we will require a processing fee of $135 to cover the charges that RETA will be charged by the testing company. The fee must be paid before the exam can be rescheduled. How long do I have to schedule my exam after I have turned it in? Exam applications expire one year from the date of payment. It is your responsibility to schedule your exam prior to that date. Does my exam fee include a practice test? How do I access it? The exam fee does include a practice test. When your application is paid for and processed, a link to Webassessor will be emailed to you with instructions.

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZ-COM) AT HOME WHAT’S UNDER YOUR SINK? (PART 3)

T HERE IS A LOT OF TALK, training, safety bulletins, and articles about Hazard Communication and chemical safety at work. But “What about Haz-Com. At Home?” Many of the same chemicals that we use at work, can also be found under your kitchen sink, or bathroom medicine cabinet. Do any of these look and sound similar?

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Sodium Hydroxide in Clorox Bleach Potassium Hydroxide in Drain Cleaner Caustic Soda in Oven Cleaner Sulfuric Acid in Comet Cleanser Quaternary Ammonia in Lysol

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Sodium Hypochlorite in Toilet bowl Cleaner

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MEA Dodecylbenzenesulfonate – Tide Pods

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Propane & Butane in Shaving Cream Sodium Floride in Tooth Paste Aqueous Ammonia In ammonia cleaners

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18 RETA.com

SDSs In our workplace, we would expect to find an SDS for most all of these chemicals? Per the OSHA 1910.1200, employers are required to maintain SDSs for all hazardous chemicals. 1910.1200(g)(8)The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s). 1910.1200(h)(1) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area This is not to say that all the household products and chemicals that I’ve listed are highly hazardous or are sold to consumers in fully concentrate industrial strength. Most are not. However, the misuse, improper handling and storage of these household chemicals can result in serious injury and/or death. There are several documented cases of death or injury related to mixing of incompatible chemicals. For instance; the chemical reaction that takes place when an Ammonia cleaner is mixed with Bleach. The reaction creates highly toxic Chloramine gas. When inhaled, Chloramine gas can cause chemical burns to your airways and lungs. Inflammation and blistering esophagus and lungs, limit and damage lung function, and in some cases has resulted in death due to suffocation. What training and warnings have you communicated to your family and friends? Have you looked up SDSs for common household products stored under your sink? In case of an accidental ingestion, of a household product, Is the Poison Control Center phone number programed into your phone along with other emergency contacts? You can call the PCC at 1-800-222-1222, Or go online https://triage. webpoisoncontrol.org/.

Both options are free and confidential. While you are plugging in the number for the Poison Control Center, go ahead and save the numbers to your family physician. You can also designate Emergency Contacts like family, friends, or neighbors that can easily be contacted in the event of an emergence. Back in my day, we had a sticker, of emergency phone numbers, pasted on the side of our rotary dial phone, now we need to save them in our smart phones; no more thumbing through a Rolodex for the names and numbers.

During my career in safety, I have responded to several workplace incidents. I can say from experience, having immediate access to critical phone numbers is key to a successful outcome. See above While researching SDSs for this article, I was surprised to find, many of these chemicals, have the same Pictograms, Warning Statements, Signal Words and Precautionary Statements, that I would expect to find in your SDS Binders at work.

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