UNITED NATIONS EP - Ozone Secretariat …conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/oewg/oewg-39/pre...ABNT...

UNITED NATIONS

EP UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/39/INF/4

United Nations Environment Programme

Distr.: General

2 June 2017

English only

Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to

the Montreal Protocol on Substances that

Deplete the Ozone Layer

Thirty-ninth meeting

Bangkok, 11–14 July 2017

Item 6 of the provisional agenda*

Safety standards relevant to low-global-warming-

potential alternatives (decision XXVIII/4)

Submissions by parties on their domestic safety standards

relevant to the safe use of low-global-warming-potential

flammable refrigerants

Note by the Secretariat

1. The present note sets out a compilation of information submitted by the parties to the

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in response to decision XXVIII/4

of the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties on the establishment of regular consultations on

safety standards.

I. Background

2. In decision XXVIII/4, the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties noted that the parties

recognized the importance of the timely updating of international standards for flammable low-

global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, and supported the promotion of actions that

allowed for the safe market introduction, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and handling of

zero-GWP and low-GWP refrigerants that were alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons

(HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

3. In paragraph 1 of the decision, the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel was

requested to establish a task force that would, inter alia, submit to the Open-ended Working

Group at its thirty-ninth meeting a report on safety standards relevant for low-GWP alternatives.1

4. In paragraph 3 of the decision, parties were urged to consult and work with their

industries and standards bodies to support the timely completion of the processes for developing

new standards, harmonizing existing standards and revising current standards that would

* UNEP/OzL.Pro.WG.1/39/1. 1 In response, in January 2017 the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel established a task force,

the members of which are listed in the task force report: http://conf.montreal-

protocol.org/meeting/oewg/oewg-39/presession/Background-Documents/TEAP-XXVIII_4-TF-Report-May%202017.pdf.

2

facilitate the adoption of additional environmentally friendly alternatives to HCFCs and HFCs

and the broader deployment of existing such alternatives and allow for their use, with a goal of

completing such efforts by the end of 2018.

5. Furthermore, in paragraph 4 of the decision, parties were invited to submit to the Ozone

Secretariat by the end of 2016 information on their domestic standards relevant to the use of

low-GWP flammable refrigerants.

6. To facilitate the parties’ submission of information in response to decision XXVIII/4, the

Ozone Secretariat prepared a template containing a number of pertinent questions and, in

correspondence dated 8 December 2016, invited all parties to consider using it as a guide, on a

voluntary basis, noting that information could be submitted in any other format deemed

appropriate by the parties.

II. Submissions by parties received in response to decision XXVIII/4

7. As at 31 May 2017, the Ozone Secretariat had received submissions from the following

parties: Andorra, Armenia, Barbados, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, European Union, Iran

(Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nigeria, Panama, Serbia,

Singapore, the United States of America and Zimbabwe.2

8. All the information received was shared with the Technology and Economic Assessment

Panel for its consideration in the preparation of its task force report.

9. Extracts of parties’ responses containing the substantive part of their submissions are set

out in the annex to the present note. The information is presented as received by the Secretariat,

without formal editing. For submissions received in languages other than English, translations

into English are provided.

2 This list of parties supersedes the list referred to in paragraph 46 of the note by the Secretariat on issues

for discussion by and information for the attention of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at its thirty-ninth meeting (UNEP/Ozl.Pro.WG.1/39/2).

3

Annex

Compilation of parties’ responses to decision XXVIII/4 on the

establishment of regular consultations on safety standards

Extracts of submissions containing substantive information

Andorra

With regard to the request inviting Parties to present to the Ozone Secretariat before the end of 2016,

information on their national safety standards in relation to the use of low global-warming-potential (GWP)

flammable refrigerants, we would like to inform you that the following low-GWP gases are used in refrigeration

equipment in Andorra:

1) R-290 (propane) in industrial refrigerators.

2) R-600a (isobutane) in domestic refrigerators.

In Andorra there are no specific industrial safety regulations in place to regulate the use or handling of these

refrigerants. In general, the handling of these refrigerants would be controlled under the regulations on safety at

work.

There is no production of these gases in Andorra. All refrigeration equipment containing these refrigerants that

is imported into our country must demonstrate compliance with the mandatory European Union regulations

through CE conformity marking in accordance with the Law on Industrial Safety and Quality of 22 June 2000.

Armenia

Following the Decision XXVIII/4: Establishment of regular consultations on safety standards, the

National Ozone Unit of Armenia would like to provide information on the domestic safety standards relevant to

the use of low-GWP flammable refrigerants, based on the updated survey in the pertinent sector.

In Armenia standards are maintained by the National Institute of Standards under the Ministry of

Economic Development and Investments and have no mandatory force but are used on a voluntary basis.

Although no specific standards relevant to low-GWP flammable refrigerants exist in Armenia, nevertheless

standards disclosed below potentially cover them:

Occupational safety standards system. Refrigerating equipment of refrigerating capacity of over

3.0 kW. Safety requirements (GOST 12.2.233-2012)

Household electrical refrigerating appliances. Performance and test methods (GOST 30204-95)

Services. Repair and maintenance of refrigerating equipment. Specifications (GOST 30592-97)

Mushrooms. Cultivated fresh field mushrooms. Guide to cold storage and refrigerated transport

(GOST 31916-2012)

Household and similar electrical appliances. Safety Part 2-104 Particular requirements for

appliances to recover and/or recycle refrigerant from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment

(GOST IEC 60335-2-104-2013)

Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Part 2-24. Particular requirements for

refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances, and ice-makers (GOST IEC 60335-2-24-2012)

Household refrigerating appliances. Characteristics and test methods (GOST IEC 62552-2013)

Reference: http://www.sarm.am/en/standarts

It shall be noted that low-GWP flammable refrigerants imported and used in Armenia include R600a

and R290 mostly used in domestic refrigerators and small refrigerated mono-block showcases.

http://www.sarm.am/en/standarts

4

Barbados

Further to your correspondence dated November 4, 2016 in which the Ozone Secretariat requested that

information on Barbados’ domestic safety standards relevant to the use of low Global Warming Potential

(GWP) flammable refrigerants be submitted by the end of 2016; please be informed that Barbados does not

currently have any safety standards in place to address low GWP flammable refrigerants. However, please be

further informed that a review and implementation of labeling and safety standards for all refrigerants and

Refrigeration and Air conditioning (RAC) equipment is expected to be executed under the Policy and

Legislative component of our Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out Management (HPMP).

The National Ozone Unit, Ministry of Environment and Drainage intends to work closely with our local

standards institution to ensure that the requisite labeling and safety standards are developed and implemented for

the RAC Sector in Barbados.

Brazil

Questions Answers

Which are the low-GWP flammable

refrigerants produced, imported or used in

your country?

R-290, R-600a and R-32.

Which refrigeration systems/equipment are

manufactured or used in your country that

use low-GWP flammable refrigerants?

Refrigerators and freezers

Commercial refrigeration (stand-alone units/plug-in)

What relevant safety-related national codes,

standards, legislation, guidelines exist in

your country, relevant for the low-GWP

refrigerant and related systems/equipment?

This may include:

ABNT NBR 16069:2010 (National Safety Standard for safe use of

refrigerants in refrigeration systems based on Ashrae-15:2007).

Note: The maximum HC charge size is limited to 150 gr per

equipment and space in this standard. Therefore, a review of this

standard according to EN-378 is planned for 2017-2018.

- Refrigerant designation and safety

categories;

The ABNT NBR 16069:2010 defines safety categories according to

Ashrae-15. A translation of Ashrae-34:2013 including all 2015

addenda is underway.

- Codes/guides/standards for safe use

of refrigerants;

There are no “codes/guides/standards for safe use of refrigerants.

During Stage 1 the technical publication Safe Use of Hydrocarbons

already has been translated into Portuguese.

- Product specific codes and

standards for refrigeration and air-

conditioning equipment systems;

Not available

- Codes and standards for refrigerant

recovery/recycling and equipment

and for handling of pressurised

cylinders;

Conama 340:2003 (Conama = National Environment Council):

establishes requirements for safe use and disposal of cylinders

containing ODS.

ABNT NBR 15960:2011: Refrigerants - Recovery, recycle and

reclaim (3R) – Procedure

5

- Buildings codes (may place

conditions on the use of flammable

refrigerants in certain types of

building); explosion preventive

measures;

Not available

- Codes/guides/requirements on

competence, training and

certification of technicians to

design, install, inspect, maintain,

repair;

There are no “codes/guides/requirements on competence, training

and certification of technicians to design, install, inspect, maintain,

repair” available.

But training curricula and best practice guidelines for safe use of

hydrocarbons are being developed under HPMP Stage 2.

During Stage 1 the technical publication Safe Use of Hydrocarbons

already has been translated into Portuguese.

- Codes and standards for transport

of equipment containing flammable

substances;

ANTT 420 (ANTT= National Land Transportation Agency):

Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

- Other categories

Burkina Faso

Questions Answers



your country?

HC – 600a, HC – 290: There are imported and used only




Domestic Refrigeration /fridges

Commercial Refrigeration


standards, legislation, guidelines exist in

your country, relevant for the low-GWP


This may include:

General requirement exist for flammable products transportation,

handling and distribution. Up to now, there is no specific regulation

for flammable refrigerant and related systems/equipment.

This shall constitute one of the main issue to deal with in the

coming months.


categories; No specific requirement yet with respect to flammable refrigerant


of refrigerants;

No specific requirement yet with respect to flammable refrigerant


standards for refrigeration and air-



6




cylinders;






measures;

No specific requirement yet





repair;


- Codes and standards for transport

of equipment containing flammable

substances;

- Burkina Faso Labor Code

- Public Health Code

- Decree 2002-146 regulating the distribution of petroleum

products and by-products in Burkina Faso

- Law N°23/94/ADP carrying the public health code in Burkina

Faso

- Order 2004-154 determines the conditions for the opening of

establishments distributing petroleum products of the 3rd

class

1st category

- Other categories

Cabo Verde

At this time in Cape Verde we are not using any low GWP refrigerant, but we have future plans for the gradual

introduction of this refrigerant gases, since we already have our legislation the progressive elimination of R

134a. Obviously, we do not have any equipment that uses this type of refrigerant gas. In relation to codes and

manuals, we have used a manual of good practices in refrigeration that was elaborated in the context of several

meetings with the coordinators and consultants in the countries of the French network of West Africa,

We adopted this manual once it was prepared taking into account our temperature and climate conditions.

We hope, have contributed to the requested, we are open to any additional information

European Union

Decision XXVIII/4 invites parties to submit to the Ozone Secretariat by the end of 2016 information on their

domestic safety standards relevant to the use of low-GWP flammable refrigerants.

In response, I include on behalf of the EU the recently published report (30 November 2016) by the European

Commission on “Barriers posed by codes, standards and legislation to using climate-friendly technologies in the

refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and foam sectors”. This report includes an analysis of information

made available by EU Member States regarding their national situation. I also include the background work for

this report which was carried out by independent consultants, entitled “National Codes, Standards and

Legislation of EU Member States with respect to F-Gas alternatives”.

EU Member States may further wish to complement this information by submitting additional information on

relevant national standards.

7

A. Report from the commission on barrier posed by codes, standards, and legislation to

using climate-friendly technologies in the refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps,

and foam sectors

Brussels, 30.11.2016

COM(2016) 749 final

1. INTRODUCTION

Regulation (EU) No 517/20141 requires a reduction in the quantities of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) companies

may place on the market in the EU, i.e. through import or production, and thus will lead to a reduction in

emissions of these powerful greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. This phase-down started in 2015 and will

reduce the permitted supply of HFCs: a decrease of 79% in 2030 compared to 2009-2012. As a result, two-thirds

of emissions will be saved in 2030 compared to a business as usual scenario.2 Thus it will make a significant

contribution to meeting the Union's climate targets.3

HFC emissions are also being addressed at global level. Under the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting

Substances an agreement has been reached this year to phase down the global consumption and production of

HFCs. This will facilitate a worldwide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the context of the Paris

Agreement.4

Manufacturers of equipment and products using HFCs must therefore shift to the use of more climate-friendly

alternatives. As technological progress has made large strides in recent years, a shift to suitable and energy-

efficient alternatives with a low global warming potential (GWP) has become feasible for many types of

equipment and products.5 However, non-technological barriers may put this transition to more climate-friendly

alternatives at risk and result in higher costs than necessary.

In order to smooth the introduction of the HFC phase-down measure and support the development of green

technologies, the co-legislators decided to ask the Commission to map potential restrictions on the placing of

climate-friendly alternatives on the market. Article 11(6) of Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 mandates the

Commission to "collect, on the basis of available data from Member States, information on national codes,

standards or legislation of Member States with respect to replacement technologies using alternatives to

fluorinated greenhouse gases in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment and in foams."

The Commission shall publish a synthesis report on the information collected by 1 January 2017.

1 OJ L 150, 20.05.2014, p.195.

2 Commission Staff Working Paper: Impact assessment - Review of Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases, 7.11.2012, SWD(2012) 364 final. http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/docs/swd_2012_364_en.pdf. 3 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social committee and the Committee of the Regions: A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030, COM/2014/015 final: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0015 4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: The Road from Paris: assessing the implications of the Paris Agreement and accompanying the proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Paris agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COM(2016) 110 final: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2016/EN/1-2016-110-EN-F1-1.PDF 5 Study on alternatives for high ambient temperatures, Öko-Recherche, November 2014: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/studies_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/docs/swd_2012_364_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/docs/swd_2012_364_en.pdf

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0015



https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2016/EN/1-2016-110-EN-F1-1.PDF

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/studies_en.htm

8

In addition to analysing the situation at a national level, this report covers legislation and standards at a European and an

international level, as these standards establish benchmarks, widely used by companies, for the safe use of equipment

throughout Europe. Many developing countries adopt European and international standards and make them mandatory

in their own legislation. Hence, if such standards pose unjustified barriers to the uptake of climate-friendly

technologies, the undesirable impact of these standards reaches markets far beyond the EU.

To facilitate addressing these issues the Commission has since the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 conducted

extensive consultations with stakeholders, including deliberations within the Consultation Forum established pursuant

to Article 23 of the Regulation as well as tasked and external consultant to provide an analysis, including carrying out a

questionnaire seeking input from Member States' authorities. This report draws upon this analysis and consultation

process.

2. RELEVANCE OF CODES, STANDARDS AND LEGISLATION

Codes, standards and legislation may indirectly impact the use of alternatives to HFCs by specifying requirements for

the design or manufacture of equipment and its components, the installation of equipment as well as its service,

maintenance and dismantling that are not consistent with the use of a particular alternative technology.

While they may often be more climate-friendly and energy-efficient than HFCs, suitable alternatives have their own

limitations such as flammability, poor material compatibility, toxicity or may require higher operating pressures. These

characteristics can, however, usually be addressed through suitable product design and proper maintenance of

equipment. Climate-friendly alternatives that can be used include: carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), hydrocarbons

and unsaturated HFCs (HFOs).

While safety levels should be maintained and risks minimised, standards, codes and legislation should be adapted to

technological progress and, in the context of a phase-down of HFCs and the Paris Agreement, allow the use of more

climate-friendly alternatives where it is safe to do so.

2.1 Overview of relevant European level legislation and standards

Product and equipment manufacturers, installers and end-users need to comply with a range of legislation and standards

applying at a European level. Some of the requirements relate to the safe use of refrigerants or foam blowing agents.

However, most of the requirements do not directly relate to the use of a particular refrigerant or foam blowing agent,

but cover general safety aspects.

European standards are set by the European Standardisation Bodies, CEN and CENELEC, and rely on the participation

of industrial stakeholders to set the technical specifications. Contrary to legislation, the use of the standards is generally

not mandatory (unless specifically taken up in legislation or in commercial contracts) but it is widely accepted that

adherence to a relevant European standard is an important way of showing that the equipment is safe to use.

Consequently, despite the fact that they may not be mandatory, standards are widely applied and thus have a

significant impact.

9

Some of the standards adopted at the European level are aligned with broader international standards and codes such as

IEC and ISO standards. An overview of the most relevant European standards related to the use of refrigerants and

foam blowing agents is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Summary of European level standards related to applications in refrigeration, air conditioning,

heat pump and foam sectors

The most relevant standards for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps are EN 378, as well as the product

standards IEC EN 60335-2-40 (for air-conditioning systems) and IEC EN 60335-2-89 (for integral and remote

commercial refrigeration appliances) which take precedence over EN 378. EN 378 has just recently been revised. Its

parallel standard at the international level is ISO 5149. At international level, amendments to standards IEC 60335-2-40

and IEC 60335-2-89 are currently being discussed in the relevant IEC committees. Once a new version of these

standards has been agreed, the parallel European standards IEC EN 60335-2-40 and IEC 60335-2-89 are likely to be

modified accordingly. The responsible standardisation technical committees for these standards at a European level are

CEN/TC 182 "Refrigeration systems, safety and environmental requirements" and CLC/TC 61 "Safety of household

and similar electrical appliances".

2.2 Information communicated by Member States on national codes, standards and legislation

On the basis of a survey6, a majority of Member States did not identify relevant national codes, standards or legislation

that go beyond the legislation and standards at a European level. In particular, Member States did not specify any

national codes or legislation impeding the use of climate-friendly alternative foam blowing agents.

6 Response rate: 24 Member States representing 95% of EU population

Standard Purpose

EN 378: 2008

Refrigerating systems and heat pumps – safety and environmental

requirements. EN 378 provides practical rules to define important parameters

such as maximum refrigerant charge. It is harmonised with some of the above

EU directives.

IEC EN 60335-2-24

Safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances

IEC EN 60335-2-40

Safety requirements for electrical heat pumps, air conditioners, and

dehumidifiers

IEC EN 60335-2-89

Safety requirements for commercial refrigerating appliances

EN 1127-1

Explosive atmospheres — explosion prevention and protection

EN 60079

Requirements for electrical systems used in potentially explosive

atmospheres; a broad set of standards some of which are very relevant to

refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps

EN 13463

Non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive

atmospheres

10

Member States also did not report any significant national restrictions going beyond European requirements for

refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps related to the use of ammonia or CO2, even though some stakeholders

identified some restrictive rules on ammonia use in France.7 Some Member States also report restrictions related to

the use of flammable alternative refrigerants, such as hydrocarbons and HFOs:

Italy, France and Spain reported a number of national decrees that severely restrict the use of flammable

refrigerants for use in air conditioning equipment in certain types of public access buildings. These

requirements go well beyond the rules permitting such uses by European and international standards such EN

378 or ISO 5149.

Sweden reported that additional risk assessments are required for the use of flammable refrigerants, leading to

additional time and cost constraints.

In many Member States local building codes and fire regulations as well as transport8 and storage-related

codes can severely restrict the use of flammable refrigerants.

Restrictions are inconsistently applied across national territories. Particularly in federal states barriers may exist at

lower levels of government that are difficult to identify and address. Some codes at a regional or local level may be

unnecessarily strict, and rules applied locally by safety authorities often leave room for interpretation, which can hinder

the widespread use of flammable refrigerants.

Germany reported that national rules for hydrocarbons are actually less restrictive than the standards at European or

international level. However many end-users prefer following the more restrictive European standards.

2.3 Barriers posed by codes, standards and legislation

2.3.1. Barriers for the use of ammonia and CO2 as refrigerants

Codes, standards or legislation at either a European or national level do not seem, for the most part, to pose a significant

barrier to the use of ammonia or CO2 as a refrigerant. They ensure the safe use of these refrigerants while allowing for a

greater market penetration of systems and equipment using these substances. Experts agree that ammonia is a

refrigerant to be used with care but that adherence to the requirements in current safety standards such as EN 378 are an

appropriate way forward. Further national prescriptions do not seem to be overly restrictive in most Member States.

Similarly, for equipment using CO2 the requirements in current safety standards such as EN 378 and the Pressure

Equipment Directive provide an appropriate framework for the safe use of such systems in the future.

2.3.2. Barriers for the use of flammable refrigerants: hydrocarbons and HFOs

Limiting the charge size (i.e. the amount of refrigerant used) of equipment has been the main, practical way of

minimising risks for all flammable refrigerants in the past. Traditionally the approach in standards on charge sizes has

been very conservative and the allowed charge sizes were kept at very small amounts, e.g. 150 grams. These charge size

constraints commonly used in existing standards limit the use of flammable refrigerants for many equipment types,

applications and locations.

7 See 1st meeting of Consultation Forum, 10 September 2015:

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/events/articles/0106_en.htm 8 Including for the use inside tunnels

11

The recent revision of EN 378 introduces a new flammability category for HFCs and HFOs. In this category EN 378

allows higher maximum charges as well as permitting the use of these substances in a larger range of applications and

locations. Furthermore, a “risk management approach” allows manufacturers to deploy considerably larger refrigerant

charges if certain risk management measures are put in place or considered in the design of the equipment. While these

revisions go some way towards easing the use of HFOs, significant barriers remain for the use of hydrocarbons.

The following barriers for flammable refrigerants, in particular for hydrocarbons, require particular attention:

• The European level standards identified above unnecessarily restrict charge sizes beyond what is needed to

guarantee a safe use of the equipment. In particular the charge size limits for human comfort cooling and

below ground charge limits appear overly restrictive.

• Risk minimisation approaches in system design and use are not sufficiently considered for all flammable

refrigerants to determine safe charge size. Although individual risk assessments for a certain equipment type

are possible within existing rules, this implies additional expenses for manufacturers. Instead, the market

generally chooses to look at the overall, more restrictive rules prescribed by standards as a benchmark.

• Stakeholders in the Consultative Forum emphasised that making changes to standards to facilitate the uptake

of climate-friendly alternatives is a challenge in itself, as:

− Updates of standards are usually made at intervals of 5 years or longer. Thus making the necessary

changes in a timely manner is a real challenge.

− Product standards such as EN 60335-2-40 and EN 60335-2-89 are based on IEC standards that are set at

international level. Hence EU companies and policy makers can only partly influence the outcome.

− In addition to the considerable time needed to agree changes at the international level, the time lag

between agreeing international amendments and having them reflected in the European product standards

is often another 1-3 years. This is a very serious issue since product standards take precedence over

general standards such as EN 378.

− SMEs find it difficult to find the resources to participate in the lengthy and resource-intensive standard-

setting processes and only a few experts on hydrocarbons are currently involved in these processes.

− Providing data and conducting the necessary risk assessments that would enable companies to market

innovative solutions using climate friendly alternatives is a challenge, in particular for SMEs.

− Transparency and understanding of the complex standardisation process are low for non-participants, thus

it is difficult to influence the outcome.

− The perception of risk can be distinct from the actual risk and is often not based on empirical evidence.

End-users may be reluctant to have flammable refrigerants installed and manufacturers are wary of

liability laws and public perception, especially if equipment is not properly maintained. The issue of risk is

generally divisive as it can be used to promote the commercial interests of one technology versus another.

• In some EU Member States there are national codes, standards and legislation that simply ban flammable

refrigerants in certain applications. These create severe barriers for their use as alternatives to HFCs.

2.3.3. Foam blowing agents

12

No major barriers created by standards or legislation at either a European or national level in relation to the use of

climate-friendly alternatives to foam blowing agents were identified. The main barriers to the introduction of alternative

foam blowing agents are their price, bearing in mind that blowing agents represent a significant proportion of the total

cost of foam raw materials, and the time and costs related to product development and testing.9

3. CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS

On the basis of input from Member States' authorities and consultations with stakeholders it can be concluded that

standards (at international, European and national level) regarding the use of flammable refrigerants appear to be an

important barrier to the uptake of climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs.

To facilitate the achievement of the EU HFC phase-down and emission reductions in the EU and third countries as

required by the Paris Agreement in the most cost-efficient way, these barriers should be addressed with urgency as

already anticipated (based on preliminary findings) in the recent EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling.10

Also for this

reason the present review has been launched immediately following the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No

517/2014.

In particular, the analysis points towards a need for:

European standardisation organisations to facilitate the update of relevant standards at the European level. All

stakeholders involved including industry and Member States are also strongly encouraged to contribute,

including to parallel activities at the international level.

Companies and researchers to collect data and evidence enabling better risk minimization approaches for all

flammable refrigerants and to make such information available to the relevant standard committees.

Member States that have restrictive national codes, standards or legislation to consider a review in the light of

technical developments that would allow the safe use of alternative refrigerants. Stakeholders also pointed out

that green public procurement approaches could help boost the market for alternative technologies and

showcase their safe use.

In addition, the Commission envisages the following actions:

A request to the European standardisation organisations in support of updating relevant standards at the

European level, ensuring a technology neutral and consistent approach. In particular, there is a need to

maximise charge sizes without compromising safety as well as allowing a more general use of risk

management approaches for all refrigerants. A mandate for this request is under preparation.

Facilitating at an international level an exchange of information on standards, their review and related

processes between Parties to the Montreal Protocol, standardisation bodies, industry as well as other

stakeholders involved in standard setting.

B. National Codes, Standards and legislation of EU Member States with respect to F-Gas

alternatives

http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/oewg/oewg-39/presession/Information-Documents/additional-report-

submitted-by-EU.pdf

9 Some stakeholders insisted however that the process of amending standards takes considerable time and

resources and also has an impact on the commercialisation of new insulation products

10 COM(2016) 51 final: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2016/EN/1-2016-51-EN-F1-1.PDF

http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/oewg/oewg-39/presession/Information-Documents/additional-report-submitted-by-EU.pdf

http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/oewg/oewg-39/presession/Information-Documents/additional-report-submitted-by-EU.pdf

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2016/EN/1-2016-51-EN-F1-1.PDF

13

Iran

Questions Answers



your country?

R600a and Propane are imported to the country as viable

alternative refrigerants. Consumption of R600a has been recently

increased significantly in domestic refrigeration section and the

domestic production of this substance is expected in the future and

subject to the market variables.




Household refrigerators are manufactured with R600a and some

imported A/Cs are using propane as refrigerant. This is supposed

to increase in near future.


standards, legislation, guidelines exist in your

country, relevant for the low-GWP


This may include:


categories;

INSO 6985-2- Refrigerating systems and heat pumps -Safety and

environmental requirements - Part 2: Design, construction, testing,

marking and documentation


of refrigerants;

INSO 6985-1- Refrigerating systems and heat pumps-Safety and

environmental requirements Part 1: Basic requirements,

definitions, classification and selection criteria

- Product specific codes and standards

for refrigeration and air-


The manufacturers from the domestic refrigeration and air-

conditioning industry follow the international relevant safety

standards especially who have licensed production.

i.e.: 94/9/EC – ”Equipment directive”

Effective from July 2003




cylinders;

International codes are followed together with safe practices in

handling flammable refrigerants : 1999/92/EC – ”Working

environment directive”

For flammable refrigerants.





measures;

INSO- 6985-3- Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and

environmental requirements - Part 3: Installation site and personal

protection





repair;

INSO 6985-4- Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and

environmental requirements - Part 4: Operation, maintenance,

repair and recovery

14

- Codes and standards for transport of

equipment containing flammable

substances;

The National Act for Transport of Hazardous Materials exists.

Also Safe handling practises/guidelines developed by the local

manufacturers/relevant industries which basically encompass the

provisions stipulated in the relevant international standards.

- Other categories

Iraq

Questions Answers



your country?

R600, R600a and R290 are refrigerants has been imported and

used in Iraq.

Which refrigeration systems / equipment are

manufactured or used in your country that use-

GWP flammable refrigerants?

Refrigerators use R-600

Chest Freezers use R-600 have been imported and used

Showcase use R-600 in Iraq

Split unit use R-290

Also there is project in progress with UNIDO to manufacture

refrigerators that use R-600 as a refrigerant.

What relevant safety –related national codes,


country, relevant for the low-GWP refrigerant

and related systems / equipment?

This may include:

There is a project within HPMP stage I tranche II in progress to

prepare national standards and codes.


categories

Will be included in the national standards and codes within

HPMP stage I tranche II projects

- Codes/Guides/standards for safe use

of refrigerants;




for refrigeration and air-conditioning

equipment system;




recovery / recycling and equipment

and for handling of pressurized

cylinders;







measures;



15

- Codes/guides /requirements on

competence, training and certification

of technicians to design, install,

inspect, maintain, repair;

A committee has been established to issuing guides for

certification of technicians and the committee still continue in the

Iraq HPMP projects





substances;



- Other categories

Italy

Questions Answers



your country?

− HFC-32 (R32)

− HFO1234ze

− HFO 1234yf

− HFO 1234zd

− propane (R290)

− isobutene (R600a)

− propylene (R1270)

− ammonia (R717)

− blends as R447A.


manufactured or used in your country that use

low-GWP flammable refrigerants?

− refrigerated display cabinets;

− multipack centralised refrigeration systems; refrigerated

condensing units for all size of store, petrol station and

supermarket;

− ice machines;

− blast chillers;

− cold rooms and bottle cooler;

− retarder provers;

− refrigerated counters and cabinets and blast-

chillers/freezers for professional kitchen chillers (air to

water / water to water );

− heat pumps (air to water);

− compressors for refrigeration applications;

− compressors for air-conditioning applications;

− residential and commercial air conditioning;

− close control air conditioners;

− shelter air conditioners;

− movable, single split, multi split and dehumidifiers;

− rooftops;

− equipments for metering and charging of refrigerants.

16




and related systems/equipment?

This may include:


categories;


of refrigerants;

EN 378:2008 that provides practical rules to define important

parameters such as maximum refrigerant charge. It is

harmonised with some of the above EU Regulations.

EN 378 is currently under revision. A new flammability category

(2L, low flammability) will be introduced, to harmonise with

international standards including ISO 817.

N.B.: Normally all HC’s refrigerant can be used in very small

quantity defined by Safety Standards (150g IEC EN 60335-2-

89 and 1,5 kg under EN 378). Above such limits they cannot

be used.



equipment systems;




cylinders;

Legislative Decree, 15 February 2016, n° 26 "Implementing the

Directive 97/23/EC on the approximation of the laws of the

Member States concerning pressure equipment and the Directive

2014/68/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member

States relating to the making available on the market of pressure

equipment (recast) repealing the Directive 97/23/EC with effect

from 19 July 2016”.





measures;

Royal Decree 09/01/1927 n°147 foresees specific provisions for

toxic gases

Applications: Rack systems and Chillers

Refrigerant: ammonia

Ministerial Decree 10/06/1980 foresees specific safety

requirements

Applications: Industrial refrigeration

Refrigerant: ammonia

Ministerial Decree 9/04/1994 (Hotels) “… only non flammable

and non toxic Refrigerant can be used in Air Conditioning and

Refrigeration Systems …”

Ministerial Decree 27/07/2010 (Malls) “… only non flammable

and non toxic Refrigerant can be used in Air Conditioning and

Refrigeration Systems …”

Ministerial Decree 19/08/1996 (Buildings for Public Shows)

“… only non flammable and non toxic Refrigerant can be used in

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems …”

Ministerial Decree 18/09/2012 (Hospitals) “… only non

flammable and non toxic Refrigerant can be used in Air

Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems …”

17

Ministerial Decree 26/08/1992 (Schools) “… only non



Ministerial Decree 22/02/2006 (Offices) “… only non



Ministerial Decree 16/07/2014 (Kindergartens) “… only non



Ministerial Decree 7/07/2014 (Airports) “… only non



Ministerial Decree 18/07/2014 (Freight) “… only non



Applications: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems

Refrigerant: toxic and flammable refrigerants







substances;

- Other categories

Jamaica

Questions Answers


refrigerants produced, imported or used

in your country?

Imported and used only (Jamaica does not produce

refrigerants):

1. Hydro-carbons

2. Ammonia (flammable at concentration of 15% to 28% by

volume)




Refrigeration systems/equipment used:

1. Air conditioning units (R-290)

2. Refrigerators (R-600a)

3. Refrigeration system (R717)

4. Industrial Ice making machine (R717)

18

What relevant safety-related national

codes, standards, legislation, guidelines

exist in your country, relevant for the

low-GWP refrigerant and related

systems/equipment?

This may include:


categories; There are no specific Jamaican standards


of refrigerants;

1. Jamaican Standard Specification (JS) 1: Part 29:

2015 – Jamaican Standard Specification for the

Labelling of Commodities Part 29: Labelling of

products and equipment containing or manufactured

using ozone depleting substances and/or their substitutes

2. Draft standard for Transportation, handling and

storage of refrigerants

a. the draft standard includes hydro-carbons

b. it is in the process of being approved and

gazetted

3. ‘Steps to retrofitting R22 to Hydro-carbon’ – August

2015 (published in Jamaica)

4. Code of Practice for the Refrigeration and Air-

conditioning Sectors in Jamaica, 2008 (currently being

revised under the HPMP – First Stage Implementation

(UNEP component)

- Product specific codes and standards for refrigeration and air-


JS 134: 1985 Refrigerators burning liquid petroleum gas

Specifies detailed requirements, including performance standards

and methods of test, for gas-operated refrigerators for temporary

storage of food in tropical climates.




cylinders;

See other categories below





measures;

There are no specific Jamaican standards (Tabled in Parliament

on December 6, 2016)


competence, training and certification of technicians to

design, install, inspect, maintain, repair;

National Vocational Qualifications of Jamaica (NVQ-J) –

Level 3

NVQJ are certificates of competence given to Human

Employment and Resource Training Trust/National Training

Agency trainees and other industry workers after a series of

performance based assessments.

19

- Codes and standards for

transport of equipment

containing flammable substances;

Draft standard for Transportation, handling and storage of

refrigerants

a. the draft standard includes hydro-carbons

b. it is in the process of being approved and gazetted

- Other categories

1. JS 322 : 2012 Transportable gas cylinders – Fully

wrapped composite cylinders

Specifies minimum requirements for the materials, design,

construction, prototype testing and routine manufacturing

inspections of composite gas cylinders with a water capacity

up to and including 450 l for compressed, liquefied and

dissolved gases.

NOTE. For the purposes of this standard, the word – cylinder

includes tubes up to 450 l water capacity.

This standard is applicable to cylinders that comprise a linear of

metallic material (welded or seamless) or non-metallic material

(or a mixture thereof), reinforced by a wound composite

consisting of fibres of glass, carbon or aramid (or a mixture

thereof) embedded in a matrix.

This standard is also applicable to composite cylinders without

liners. This standard is not applicable to gas cylinders which are

partially covered with fibres and commonly called “hoop

wrapped” cylinders. For hoop wrapped composite cylinders see

EN 12257.

NOTE. The specification does not address the design, fitting

and performance of re movable protective sleeves. Where

these are fitted they should be considered separately.

2. JS 323 : 2012 Transportable gas cylinders – Periodic

inspection and testing of composite gas cylinders

Specifies the requirements for periodic inspection and testing of

hoop wrapped and fully wrapped composite transportable gas

cylinders, with aluminum, steel or non-metallic liners or linerless

construction, intended for compressed, liquefied or dissolved

gases under pressure, of water capacity from 0.5 l up to 450 l.

NOTE. As far as practicable, this standard may also be

applied to cylinders of less than 0.5 l water capacity. This

standard specifies the requirements for periodic inspection

and testing to verify the integrity of such gas cylinders for further

service.

20

Japan

Description Correspondence Remarks

1 High Pressure Gas Safety Act

------- Testing method is regulated for

flammable gases in the Act.

2 Standards of refrigeration and air-conditioning

equipment facilities [Facilities with flammable

gases (including low-flammable gases)]

KHKS 0302-3 Issued by The High Pressure Gas

Safety Institute of Japan (KHK).

3 Household and similar electrical appliances -Safety-

Part 2-24 : Particular requirements for refrigerating

appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers

JIS C 9335-2-24 Harmonized standard of

IEC60335-2-24 with Japanese

deviations.

4 Household and similar electrical appliances -Safety-

Part 2-89 : Particular requirements for commercial

refrigerating appliances with an incorporated or

remote refrigerant condensing unit or compressor

JIS C 9335-2-89 Harmonized standard of

IEC60335-2-89 with Japanese

deviations.

5 Household electric refrigerators, refrigerator-

freezer and freezers

JIS C 9607 Maximum charging amount of HC

is restricted under 100g and 150g

to the refrigerators specified in

JISC9607 and IEC60335-2-89

respectively.

6 Appropriate measures to prevent combustion

against refrigerant gas leakage from the refrigerant

charged equipment using semi-inert gas

JRA GL-20

Issued by The Japan Refrigeration

and Air Conditioning Industry

Association (JRAIA).

Normative references are

ISO5149 and IEC60335-2-40.

(English version JRA GL-20T is

available)

7 Requirements of refrigerant leak detector and alarm

for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment

JRA 4068

Issued by The Japan Refrigeration



(English version JRA 4068T is

available)

8 Guideline of design construction for ensuring safety

against refrigerant leakage from chiller using lower

flammability (A2L) refrigerants

JRA GL-15 Issued by The Japan Refrigeration



9 Requirements for ensuring safety against refrigerant

leakage from commercial air conditioners using

lower flammability (A2L) refrigerants

JRA 4070 Issued by The Japan Refrigeration




against refrigerant leakage from commercial air

conditioners using lower flammability (A2L)

refrigerants




11 Requirements for ensuring safety against refrigerant

leakage from commercial refrigeration equipment

using lower flammability (A2L) refrigerants





against refrigerant leakage from commercial

refrigeration equipment using lower flammability

(A2L) refrigerants




21

13 Requirements of ensuring safety against refrigerant

leakage from commercial packaged air conditioner

for facilities using lower flammability (A2L)

refrigerants





against refrigerant leakage from commercial

packaged air conditioner for facilities using lower

flammability (A2L) refrigerants




15 Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health ------- There are some recommendation

including labeling for R32 at work

place and storage area.

16 Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of

Fluorocarbons

------- It controls producing, leakage in

use and promotes proper recovery,

recycle, and destruction on HFC

refrigerants including flammable.

17 Guideline for prevention of the refrigerant leakage

from refrigerating and air-conditioning equipment

and systems




18 Guideline for leak inspection and repair for

fluorinated greenhouse gas emission from

commercial refrigerating and air conditioning

equipment and systems

JRC GL-01 Issued by Japan Association of

Refrigeration and Air-

Conditioning Contractors

(JARAC).

19

Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law

------- There is a stipulation related to

equipment use flammable

refrigerant (Appendix 8, (50)).

<Reference>

Fluorocarbon refrigerant recovery equipment –

Vapor compression type

（JRA 4075）

Under

consideration

aiming March

2017 for

establishment.

Based on the “Safety standard

manual on refrigerant recovery

equipment”* issued by Japan

Refrigeration and Air

Conditioning Industry Association

(JRAIA), it has been considered to

standardize JRA by reflecting the

revised High Pressure Gas Safety

Act (November 2016).

*The manual is posted on the HP

of JRAIA.

Malaysia

Questions Answers



your country?

Imported flammable Refrigerants:

R32

R600

R290

22




Air conditioner – R32

Refrigerators/ Vending machine – R600/R290

Chiller – R290





This may include:

MS XXXX – Flammable Refrigerant System-

Code of Practice (awaiting for gazettment)

MS IEC 60079, IEC 60335-2-40 and ISO 5149-2.


categories;

Flammable refrigerant - Refer to ISO 817 on class 2L, 2 and 3

Occupancy classification - Refer ISO 5149-1:2014, Table 1

System classification - Refer ISO 5149-1:2014, Clause 5.2

Location classification - Refer ISO 5149-1:2014, Clause 5.3

Refrigerant charge limit - Refer ISO 5149-1:2014, Clause 6


of refrigerants;

ISO 817, Refrigerants - Designation and safety classification

ISO 7010, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs -

Registered safety signs



equipment systems;

MS IEC 60204-1, Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of

machines – General requirements




cylinders;

MS IEC 60335-2-104, Household and similar electrical

appliances - Safety - Part 2-104:

Particular requirements for appliances to recover and/or recycle

refrigerant from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment

ISO 5149-4, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and

environmental requirements

- Part 4: Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery





measures;

MS IEC 60079 (all parts), Explosive atmosphere

MS IEC 60364 (all parts), Electrical installations of building





MS XXXX .– Part 5: Operation, Maintenance, Repair And

Recovery

Flammable Refrigerant System-




substances;

MS XXXX – Part 5: Requirements For Refrigerant Transfer,

Transport And Storage.

Flammable Refrigerant System-


- Other categories

23

Maldives

Questions Answers



your country?

Low GWP flammable refrigerants imported to Maldives are:

HC-290 (Propane) and HC600a (Isobutene)




HC- 290 are used in green pilot project air-conditions

HC600a are used in refrigerators





This may include:

Maldives do not have any safety standard for handling and

storing of low- GWP and flammable refrigerants.


categories;


of refrigerants;



equipment systems;




cylinders;





measures;

Maldives do not have building codes specific for flammable

refrigerants use in building sector





Do not have certification system for technicians



substances;

Do not have codes and standards for transport of equipment

containing flammable substances

- Other categories

24

Nigeria

Questions Answers



your country?

R600a & R290 and 50/50 mixture of the two.




Fridges, Freezers, Display cabinets





This may include:

ISO 817-2014, ISO 5149, IEC 60335-2-24,


categories; IEC 60335-2-34, ..-40, ..-89 **


of refrigerants;



equipment systems;




cylinders;





measures;







substances;

- Other categories

** These standards are adopted by Standards Organization of Nigeria

25

Panama

Questions Answers

Which low-GWP flammable refrigerants are

produced, imported or used in your country?

The Republic of Panama does not currently produce low-GWP

flammable refrigerants; however, some companies are interested

in producing such refrigerants.

The country imports R-600a and R290, which are used for the

service sector, including refrigeration workshops that are

certified/authorized by importers of refrigeration equipment that

employ this type of refrigerant gas.

Which refrigeration systems/equipment

containing low-GWP flammable refrigerants

are manufactured or used in your country?

Domestic inverter-type refrigerators are the refrigeration systems

containing low-GWP flammable refrigerants that are imported

into the country.

There are no reports of other types of equipment imported with

such a refrigerant.

Which codes, standards, legislation and/or

national guidelines relating to safety exist in

your country that are suitable or relevant for

low-GWP refrigerants and related

systems/equipment?

This may include:

The country does not have codes, standards, legislation and/or

national guidelines relating to safety that are suitable or relevant

for low-GWP refrigerants and related systems/equipment.

The country is developing the following provisions:

- Designation of refrigerants and safety

categories The country has no provisions regulating the matter.

- Codes/guidelines/standards for the

safe use of refrigerants

The country is in the process of discussing draft technical

regulations aimed at regulating safety aspects during the

installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioning and

refrigeration systems that use hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, as

well as the maximum load that can be used by the equipment

depending on the characteristics of the space in which it is

located. They are also aimed at regulating the storage and

transportation of such refrigerants, as well as the training and

certification of refrigeration and air conditioning technicians.

- Specific product codes and standards


systems

The country has no provisions regulating the matter.

- Codes and standards for the

recovery/recycling of refrigerants and

equipment and for the handling of

pressurized cylinders


- Building codes (may put conditions

on the use of flammable refrigerants

in certain types of building);

explosion prevention measures


26


competency, training and

certification of technicians to design,

install, inspect, maintain and repair


- Codes and standards for the

transportation of equipment

containing flammable substances


- Other categories The country has no provisions regulating the matter.

Serbia

Questions Answers



your country?

R600, R290 are imported. R717 (NH3)- locally produced

All used in Serbia.



use low-GWP

flammable refrigerants?

Home refrigeration- refrigerator-R600, R290

Lager refrigeration system for R717 (NH3)



country, relevant for the low-GWP


This may include:

Institute for Standardization of Serbia (ISS) has no purely national

standards for low-GWP flammable refrigerants. Until now, ISS

just adopted European standards EN and International standards

ISO as national standards. Priority is given to European standards

because of access to EU.


categories;

SRPS EN 378-1:2013, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps -

Safety and environmental requirements - Part 1: Basic

requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria


Safety and environmental requirements - Part 2: Design,

construction, testing, marking and documentation


Safety and environmental requirements - Part 3: Installation site

and personal protection


Safety and environmental requirements - Part 4: Operation,

maintenance, repair and recovery


of refrigerants;

SRPS EN 12693:2010, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps -

Safety and environmental requirements - Positive displacement

refrigerant compressors

27


for refrigeration and air-



Liquid level indicating devices - Requirements, testing and

marking


Valves - Requirements, testing and marking


Safety switching devices for limiting the pressure - Requirements

and tests


Flexible pipe elements, vibration isolators, expansion joints and

non-metallic tubes - Requirements, design and installation




cylinders;

SRPS EN 14276-1:2012, Pressure equipment for refrigerating

systems and heat pumps - Part 1: Vessels - General requirements

SRPS EN 14276-2:2012, Pressure equipment for refrigerating

systems and heat pumps - Part 2: Piping - General requirements





measures;

SRPS EN 15240:2010, Ventilation for buildings - Energy

performance of buildings - Guidelines for inspection of air-

conditioning systems

SRPS EN 1127-1:2012, Explosive atmospheres - Explosion

prevention and protection - Part 1: Basic concepts and

methodology





repair;


Competence of personnel


Qualification of tightness of components and joints



substances;

SRPS CEN/TR 14739:2012, Scheme for carrying out a risk

assessment for flammable refrigerants in case of household

refrigerators and freezers

- Other categories

For heating mixture.

Singapore

Questions Answers

Which are the low-GWP flammable refrigerants produced, imported or used in your country?

Low-GWP flammable refrigerants used in Singapore include:

1) R290

2) R170

3) R152a

4) R600a

5) R32

6) R1234yf

28

Which refrigeration systems/equipment are manufactured or used in your country that use low-GWP flammable refrigerants?

1) Refrigeration systems/equipment in Singapore that use low-

GWP flammable refrigerants include: Domestic split air-

conditioning systems (limited to R32)

2) Domestic refrigerators

3) Commercial chillers (e.g. wine chillers, chillers in super

markets)

4) Industrial heat exchangers

5) Automobile air-conditioning systems

What relevant safety-related national codes, standards, legislation, guidelines exist in your country, relevant for the low-GWP refrigerant and related systems/equipment?

This may include:

- Refrigerant designation and

safety categories;

ISO 817


of refrigerants;

For R32

ISO 5149-1-4

ISO 7010

IEC 60335-2-40

Workplace Safety and Health Act

For R1234yf

ISO 13043

SAE J639, J2773, J1739 Workplace

Safety and Health Act

Honeywell’s Guidelines for Use and Handling of HFO-1234yf


standards for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment systems;

Flammable Refrigerants In-General

Freezer – IEC 60335-2-89

For R32

International Standards: ISO

5149-1-4

IEC 60335-2-40 National

regulations:

SPRING Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety

Requirements) Regulations

For R1234yf

International Standards:

ISO 13043

SAE J639, J2773

29




cylinders;





measures;

Under the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Fire Code, premises that handle or store flammable refrigerants are to make adequate fire safety provisions that take into account the function, design, management, operation and maintenance of the buildings.



certification of technicians to design,

install, inspect, maintain, repair;

For R32


IEC 60335-2-40

For R1234yf


SAE J2845

For both R32 and R1234yf

Accredited training:

Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications

Ministry of Education



substances;

Under the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Petroleum

and Flammable Materials (P&FM) Act and Regulations, anyone

who intends to import, transport or store P&FM beyond the

stipulated exemption quantities is required to obtain a licence

from SCDF. Such P&FM includes flammable refrigerants.

- Other categories

United States of America

Response of the United States of America under Decision XXVIII/4

Paragraph 4 of Decision XXVIII/4 taken at the 28th

Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that

Deplete the Ozone Layer “invite[s] parties to submit to the Ozone Secretariat by the end of 2016 information on their

domestic safety standards relevant to the use of low-GWP flammable refrigerants.” Pursuant to this decision, the United

States is providing the following information. We have limited our response to the explicit request from the decision,

and have not included information that was indicated in the optional format that was provided by the Secretariat, noting

that some of the items in the optional format were not part of the request in Decision XXVIII/4.

1. Standards-setting bodies.

Several bodies establish standards that may allow, provide guidance, restrict, prohibit, or otherwise affect the

use of flammable (whether low-GWP or not) refrigerants in the United States. These standards cover a range

of other safety matters (e.g., toxicity). While a complete listing is not available, prominent examples include:

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air

Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR); Society of

Automotive Engineers (SAE) International; and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). While not standards-setting

bodies, model building codes organizations develop recommended requirements that many localities adopt as

mandatory requirements for new construction and major renovation of buildings in their jurisdictions.

30

Some of these standards have been incorporated by reference into regulations issued by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including SAE and UL safety standards. This means that while the

regulation does not contain the full text of the standard, it does contain a reference that is treated the same as if

the full text were set forth. Organizations that play a key role in U.S. safety standards include:

a. The American National Standards Institute. ANSI ensures the integrity of standards by setting

procedural requirements for voluntary standards to be developed by a consensus process. The standards-

setting bodies below follow ANSI requirements in developing their standards. This enables the

organizations to submit the standards for ANSI recognition, becoming for instance an ANSI/ASHRAE

standard. ANSI promotes these consensus standards internationally and facilitates the global use of these

standards and the harmonization of U.S. standards with those from other countries and regions.

b. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE, an

international organization, develops two safety standards in particular that affect the adoption of

refrigerants. ASHRAE Standard 34 provides a naming convention and safety classification for

refrigerants. The safety classification includes a toxicity designation (A for lower toxicity and B for higher

toxicity) and a flammability designation (3 for higher flammability; 2 for lower flammability, 1 for

nonflammable, and an optional 2L for low burning velocity). ASHRAE Standard 15 provides

requirements for the safe design, construction, installation, and operation of air conditioning and

refrigeration systems. It references the safety classifications provided in ASHRAE Standard 34 and sets

different requirements based on those classifications as well as other factors. Besides general adherence by

the industry, these ASHRAE standards affect the use of flammable and toxic refrigerants because they are

often adopted in building codes (see below) or other standards such as those from UL (see below).

c. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration. IIAR provides standards for the safe

introduction, use and decommissioning of systems using R-717 (ammonia), a zero-GWP toxic and

flammable refrigerant. In the United States, adherence to IIAR Standards is a generally accepted

requirement for the use of this refrigerant. The IIAR provides guidance for adhering to the codes and legal

requirements that exist for the use of ammonia refrigerant. In addition, IIAR recently developed a carbon

dioxide (R-744, CO2) handbook.

d. SAE International. SAE sets standards for motor vehicles including passenger and commercial cars, vans

and trucks. SAE has developed a series of standards that provide guidance on the safe use of low-GWP

alternative refrigerants, including R-744 and HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroethane). EPA has

incorporated these standards by reference as part of its regulations finding the use of certain low-GWP

flammable refrigerants acceptable in particular types of motor vehicles. For example, in 2011, EPA issued

a ruling finding HFO-1234yf acceptable, subject to use conditions, in motor vehicle air conditioning

systems for various medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. EPA incorporated by reference SAE J639, J2844

and J1739 covering, respectively: warning labels, compressor cut-off switches, pressure-relief devices,

and other safety measures; container use fittings; and failure mode and effect analysis methods.

e. Underwriters Laboratories. UL establishes standards for the safety of a variety of products, including

air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. UL standards for such products have been amended to

provide additional requirements when utilizing flammable refrigerants. For example, such requirements

exist in standards UL250, UL399, UL427, UL471, UL474, UL484, UL541, and UL563 covering,

respectively: household refrigerators and freezers; drinking-water coolers; refrigerating units; commercial

refrigerators and freezers; dehumidifiers; room air conditioners; refrigerated vending machines; and ice

makers. In some of these product types, EPA has found flammable refrigerants acceptable, subject to use

conditions, and referenced as a requirement compliance with the applicable section or supplement of these

UL standards. UL, and other testing organizations, also certify equipment as being in compliance with the

applicable standard, allowing the display of the UL seal on the product. Many consumers will look for

such seals before purchasing or installing the equipment, and some building codes (see below) may

require products to be certified to UL standards.

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f. Model building codes. In many locations in the United States, new buildings must adhere to requirements

established locally (state, county and city-level). To facilitate common practices and requirements, so-

called “model codes” are established that can then be adopted, referenced, or used in setting local

requirements. For instance, the International Code Council (ICC) establishes a series of building, fire, and

mechanical codes on a three-year cycle. The model codes often reference or adopt safety standards such as

ASHRAE Standard 15, hence facilitating the use of low-GWP flammable refrigerants to the extent that the

ASHRAE Standard 15 itself addresses those refrigerants.

g. Other standards-setting bodies. Many of the above standards-setting bodies may in turn reference other

standards. One particular example is the requirement in ASHRAE Standard 34 to use a standard from the

American Society for Testing and Materials to determine the proper flammability designation.

h. Other regulatory bodies. In addition to the EPA as mentioned above, multiple other government entities

set regulations or enforceable requirements that can affect the use of flammable refrigerants in the United

States.

2. Global Consortium on Safety Codes and Standards Regarding A2L and A3 Refrigerants for Heating,

Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Equipment.

The U.S. Department of Energy, along with AHRI, ASHRAE, and the State of California are conducting

research that will help accelerate the updating of safety standards to allow for the widespread use of climate-

friendly refrigerants in the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors both domestically and internationally. This

effort is aimed at providing fact-based information that standards committees can consider as part of their

processes for revising current safety standards and building codes to allow for the use of low GWP flammable

refrigerants while ensuring the safety of individuals manufacturing, transporting, installing, maintaining, and

using equipment containing these refrigerants. This effort is important because many current codes generally

do not recognize mildly flammable refrigerants (A2L) and significantly restrict the use of highly flammable

refrigerants (A3).

Zimbabwe

Questions Answers



your country?

R-600a and R-290; Imported and used in servicing and

manufacturing RAC appliances




Domestic fridges, freezers, waters coolers and bottle coolers are

manufactured and serviced with R-600a.

All split air conditioning appliances except central units (ducted)

use R-290





This may include:

Statutory Instrument 131 of 2016 prohibits uncertified personnel

to work with flammable low GWP refrigerants;

Standards Association of Zimbabwe standard number ZWS

1012:2016 lays out requirements for the certification of

refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners


categories;

EN378-1


of refrigerants; ZWS 1012:2016

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equipment systems;




cylinders;





measures;





ZWS 1012: 2016



substances;

Control of Hazardous chemicals regulations SI 12 of 2007

- Other categories

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