Refrigerants Australia's executive director, Greg Picker, has issued a warning about using flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant.
Safety is critical when using hydrocarbon refrigerant to replace HFC in equipment not designed for it. This warning is particularly important in the wake of a crackdown in Spain where six people were arrested for illegally selling these refrigerants online.
The recent Spanish operation, known as Operation Ecogas, led to the seizure of approximately 30 tonnes of gas being improperly marketed as safe substitutes for F-gases.
It highlights growing international concern as countries, including Australia, work to phase down HFC refrigerants due to their high global warming potential.
In Australia, there have been several incidents involving highly flammable refrigerant gases leading to injuries, deaths, and property damage. The commonly used flammable A3 refrigerants in Australia include R290 (propane), and R600a (iso-butane).
Employers must ensure that only competent persons design, install, modify, or service equipment that uses flammable refrigerants. A competent person is someone who has acquired, through training, qualification, or experience, the necessary knowledge, and skills to perform these tasks.
Businesses involved in the refrigeration and HVAC industry, as well as workplaces using such equipment, must adhere to strict legal obligations under Australian law.
Licensing and competency
Refrigeration technicians, engineers, and businesses installing or maintaining refrigeration systems must be competent to identify and control foreseeable hazards, including flammability hazards, associated with refrigerants.
They should have relevant experience and training, including units of competency from a registered training provider if working with flammable refrigerants.
What training is available to become a competent person?
TAFE and other registered training organisations offer flammable refrigerant units of competency from the electrotechnology training package for technicians, mechanics, and contractors including:
UEERA0007 - Apply safety awareness and legal requirements for flammable refrigerants
UEERA0084 - Service and repair self-contained flammable refrigerants air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
UEERA0048 - Install and commission flammable refrigerant air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
Courses available for Automotive and stationary HVAC technicians include:
AUR20220 – Certificate II in Automotive Air-Conditioning Technology
AUR31120 – Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Tradespersons must be deemed competent to handle flammable refrigerants, beyond just having a license for fluorocarbon refrigerants.
Duty of Care
Under WHS/OHS legislation, businesses have a duty of care to ensure the safety of workers handling or working near flammable refrigerants. This includes providing appropriate safety measures and hazard information.
Transport and Storage
The transport and storage of flammable refrigerants must comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and state-specific Dangerous Goods Safety Acts. Standards like AS4332 for the storage and handling of gas cylinders and AS1210 for pressure vessels must be followed.
Design and Installation
Standards such as AS/NZS 5149 and AS/NZS 3000 outline the safety requirements for stationary and transport refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, covering design, installation, inspection, and modifications.
Businesses must ensure proper hazard classification, display hazard signage, and identify emergency responses as required.
Practical Measures for Businesses
Businesses must identify hazards related to flammable refrigerants and inform relevant parties and implement risk elimination or minimisation strategies. They must obtain written advice from a competent person before substituting non-flammable refrigerants with flammable ones, ensuring the system's suitability, and required safety controls.
By adhering to these legal obligations and safety standards, Australia aims to prevent incidents like those in Spain, ensuring the safe use of flammable refrigerants as part of its climate goals.
For further information visit: Flammable refrigerants fact sheets | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au)
about the author
Dr Greg Picker is the executive director of Refrigerants Australia. He has more than 15 years experience in climate change policy and has worked for private industry, the Federal government and the United Nations.
Picker was elected chair of the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Board at the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Annual General Meeting on 30 November 2023.