(23a) What’s Hot with New Refrigerants

Global regulations are restricting the use of High Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. This is driving a need for companies to switch to low GWP refrigerants for new and existing cooling systems. There are two main Low-GWP options available: Next Generation hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and Traditional refrigerants. While these alternatives improve sustainability, they introduce safety risks that may not have been present with past refrigerants. This session will go through the Code Compliance implications of flammable or toxic refrigerant gases. Attendees will understand:

• The flammability and toxicity risk of Traditional of HFO refrigerants
• The Building and Fire code implications
• OSHA PSM requirements

The speaker will cover previous safety incidents involving traditional refrigerants, and a worked example of changing from a non-flammable refrigerant to a flammable refrigerant. Examples from an HVAC company’s transition to HFOs will be included.