Introduction to the safety classification of refrigerants

Refrigerants, Legislative
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The safety/hazard classification of refrigerants is based on EU legislation, under which the safety/hazard classification is based on the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008). Refrigerants are divided into groups based on health and safety effects. In practice, the division is derived from their toxicity and flammability (see table below). The safety classification of the CLP Regulation applies to the following, for example:

  • storage of refrigerants
  • industrial processing of refrigerants
  • transport of refrigerants

In addition to this, safety classifications are granted by a working group of the International Standards Organisation ISO. The classifications are published in standard ISO 817, from which the information is transferred into standard EN 378, for example. The standards define the maximum refrigerant charges of refrigeration systems and equipment, and the structure and positioning of equipment.

Toxicity classification ISO 817

Group A refrigerants

  • occupational exposure limit value ≥ 400 ppm

Group B refrigerants

  • occupational exposure limit value < 400 ppm

Flammability classification ISO 817

Refrigerants are divided into four groups based on their

  • lower flammable limit (LFL)*,
  • burning rate and
  • burning heat

*) LFL = minimum concentration that causes ignition in a homogenic mixture of the refrigerant and air

Class 1
No flame propagation in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 60°C.

Class 2L (lower flammability)
All of the requirements listed below must be met:

  • flame propagation in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 60°C
  • LFL > 3.5 vol%
  • combustion heat < 19 MJ/kg
  • maximum burning rate ≤ 10 cm/s in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 23°C.

Class 2 (flammable)
All of the requirements listed below must be met:

  • flame propagation in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 60°C
  • LFL > 3.5 vol%
  • combustion heat < 19 MJ/kg
  • maximum burning rate > 10 cm/s in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 23°C

Class 3 (higher flammability)
All of the requirements listed below must be met:

  • flame propagation in air at a pressure of 101.3 kPa and temperature of 60°C
  • LFL ≤ 3.5 vol% or
  • combustion heat ≥ 19 MJ/kg

refrigerants europe refrigerant

Safety classification of refrigerant mixtures

The safety classification for refrigerants is determined based on the “worst case scenario” that can occur during component breakdown.

NOTE!
Refrigerants may generate toxic degradation products in contact with flames or hot surfaces. This must be taken into account when planning the placement of equipment containing refrigerants.

Source

Read more: SKLL