Update coming for Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide

Since it was first released in 2013, the Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide has been a go-to resource for the HVAC&R industry. It covers how to manage the health and safety risks associated with the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, servicing, use, decommissioning and disposal of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that uses flammable refrigerants in workplaces, public buildings and homes.

The guide is written in plain English and is formatted so that readers can find the appropriate acts, regulations, standards and procedures applicable to the safe use of flammable refrigerants. It is freely available to download by industry participants and end-users alike.

In 2018, the guide was updated and online training was developed to make it more accessible to a wider audience. This web-based audio-visual online training resource was divided into eight separate modules, each taking 15 to 25 minutes to complete. The approach proved successful, with around 1,500 users accessing the training from December 2018 to December 2023.

The guide is now in line for an update, as are the three associated fact sheets and eight online training modules. These will be ready for mid-2026 and made available at no cost to industry. AIRAH, Refrigerants Australia and Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) are collaborating on the project, with support from the ARBS Foundation.

A timely update

AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH says the project comes at a crucial moment for Australia’s HVAC&R industry.

“To meet our international commitments under the Kigali Amendment, we are changing the refrigerants we use, and many of these are flammable,” Zheng says. “Although they entered the market some time ago, there is still a lack of familiarity with them, presenting risks to workers and end-users.

“This project aims to educate all stakeholders – technical and non-technical. We’re especially happy that the resources, including the training, will be available on demand across the country for free, greatly increasing the reach of the project.”

RRA General Manager Kylie Farrelley has also expressed her commitment to the project.

“RRA encourages industry collaboration across the HVAC&R sector as we transition to lower global warming potential refrigerants, many of which are flammable,” she says. “This shift requires shared responsibility, with industry working together to ensure that new products are handled safely, and that safeguards remain in place to protect both technicians and the environment.

“Safety must be at the centre of recovery practices, particularly as more flammable refrigerants enter the market. Licensed technicians play a critical role in ensuring these gases are managed correctly, and RRA is committed to supporting industry with the systems and infrastructure needed to recover refrigerants safely and responsibly.”

Get involved

Over the coming months, the existing materials will be revised to reflect the current regulations, standards and practices that apply to flammable refrigerants. Since the previous update, major changes include amendments to the AS/NZS 60335.2 series of appliance standards, updates to the Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice, and of course the increased penetration of flammable refrigerants into the market.

Those interested in contributing to the technical or peer review can contact AIRAH at [email protected]

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