Updated guidance on flammable refrigerants

The updated resource comes at a time when flammable refrigerants are increasingly common in HVAC&R systems, but the workforce and wider industry lack awareness about the health and safety risks associated with their use.

The Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide (FRSG) is a free resource to provide practical guidance on the safe handling, installation, servicing and management of flammable refrigerants. It builds on the original version published in 2013 and the update in 2018. An online resource and a series of fact sheets have also been developed to complement the guide.

The CEO of AIRAH, Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, believes the transition to refrigerants with lower environmental impact is a necessary step toward a net zero future.

“It must be matched with rigorous standards, skilled practitioners, and a strong safety culture,” she says.

“Progress and protection must go hand in hand.”

AIRAH’s Advocacy and Policy Manager, Mark Vender, was closely involved in producing the updated guide. He says it gives technicians and business owners clear pathways to build the knowledge and skills needed to work safely with flammable refrigerants.

“Safe refrigerant management across the entire lifecycle – from installation through to recovery and destruction – is essential,” he says.

“Australian Standards like AS/NZS 5149 and AS/NZS 60335.2.40 contain the details, but they are not written in a style that is accessible for everyone. This resource helps bridge the gap, explaining where to find the necessary information.”

Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) encourages industry collaboration across the HVAC&R sector as it transitions to lower global warming potential refrigerants, many of which are flammable.

“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,” says RRA General Manager Kylie Farrelley.

“Safety must be at the centre of recovery practices, particularly as more flammable refrigerants enter the market,” she says.

“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.”

Managing Director at ebm-papst A&NZ, Simon Bradwell, M.AIRAH, says as a company director he’s very happy the issues addressed in the Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide are at the forefront of people’s minds.

“Having just installed my first domestic propane appliance at my home, I am very happy to see the industry driving forward technology change,” he says.

The Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide and associated online resources are available to download here.

The Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide update project is supported by the ARBS Foundation, an ARBS organisation dedicated to funding research and education initiatives that advance learning and understanding across Australia’s HVAC&R and building services industries.

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