Refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, including systems in vehicles, contain refrigerants. With increased costs and environmental damage associated with the use of synthetic chemical refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), there has been an increased use of flammable refrigerants that are marketed as natural refrigerants or ‘green’ alternatives. These refrigerants mainly contain hydrocarbons (e.g. propane or butane – components of LP gas or other mixtures), or hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs). The use of flammable refrigerants has implications in how the refrigerant is stored, handled and used.
Equipment must be fit-for-purpose and those who supply services, such as installation and maintenance, must have the appropriate training and licences to carry out the work, (e.g. Motor Vehicles Repairers Act 2003, Australian Consumer Law).
Refrigerants Australia, in consultation with the Department, released a series of public information fact sheets (April 2023) covering situations where flammable refrigerants are likely to be used in workplaces and homes.
Resources and guidance
- Flammables fact sheets, Refrigerants Australia
- Dangerous Goods Safety Bulletin No. 0218 and WorkSafe Bulletin Safety considerations when switching to flammable refrigerants
- Flammable refrigerant gases: Position paper
This position paper was developed by the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) and provides information on the use of flammable refrigerant gases at workplaces.