The draft Code of Practice for Flammable Refrigerants has been released for review.
The draft is available at www.airah.org.au until April 14, 2013 for industry feedback with the final code slated for release in the second half of the year.
AIRAH CEO Phil Wilkinson, said the rising popularity of flammable refrigerants demands a national, over-arching set of guidelines.
The aim of the Code is to meet the necessary standards required under the Work, Health and Safety Act and the Work, Health and Safety Regulations.
"Whether you're talking about hydrocarbons or synthetic refrigerants, the rise in the use of flammable refrigerants is inevitable,”Wilkinson said.
"And because of the flammable nature of these substances, regulations concerning them have existed at state level.
"The Code of Practice for Flammable Refrigerants brings these all together in the one useful document. It's all about safety.”
AIRAH coordinated the formation of the industry taskforce that has been developing the Code of Practice.
Formed in February last year, the taskforce represents a range of government and industry bodies, including gas, electrical and workplace regulators; fire services; wholesalers; manufacturers; associations; educators; consultants; and maintenance contractors.
Co-funding development of the Code is the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
The Code specifically applies to all stationary refrigerating systems of all sizes – including air conditioners and heat pumps – which are to be charged with flammable refrigerants that have a refrigerant classification of A2, A2L or A3, or any other refrigerant that meets the criteria to be classified as A2, A2L or A3 refrigerant.
