Safety Procedures & Environmental Regulations Flashcards

Under EPA Section 608, which refrigerants are classified as Class I ozone-depleting substances?

Answer: R-11, R-12, and R-113

Class I ODS include CFCs such as R-11, R-12, and R-113, which have the highest ozone depletion potential.

What is the maximum allowable leak rate for comfort cooling equipment containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant before repair is required?

Answer: 15% per year

EPA regulations require repair when leak rates exceed 15% of the system charge per year for comfort cooling appliances.

Which PPE is most critical when handling liquid refrigerant to prevent cryogenic burns?

Answer: Insulated cryogenic gloves and face shield

Cryogenic gloves and a face shield protect against liquid refrigerant contact, which can cause severe frostbite-like burns.

A technician discovers a system leaking R-22 at a rate of 25% per year. What is the required response timeline under EPA regulations?

Answer: Repair within 60 days of discovery

EPA Section 608 requires that leaking systems exceeding threshold rates be repaired within 30 days, with a possible 60-day extension for complex repairs.

What does the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for ammonia (R-717) in the workplace?

Answer: 50 ppm TWA

OSHA sets the PEL for ammonia at 50 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Which document must accompany a refrigerant cylinder when it is transported by a commercial vehicle?

Answer: DOT shipping papers

DOT requires shipping papers (hazardous materials shipping papers) to accompany regulated refrigerant cylinders during transport.

When evacuating a refrigeration system before opening it for service, what is the primary environmental reason for doing so?

Answer: To prevent refrigerant release into the atmosphere

Evacuation captures refrigerant to prevent its venting to the atmosphere, which is required by EPA Section 608 to protect the ozone layer and climate.