CRST Safety Procedures & Environmental Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EPA Section 608, which refrigerants are classified as Class I ozone-depleting substances?
- R-410A and R-32
- R-11, R-12, and R-113 (Correct answer)
- R-134a and R-1234yf
- R-404A and R-507
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the maximum allowable leak rate for comfort cooling equipment containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant before repair is required?
- 5% per year
- 10% per year
- 15% per year (Correct answer)
- 20% per year
Correct answer: 15% per year
EPA regulations require repair when leak rates exceed 15% of the system charge per year for comfort cooling appliances.
Question 3: Which PPE is most critical when handling liquid refrigerant to prevent cryogenic burns?
- Latex gloves and safety glasses
- Insulated cryogenic gloves and face shield (Correct answer)
- Standard work gloves and dust mask
- Chemical-resistant apron only
Correct 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.
Question 4: A technician discovers a system leaking R-22 at a rate of 25% per year. What is the required response timeline under EPA regulations?
- Repair within 30 days of discovery
- Repair within 60 days of discovery (Correct answer)
- Repair within 90 days of discovery
- No repair required if under 50 lbs charge
Correct 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.
Question 5: What does the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for ammonia (R-717) in the workplace?
- 25 ppm TWA
- 50 ppm TWA (Correct answer)
- 100 ppm TWA
- 300 ppm TWA
Correct answer: 50 ppm TWA
OSHA sets the PEL for ammonia at 50 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Question 6: Which document must accompany a refrigerant cylinder when it is transported by a commercial vehicle?
- EPA Section 608 certification copy
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- DOT shipping papers (Correct answer)
- Manufacturer warranty card
Correct answer: DOT shipping papers
DOT requires shipping papers (hazardous materials shipping papers) to accompany regulated refrigerant cylinders during transport.
Question 7: When evacuating a refrigeration system before opening it for service, what is the primary environmental reason for doing so?
- To prevent moisture from entering the system
- To prevent refrigerant release into the atmosphere (Correct answer)
- To reduce system pressure for technician safety
- To improve the efficiency of the recharge process
Correct 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.
CRST Safety Procedures & Environmental Regulations 2
Under EPA Section 608, which refrigerants are classified as Class I ozone-depleting substances?