EPA 608 609 Refrigerant Cylinder Safety and Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under DOT regulations, in what position must refrigerant cylinders be transported?
- Horizontal only
- Upright with valve end up (Correct answer)
- Any position is acceptable
- Inverted with valve end down
Correct answer: Upright with valve end up
DOT requires refrigerant cylinders to be transported upright with the valve end up to prevent liquid refrigerant from contacting the valve assembly.
Question 2: What is the maximum temperature at which refrigerant cylinders should be stored?
- 85°F
- 100°F
- 125°F (Correct answer)
- 150°F
Correct answer: 125°F
Refrigerant cylinders must not be stored in areas exceeding 125°F (51.7°C) because heat increases internal pressure and risks rupture.
Question 3: Which federal agency regulates the transportation of refrigerant cylinders on public roads?
- EPA
- DOT (Correct answer)
- OSHA
- ASHRAE
Correct answer: DOT
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the packaging, labeling, and transport of hazardous materials including refrigerant cylinders.
Question 4: What must be done to a refrigerant cylinder before returning it to a supplier?
- Repaint it the correct color
- Hydrostatically test it
- Close the valve and install the protective cap (Correct answer)
- Empty it completely to 0 psig
Correct answer: Close the valve and install the protective cap
Before returning cylinders, technicians must close the valve and install the valve protection cap to prevent damage during handling and transport.
Question 5: What is the primary function of a fusible plug on a refrigerant cylinder?
- Prevent overfilling
- Release pressure if temperature becomes dangerously high (Correct answer)
- Indicate refrigerant level
- Connect to recovery equipment
Correct answer: Release pressure if temperature becomes dangerously high
Fusible plugs are designed to melt at elevated temperatures, venting the cylinder before pressure can build to the point of rupture.
Question 6: Why must refrigerant cylinders never be stored near heat sources, open flames, or welding equipment?
- All refrigerants are highly flammable
- Heat causes pressure buildup that can rupture the cylinder (Correct answer)
- Heat permanently degrades refrigerant chemical properties
- Heat causes the cylinder to lose its DOT certification
Correct answer: Heat causes pressure buildup that can rupture the cylinder
Elevated temperatures increase internal cylinder pressure, and if relief devices fail, the cylinder can rupture or explode.
EPA 608 609 Refrigerant Cylinder Safety and Storage 2
Under DOT regulations, in what position must refrigerant cylinders be transported?