RSES Safety Practices & Regulatory Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a pressure-relief device on a refrigerant cylinder?
- To allow controlled venting during transport
- To prevent catastrophic rupture if internal pressure exceeds safe limits (Correct answer)
- To maintain constant operating pressure
- To indicate when the cylinder is full
Correct answer: To prevent catastrophic rupture if internal pressure exceeds safe limits
Pressure-relief devices (fusible plugs or relief valves) protect cylinders from explosive rupture if exposed to heat or fire by venting before pressure becomes catastrophic.
Question 2: According to ASHRAE 34, what refrigerant safety group classification indicates the highest flammability?
- A1
- A2L
- A3 (Correct answer)
- B3
Correct answer: A3
Group A3 indicates lower toxicity (A) and higher flammability (3), representing the highest flammability classification in the ASHRAE 34 safety group system.
Question 3: A technician is recovering refrigerant from a system with a large leak. What precaution is MOST important?
- Use a higher-capacity recovery cylinder
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent oxygen displacement (Correct answer)
- Use only oil-less recovery equipment
- Recover at the lowest possible speed
Correct answer: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent oxygen displacement
Large refrigerant leaks can displace oxygen in confined spaces, creating an asphyxiation hazard, so adequate ventilation is the top safety priority.
Question 4: Which document must accompany a DOT shipment of used refrigerant being transported for reclamation?
- An EPA Form 43700
- A bill of lading identifying the contents and hazard class (Correct answer)
- A written exemption from the regional EPA office
- A technician certification card copy
Correct answer: A bill of lading identifying the contents and hazard class
DOT regulations require a bill of lading (shipping paper) that identifies the material, hazard class, UN number, and quantity for hazardous material shipments including used refrigerants.
Question 5: What is the 'right-to-know' law that requires employers to inform workers about hazardous chemicals in the workplace?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom) (Correct answer)
- EPA 40 CFR Part 82
- ASHRAE Standard 15
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom)
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), often called the Right-to-Know law, requires employers to inform and train workers about chemical hazards.
Question 6: Under EPA regulations, what is the minimum recovery efficiency required when recovering refrigerant from a system with a hermetic compressor and charge less than 200 lbs (manufactured before November 15, 1993)?
- 70%
- 80% (Correct answer)
- 90%
- 95%
Correct answer: 80%
EPA requires 80% recovery efficiency for systems with hermetic compressors and charges under 200 lbs manufactured before November 15, 1993.
Question 7: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically recommended when handling liquid refrigerant due to the risk of frostbite?
- Leather work gloves and safety glasses
- Insulated cryogenic gloves and face shield (Correct answer)
- Rubber chemical-resistant gloves only
- Standard latex gloves and goggles
Correct answer: Insulated cryogenic gloves and face shield
Liquid refrigerants can cause severe frostbite on contact; cryogenic insulated gloves and a face shield protect skin and eyes from splashing liquid refrigerant.
RSES Safety Practices & Regulatory Compliance 3
What is the purpose of a pressure-relief device on a refrigerant cylinder?