45508 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

AGENCY 

40 CFR Part 82 

[EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0836; FRL–6399–01– 

OAR] 

RIN 2060–AT78 

Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: 

Listing of Substitutes Under the 

Significant New Alternatives Policy 

Program in Refrigeration, Air 

Conditioning, and Fire Suppression 

AGENCY: Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA). 

ACTION: Proposed rule. 

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency’s 

Significant New Alternatives Policy 

program, this action proposes to list 

certain substances as acceptable subject 

to use conditions in the refrigeration 

and air conditioning sector for chillers— 

comfort cooling, residential 

dehumidifiers, non-residential 

dehumidifiers, residential and light 

commercial air conditioning and heat 

pumps, and a substance as acceptable 

subject to use conditions and narrowed 

used limits in very low temperature 

refrigeration. Through this action, EPA 

is proposing to incorporate by reference 

standards which establish requirements 

for electrical air conditioners, heat 

pumps, and dehumidifiers, laboratory 

equipment containing refrigerant, safe 

use of flammable refrigerants, and safe 

design, construction, installation, and 

operation of refrigeration systems. 

Additionally, this action proposes to list 

certain substances as acceptable subject 

to use conditions in the fire suppression 

sector for certain streaming and total 

flooding uses. Finally, EPA requests 

advance comment on potential 

approaches to SNAP listing decisions 

for very short-lived substances that have 

ozone depletion potentials similar to 

those of ozone-depleting substances 

scheduled to be phased out. 

DATES: Comments must be received on 

or before September 12, 2022. Any party 

requesting a public hearing must notify 

the contact listed below under FOR

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by 5 p.m. 

Eastern Daylight Time on August 2, 

2022. If a virtual public hearing is held, 

it will take place on or before August 12, 

2022 and further information will be 

provided on EPA’s Stratospheric Ozone 

website at https://www.epa.gov/snap. 

ADDRESSES: EPA has established a 

docket for this action under Docket ID 

No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0836. All 

documents in the docket are listed on 

the https://www.regulations.gov 

website. Although listed in the index, 

some information is not publicly 

available, e.g., Confidential Business 

Information (CBI) or other information 

whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 

Certain other material, such as 

copyrighted material, is not placed on 

the internet and will be publicly 

available only in hard copy form. 

Publicly available docket materials are 

available electronically through https:// 

www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at 

the Air and Radiation Docket, EPA/DC, 

EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 

Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, 

DC 20460. The Docket Center’s hours of 

operations are 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 

Monday–Friday (except Federal 

Holidays). For further information on 

EPA Docket Center services and the 

current status, please visit https://

www.epa.gov/dockets. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Holly Tapani, Stratospheric Protection 

Division, Office of Atmospheric 

Programs (Mail Code 6205T), 

Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 

Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 

20460; telephone number: 202–564– 

0679; email address: tapani.holly@

epa.gov. Notices and rulemakings under 

EPA’s Significant New Alternatives 

Policy program are available on EPA’s 

SNAP website at https://www.epa.gov/ 

snap/snap-regulations. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents 

I. General Information 

A. Executive Summary and Background 

B. Does this action apply to me? 

C. What acronyms and abbreviations are 

used in the preamble? 

II. What is EPA proposing in this action? 

A. Chillers—Proposed Listing of HFO– 

1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Chiller Equipment, and 

Proposed Listing of HFC–32 and R–452B 

as Acceptable, Subject to Use 

Conditions, for Use in New Rotary and 

Scroll Chiller Equipment, for Chillers 

Used in Comfort Cooling, Including Both 

Commercial and Industrial Process AC 

1. Background on Chillers—Commercial 

AC and Industrial Process AC 

2. What are the American Society of 

Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 

classifications for refrigerant 

flammability? 

3. What are HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R–452B, 

R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C and how 

do they compare to other refrigerants in 

the same end-use? 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific use 

conditions? 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

B. Residential Dehumidifiers—Proposed 

Listing of HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Residential 

Dehumidifiers End-Use 

1. Background on Residential 

Dehumidifiers 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications for 

refrigerant flammability? 

3. What are HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R–452B, 

R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C and how 

do they compare to other refrigerants in 

the same end-use? 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific use 

conditions? 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

C. Non-Residential Dehumidifiers— 

Proposed Listing HFC–32 as Acceptable, 

Subject to Use Conditions, for Use in 

New Non-Residential Dehumidifiers 

End-Use 

1. Background on Non-Residential 

Dehumidifiers 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications for 

refrigerant flammability? 

3. What is HFC–32 and how does it 

compare to other refrigerants in the same 

end-use? 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific use 

conditions? 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

D. Residential and Light Commercial AC 

and Heat Pumps (HPs)—Proposed 

Listing of HFC–32 as Acceptable, Subject 

to Use Conditions, for Use in New SelfContained Room ACs and HPs End-Use 

1. Background on Self-Contained Room 

ACs and HPs 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications for 

refrigerant flammability? 

3. What is HFC–32 and how does it 

compare to other refrigerants in the same 

end-use? 

4. What use conditions currently apply to 

this refrigerant in this end-use category? 

5. What use conditions is EPA proposing? 

6. How do the proposed use conditions 

differ from the existing ones and why is 

EPA proposing to change the use 

conditions? 

7. What is the acceptability status of HFC– 

32 in self-contained room ACs and HPs? 

8. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

9. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

E. Use Conditions and Further Information 

for Chillers, Residential Dehumidifiers, 

Non-Residential Dehumidifiers, and 

HFC–32 Self-Contained Room ACs and 

HPs 

1. What use conditions is EPA proposing 

and why? 

2. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

3. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

F. Very Low Temperature Refrigeration 

(VLTR)—Proposed Listing of R–1150 as 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45509 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions 

and Narrowed Use Limits, for Use in 

VLTR End-Use 

1. Background on VLTR 

2. What is EPA’s proposed listing decision 

for R–1150? 

3. What is R–1150 and how does it 

compare to other refrigerants in the same 

end-use? 

4. What use conditions is EPA proposing? 

5. Why is EPA proposing these specific use 

conditions? 

6. What narrowed use limits is EPA 

proposing? 

7. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

narrowed use limits? 

8. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

9. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

G. Streaming and Total Flooding Fire 

Suppression—Proposed Listing of 2- 

bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP) as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

as a Streaming Agent in Non-Residential 

Applications and as a Total Flooding 

Agent in Normally Unoccupied Spaces 

Under 500 ft3

1. Background on Streaming and Total 

Flooding Fire Suppression 

2. What is EPA’s proposed listing decision 

for 2–BTP? 

3. What is 2–BTP and how does it compare 

to other fire suppressants in the same 

end-uses? 

4. What use conditions is EPA proposing? 

5. Why is EPA proposing these specific use 

conditions? 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

H. Total Flooding Fire Suppression— 

Proposed Listing of EXXFIRE® as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in Normally Unoccupied Spaces 

1. What is EPA’s proposed listing decision 

for EXXFIRE®? 

2. What is EXXFIRE® and how does it 

compare to other fire suppressants in the 

same end-use? 

3. What use conditions is EPA proposing 

and why? 

4. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

I. Total Flooding Fire Suppression— 

Proposed Listing of Powdered Aerosol H 

(Pyroquench-aTM) as Acceptable, Subject 

to Use Conditions, for Use in Normally 

Unoccupied Spaces 

1. What is EPA’s proposed listing decision 

for Powdered Aerosol H? 

2. What is Powdered Aerosol H and how 

does it compare to other fire 

suppressants in the same end-use? 

3. What use conditions is EPA proposing 

and why? 

4. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

III. Request for Advance Comment on 

Potential Approaches to SNAP Listing 

Decisions for Certain Very Short-Lived 

Substances 

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews 

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory 

Planning and Review and Executive 

Order 13563: Improving Regulation and 

Regulatory Review 

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) 

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

(UMRA) 

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism 

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation 

and Coordination With Indian Tribal 

Governments 

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of 

Children From Environmental Health 

and Safety Risks 

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That 

Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 

Distribution, or Use 

I. National Technology Transfer and 

Advancement Act 

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions 

To Address Environmental Justice in 

Minority Populations and Low-Income 

Populations 

V. References 

I. General Information 

A. Executive Summary and Background 

This action proposes to list new 

alternatives for the refrigeration and air 

conditioning (AC) and fire suppression 

sectors. Specifically, EPA is: 

• Listing hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)- 

1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C 

as acceptable, subject to use conditions, 

for use in chillers used in comfort 

cooling, including commercial and 

industrial process AC; 

• Listing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)– 

32 and R–452B as acceptable, subject to 

use conditions, for use in scroll and 

rotary chillers used in comfort cooling, 

including commercial and industrial 

process AC; 

• Listing HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in residential dehumidifiers; 

• Listing HFC–32 as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, for use in nonresidential dehumidifiers; 

• Listing HFC–32 as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, for use in selfcontained room air conditioners (ACs) 

and heat pumps (HPs); 

• Listing R–1150 as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions and narrowed 

use limits, for use in very low 

temperature refrigeration (VLTR); 

• Listing 2-bromo-3,3,3- 

trifluoropropene (2–BTP) as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, in streaming— 

for non-residential use, except home 

offices and boats—and total flooding— 

in normally unoccupied spaces under 

500 ft3; 

• Listing of EXXFIRE® as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, in total 

flooding—for normally unoccupied 

areas; and 

• Listing of Powdered Aerosol H, also 

known as Pyroquench-aTM, as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, in 

total flooding—for normally unoccupied 

areas. 

EPA is proposing these new listings 

after its evaluation of human health and 

environmental information for these 

substitutes under the Significant New 

Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. 

The Agency is proposing action on these 

new listings in the refrigeration and AC 

sector and the fire suppression sector 

based on the information that EPA has 

included in the docket. This proposed 

action provides additional flexibility for 

industry by providing new options in 

specific uses. 

Additionally, EPA requests advance 

comment on potential approaches to 

SNAP listing decisions for very shortlived substances (VSLS) that have ozone 

depletion potentials (ODPs) similar to 

those of class II ozone-depleting 

substances (ODS) that are currently 

being phased out, in particular 

trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) and blends 

containing CF3I. EPA is not proposing to 

include any regulatory requirements 

with respect to such VSLS in this 

rulemaking. 

EPA is not requesting comment on the 

republication of the first six entries of 

the table titled ‘‘Substitutes That Are 

Acceptable Subject to Use Conditions’’. 

Those entries are being republished to 

bring the table in line with the Office of 

the Federal Register’s general 

requirement for orderly codification by: 

adding entry numbers, replacing 

prohibited language, and properly 

formatting the footnotes. 

SNAP Program Background 

The SNAP program implements 

section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). 

Several major provisions of section 612 

are: 

1. Rulemaking 

Section 612(c) requires EPA to 

promulgate rules making it unlawful to 

replace any class I (chlorofluorocarbon 

(CFC), halon, carbon tetrachloride, 

methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, 

hydrobromofluorocarbon, and 

chlorobromomethane) or class II 

(hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)) ODS 

with any substitute that the 

Administrator determines may present 

adverse effects to human health or the 

environment where the Administrator 

has identified an alternative that (1) 

reduces the overall risk to human health 

and the environment and (2) is currently 

or potentially available. 

2. Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable 

Substitutes 

Section 612(c) requires EPA to 

publish a list of the substitutes that it 

finds to be unacceptable for specific 

uses and to publish a corresponding list 


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of acceptable substitutes for specific 

uses. 

3. Petition Process 

Section 612(d) grants the right to any 

person to petition EPA to add a 

substance to, or delete a substance from, 

the lists published in accordance with 

section 612(c). 

4. 90-Day Notification 

Section 612(e) directs EPA to require 

any person who produces a chemical 

substitute for a class I substance to 

notify the Agency not less than 90 days 

before a new or existing chemical is 

introduced into interstate commerce for 

significant new use as a substitute for a 

class I substance. The producer must 

also provide the Agency with the 

producer’s unpublished health and 

safety studies on such substitutes. 

The regulations for the SNAP program 

are promulgated at 40 Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) part 82, subpart G, 

and the Agency’s process for reviewing 

SNAP submissions is described in 

regulations at 40 CFR 82.180. Under 

these rules, the Agency has identified 

five types of listing decisions: 

acceptable; acceptable subject to use 

conditions; acceptable subject to 

narrowed use limits; unacceptable; and 

pending (40 CFR 82.180(b)). Use 

conditions and narrowed use limits are 

both considered ‘‘use restrictions,’’ as 

described below. Substitutes that are 

deemed acceptable with no use 

restrictions (no use conditions or 

narrowed use limits) can be used for all 

applications within the relevant enduses in the sector. After reviewing a 

substitute, the Agency may determine 

that a substitute is acceptable only if 

certain conditions in the way that the 

substitute is used are met to minimize 

risks to human health and the 

environment. EPA describes such 

substitutes as ‘‘acceptable subject to use 

conditions’’ (40 CFR 82.180(b)(2)). For 

some substitutes, the Agency may 

permit a narrowed range of use within 

an end-use or sector. For example, the 

Agency may limit the use of a substitute 

to certain end-uses or specific 

applications within an industry sector. 

EPA describes these substitutes as 

‘‘acceptable subject to narrowed use 

limits.’’ Under the narrowed use limit, 

users intending to adopt these 

substitutes ‘‘must ascertain that other 

alternatives are not technically 

feasible.’’ (40 CFR 82.180(b)(3)). 

In making decisions regarding 

whether a substitute is acceptable or 

unacceptable, and whether substitutes 

present risks that are lower than or 

comparable to risks from other 

substitutes that are currently or 

potentially available in the end-uses 

under consideration, EPA examines the 

criteria in 40 CFR 82.180(a)(7): (i) 

atmospheric effects and related health 

and environmental impacts; (ii) general 

population risks from ambient exposure 

to compounds with direct toxicity and 

to increased ground-level ozone; (iii) 

ecosystem risks; (iv) occupational risks; 

(v) consumer risks; (vi) flammability; 

and (vii) cost and availability of the 

substitute. 

Many SNAP listings include 

‘‘comments’’ or ‘‘further information’’ to 

provide additional information on 

substitutes. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. However, 

regulatory requirements so listed are 

binding under other regulatory 

programs (e.g., worker protection 

regulations promulgated by the U.S. 

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA)). The ‘‘further 

information’’ classification does not 

necessarily include all other legal 

obligations pertaining to the use of the 

substitute. While the items listed are not 

legally binding under the SNAP 

program, EPA encourages users of 

substitutes to apply all statements in the 

‘‘Further Information’’ column in their 

use of these substitutes. In many 

instances, the information simply refers 

to sound operating practices that have 

already been identified in existing 

industry and/or building codes or 

standards. Thus, many of the 

statements, if adopted, would not 

require the affected user to make 

significant changes in existing operating 

practices. 

For additional information on the 

SNAP program, visit the SNAP website 

at https://www.epa.gov/snap. The full 

lists of acceptable substitutes for ODS in 

all industrial sectors are available at 

https://www.epa.gov/snap/snapsubstitutes-sector. For more information 

on the Agency’s process for 

administering the SNAP program or 

criteria for evaluation of substitutes, 

refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking 

published March 18, 1994 (59 FR 

13044), codified at 40 CFR part 82, 

subpart G. SNAP decisions and the 

appropriate Federal Register citations 

can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ 

snap/snap-regulations. Substitutes 

listed as unacceptable; acceptable, 

subject to narrowed use limits; or 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, 

are also listed in the appendices to 40 

CFR part 82, subpart G. 

B. Does this action apply to me? 

The following list identifies regulated 

entities that may be affected by this rule 

and their respective North American 

Industrial Classification System 

(NAICS) codes: 

• Plumbing, Heating, and Air 

Conditioning Contractors (NAICS 

238220) 

• All Other Basic Organic Chemical 

Manufacturing (NAICS 325199) 

• Pharmaceutical Preparations (e.g., 

Capsules, Liniments, Ointments, 

Tablets) Manufacturing (NAICS 

325412) 

• Air Conditioning and Warm Air 

Heating Equipment and Commercial 

and Industrial Refrigeration 

Equipment Manufacturing (NAICS 

333415) 

• Household Appliances, Electric 

Housewares, and Consumer 

Electronics Merchant Wholesalers 

(NAICS 423620) 

• Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies 

Merchant Wholesalers (NAICS 

423740) 

• Recyclable Material Merchant 

Wholesalers (NAICS 423930) 

• Appliance Repair and Maintenance 

(NAICS 811412) 

• Fire Protection (NAICS 922160) 

This list is not intended to be 

exhaustive, but rather to provide a guide 

for readers regarding entities likely to be 

affected by this action. To determine 

whether your facility, company, 

business, or organization could be 

affected by this action, you should 

carefully examine the regulations at 40 

CFR part 82, subpart G and the revisions 

below. If you have questions regarding 

the applicability of this action to a 

particular entity, consult the person 

listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT section. 

C. What acronyms and abbreviations are 

used in the preamble? 

Below is a list of acronyms and 

abbreviations used in the preamble of 

this document: 

2-BTP—2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene 

AC—Air Conditioning or Air Conditioner 

ACCA—Air Conditioning Contractors of 

America 

ACGIH—American Conference of 

Governmental Industrial Hygienists 

AEL—Acceptable Exposure Limit 

AIHA—American Industrial Hygiene 

Association 

AHRI—Air-Conditioning, Heating, and 

Refrigeration Institute 

ANSI—American National Standards 

Institute 

ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning 

Engineers 

ASTM—American Society for Testing and 

Materials 


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1 In this proposed rule, we use the term ‘‘air 

conditioner’’ and ‘‘AC’’ to cover equipment that 

cools air, heats air, or has the function to do both 

(typically referred to as a ‘‘heat pump’’). While such 

equipment might humidify or dehumidify the air, 

the term does not include equipment whose 

purpose is for latent cooling only (i.e., 

dehumidifiers), which are a separate end-use under 

SNAP and are addressed in section II.B of this 

proposed rule. 

2 Germany’s National Commission for Delivery 

Terms and Quality Assurance. 

CAA—Clean Air Act 

CAS Reg. No.—Chemical Abstracts Service 

Registry Identification Number 

CBI—Confidential Business Information 

CFC—Chlorofluorocarbon 

CFR—Code of Federal Regulations 

CO2—Carbon Dioxide 

EPA—United States Environmental 

Protection Agency 

FR—Federal Register 

GWP—Global Warming Potential 

HCFC—Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 

HCFO—Hydrochlorofluoroolefin 

HFC—Hydrofluorocarbon 

HFO—Hydrofluoroolefin 

HP—Heat Pump 

ICF—ICF International, Inc. 

IPCC—Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 

Change 

LFL—Lower Flammability Limit 

LOAEL—Lowest Observed Adverse Effect 

Level 

NAAQS—National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards 

NAICS—North American Industrial 

Classification System 

NARA—National Archives and Records 

Administration 

NFPA—National Fire Protection Association 

NIOSH—National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health 

NPRM—Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 

ODP—Ozone Depletion Potential 

ODS—Ozone Depleting Substances 

OMB—United States Office of Management 

and Budget 

OSHA—United States Occupational Safety 

and Health Administration 

PMS—Pantone® Matching System 

ppm—Parts Per Million 

PRA—Paperwork Reduction Act 

PTAC—Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner 

PTHP—Packaged Terminal Heat Pump 

RAL—‘‘Reichs-Ausschu+ fu ̈r 

Lieferbedingungen und Gu ̈ tesicherung,’’ 

Germany’s National Commission for 

Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance 

RCRA—Resource Conservation and Recovery 

Act 

RFA—Regulatory Flexibility Act 

SCBA—Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus 

SDS—Safety Data Sheet 

SIP—State Implementation Plan 

SNAP—Significant New Alternatives Policy 

TLV–TWA—Threshold Limit Value-TimeWeighted Average 

TSCA—Toxic Substances Control Act 

TWA—Time Weighted Average 

UL—UL, formerly known as Underwriters 

Laboratories, Inc. 

UMRA—Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

VOC—Volatile Organic Compound, Volatile 

Organic Compounds 

VSLS—Very Short-Lived Substances 

VLTR—Very Low Temperature Refrigeration 

WEEL—Workplace Environmental Exposure 

Limit 

WMO—World Meteorological Organization 

II. What is EPA proposing in this 

action? 

A. Chillers—Proposed Listing of HFO– 

1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Chiller Equipment, and 

Proposed Listing of HFC–32 and R–452B 

as Acceptable, Subject to Use 

Conditions, for Use in New Rotary and 

Scroll Chiller Equipment, for Chillers 

Used in Comfort Cooling, Including 

Both Commercial and Industrial Process 

AC 

EPA previously listed HFO–1234yf as 

acceptable subject to use conditions in 

motor vehicle AC in light-duty vehicles 

(74 FR 53445; October 19, 2009), in 

heavy-duty pickup trucks and complete 

heavy-duty vans (81 FR 86778; 

December 1, 2016) and in nonroad 

vehicles and service fittings for small 

refrigerant cans (87 FR 26276; May 4, 

2022). EPA previously listed HFC–32 as 

acceptable subject to use conditions as 

a substitute in residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs (80 FR 19454; 

April 10, 2015) (86 FR 24444; May 6, 

2021) and previously listed R–452B, R– 

454A, R–454B, and R–454C, (hereafter 

called ‘‘the four refrigerant blends’’), as 

acceptable subject to use conditions as 

substitutes in residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs (86 FR 24444; 

May 6, 2021).1

Today’s proposed rulemaking is 

proposing to find HFC–32, HFO–1234yf, 

and the four refrigerant blends 

acceptable subject to use conditions as 

substitutes in certain types of chillers. 

This proposed listing for HFO–1234yf, 

R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C applies to 

all compressor types of chillers, i.e., 

centrifugal and positive displacement 

(including reciprocating, screw, scroll 

and rotary) chillers, while the proposed 

listing for HFC–32 and R–452B applies 

to only scroll and rotary chillers. The 

proposed listings are for comfort cooling 

applications of such chillers under 

EPA’s proposed use conditions, 

including but not limited to use in 

commercial AC and industrial process 

AC. 

Several use conditions proposed for 

chillers are identical to those proposed 

for other end-uses (residential 

dehumidifiers, non-residential 

dehumidifiers, and residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs) proposed in 

sections II.B, II.C, and II.D. below. 

Because of this similarity, EPA 

discusses the use conditions that would 

apply to all three end-uses in section 

II.E below. For chillers, EPA is also 

proposing an additional use condition 

related to adherence to the ASHRAE 15– 

2019 standard. In summary, the 

common use conditions proposed are: 

(1) New equipment only—These 

refrigerants may be used only in new 

equipment designed specifically and 

clearly identified for the refrigerant, i.e., 

none of these substitutes may be used as 

a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. 

(2) UL Standard—These refrigerants 

may be used only in chillers that meet 

all requirements listed in the 3rd 

edition, dated November 1, 2019, of UL 

Standard 60335–2–40, ‘‘Household and 

Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety— 

Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for 

Electrical Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners 

and Dehumidifiers’’ (hereafter in this 

section, ‘‘UL Standard’’). If this rule is 

finalized as proposed, in cases where 

the final rule would include 

requirements different than those of the 

3rd edition of UL Standard 60335–2–40, 

EPA is proposing that the appliance 

would need to meet the requirements of 

the final rule in place of the 

requirements in the UL Standard. See 

section II.E below for further discussion 

on the requirements of this standard 

that EPA is proposing to incorporate by 

reference. 

(3) Warning labels—Several warning 

labels are proposed as use conditions as 

detailed in section II.E below. These 

labels are similar or verbatim in 

language to those required by the UL 

Standard. The warning labels must be 

provided in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high and must be permanent. 

(4) Markings—Equipment must have 

distinguishing red (Pantone® Matching 

System (PMS) #185 or Reichs-Ausschu+ 

fu ̈r Lieferbedingungen und 

Gu ̈tesicherung 2 (RAL) 3020) colorcoded hoses and piping to indicate use 

of a flammable refrigerant. The chiller 

shall have marked service ports, pipes, 

hoses and other devices through which 

the refrigerant is serviced. Markings 

shall extend at least 1 inch (25 

millimeters) from the servicing port and 

shall be replaced if removed. 

For chillers, EPA is also proposing a 

use condition related to adherence to 

the ASHRAE 15–2019 standard in 

addition to those common proposed use 

conditions. Specifically, we are 

proposing that these refrigerants may 

only be used in chillers that meet all 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45512 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

3ASHRAE, 2019b. American National Standards 

Institute (ANSI)/American Society for Heating, 

Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers 

(ASHRAE) Standard 15. Safety Standard for 

Refrigeration Systems. 2019. 

4ASHRAE, 2019a. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34– 

2019: Designation and Safety Classification of 

Refrigerants. 

requirements listed in the American 

National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ 

ASHRAE Standard 15–2019 (hereafter 

‘‘ASHRAE Standard’’). If this rule is 

finalized as proposed, in cases where 

the final rule would include 

requirements different than those of 

ASHRAE Standard 15–2019,3 EPA is 

proposing that the appliance would 

need to meet the requirements of the 

final rule in place of the requirements 

in the ASHRAE Standard. EPA is also 

proposing that if this rule is finalized as 

proposed, in cases where similar 

requirements of ASHRAE Standard 15 

and UL Standard 60335–2–40 differ, the 

more stringent or conservative condition 

shall apply unless superseded by the 

final rule. This additional use condition 

is discussed further in section II.A.4 

below. 

The regulatory text of the proposed 

decisions appears in tables at the end of 

this document. If finalized as proposed, 

this text would be codified in appendix 

X of 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. The 

proposed regulatory text contains listing 

decisions for the end-uses discussed 

above. EPA notes that there may be 

other legal obligations pertaining to the 

manufacture, use, handling, and 

disposal of the proposed refrigerants 

that are not included in the information 

listed in the tables (e.g., the CAA section 

608(c)(2) prohibition on knowingly 

venting or otherwise knowingly 

releasing or disposing of substitute 

refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration or Department of 

Transportation requirements for 

transport of flammable gases). 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered 

or otherwise disposed of from chillers 

are likely to be hazardous waste under 

the Resource Conservation and 

Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 

260–270). 

1. Background on Chillers—Commercial 

AC and Industrial Process AC 

This proposal applies to chillers that 

are covered by the UL 60335–2–40 

standard ‘‘Household and Similar 

Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2– 

40: Requirements for Electrical Heat 

Pumps, Air Conditioners and 

Dehumidifiers’’ and ASHRAE Standard 

15–2019, ‘‘Safety Standard for 

Refrigeration Systems.’’ EPA 

understands that the UL Standard 

applies to chillers used for comfort 

cooling. 

In the initial rule establishing the 

SNAP program (59 FR 13044; March 18, 

1994), EPA included within the 

refrigeration and AC sector the end-use 

‘‘commercial comfort air conditioning’’ 

and then elaborated on that end-use by 

saying that ‘‘CFCs are used in several 

different types of mechanical 

commercial comfort AC systems, known 

as chillers.’’ EPA indicated ‘‘that over 

time, existing cooling capacity [from 

chillers] will be either retrofitted or 

replaced by systems using non-CFC 

refrigerants in a vapor compression 

cycle or by alternative technologies.’’ 

We also explained in that rule that 

vapor compression chillers can be 

categorized by the type of compressor 

used, including centrifugal, rotary, 

screw, scroll and reciprocating 

compressors. These compressor types 

are also divided into centrifugal and 

positive displacement chillers, the latter 

of which includes those with 

reciprocating, screw, scroll or rotary 

compressors. 

Centrifugal chillers are equipment 

that utilize a centrifugal compressor in 

a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. 

Centrifugal chillers are typically used 

for commercial comfort AC, although 

other uses, that we are not proposing 

here, do exist. Centrifugal chillers can 

be found in office buildings, hotels, 

arenas, convention halls, airport 

terminals and other buildings. 

Centrifugal chillers tend to be used in 

larger buildings. 

Positive displacement chillers are 

those that utilize positive displacement 

compressors such as reciprocating, 

screw, scroll or rotary types. Positive 

displacement chillers are applied in 

similar situations as centrifugal chillers, 

again primarily for commercial comfort 

AC, except that positive displacement 

chillers tend to be used for smaller 

capacity needs such as in mid- and lowrise buildings. 

A chiller is a type of equipment using 

refrigerant that typically cools water or 

a brine solution, which is then pumped 

to fan coil units or other air handlers to 

cool the air that is supplied to the 

occupied spaces transferring the heat to 

the water. The heat absorbed by the 

water can then be used for heating 

purposes, and/or can be transferred 

directly to the air (‘‘air-cooled’’), to a 

cooling tower or body of water (‘‘watercooled’’), or through evaporative coolers 

(‘‘evaporative-cooled’’). A chiller or a 

group of chillers could similarly be used 

for district cooling where the chiller 

plant cools water or another fluid that 

is then pumped to multiple locations 

being served such as several different 

buildings within the same complex. 

Chillers may also be used to maintain 

operating temperatures in various types 

of buildings, for example, in data 

centers, server farms, and agricultural/ 

food operations. Chillers are used in 

other applications, for example, to cool 

process streams in industrial 

applications. Chillers are also used for 

comfort cooling of operators or climate 

control and protecting process 

equipment in industrial buildings, for 

example, in industrial processes when 

ambient temperatures could approach 

200 °F (93 °C) and corrosive conditions 

could exist. The listings proposed today 

would apply to all types of chillers in 

comfort cooling applications. 

2. What are the American Society of 

Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 

classifications for refrigerant 

flammability? 

The ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34– 

2019 assigns a safety group 

classification for each refrigerant which 

consists of two to three alphanumeric 

characters (e.g., A2L or B1). The initial 

capital letter indicates the toxicity, and 

the numeral denotes the flammability. 

ASHRAE classifies Class A refrigerants 

as refrigerants for which toxicity has not 

been identified at concentrations less 

than or equal to 400 parts per million 

(ppm) by volume, based on data used to 

determine threshold limit value-timeweighted average (TLV–TWA) or 

consistent indices. Class B signifies 

refrigerants for which there is evidence 

of toxicity at concentrations below 400 

ppm by volume, based on data used to 

determine TLV–TWA or consistent 

indices. 

The refrigerants are also assigned a 

flammability classification of 1, 2, 2L, or 

3. Tests for flammability are conducted 

in accordance with American Society 

for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E681 

using a spark ignition source at 140 °F 

(60 °C) and 14.7 psia (101.3 kPa).4 The 

flammability classification ‘‘1’’ is given 

to refrigerants that, when tested, show 

no flame propagation. The flammability 

classification ‘‘2’’ is given to refrigerants 

that, when tested, exhibit flame 

propagation, have a heat of combustion 

less than 19,000 kJ/kg (8,169 Btu/lb), 

and have a lower flammability limit 

(LFL) greater than 0.10 kg/m3. The 

flammability classification ‘‘2L’’ is given 

to refrigerants that, when tested, exhibit 

flame propagation, have a heat of 

combustion less than 19,000 kJ/kg 

(8,169 BTU/lb), have an LFL greater 

than 0.10 kg/m3, and have a maximum 

burning velocity of 10 cm/s or lower 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45513 

5 ICF, 2022a. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–32. 

6 ICF, 2022b. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: HFO–123yf. 

7 ICF, 2022c. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–452B. 

8 ICF, 2022d. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–454A. 

9 ICF, 2022e. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–454B. 

10 ICF, 2022f. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air Conditioning 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–454C. 

11World Meteorological Organization (2018). 

Burkholder et al. Appendix A, Table A–1 in 

Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2018, 

Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project, 

Report No. 58, World Meteorological Organization, 

Geneva, Switzerland, http://ozone.unep.org/ 

science/assessment/sap. (WMO, 2018). 

12Nielsen et al., 2007. Nielsen, O.J., Javadi, M.S., 

Sulbaek Andersen, M.P., Hurley, M.D., Wallington, 

T.J., Singh, R. 2007. Atmospheric chemistry of 

CF3CF=CH2: Kinetics and mechanisms of gas-phase 

reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3. 

Chemical Physics Letters 439, 18–22. Available 

online at http://www.cogci.dk/network/OJN_174_

CF3CF=CH2.pdf. 

13Hodnebrog ;;. et al., 2013. Hodnebrog ;;., 

Etminan, M., Fuglestvedt, J.S., Marston, G., Myhre, 

G., Nielsen, C.J., Shine, K.P., Wallington, T.J.: 

Global Warming Potentials and Radiative 

Efficiencies of Halocarbons and Related 

Compounds: A Comprehensive Review, Reviews of 

Geophysics, 51, 300–378, doi:10.1002/rog.20013, 

2013. 

14Unless otherwise specified, GWP values are 

100-year values from Intergovernmental Panel on 

Climate Change (IPCC) (2007) Climate Change 2007: 

The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of 

Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report 

of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 

S. Solomon, D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. 

Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller 

(eds.). Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 

United Kingdom 996 pp. 

when tested in dry air at 73.4 °F (23.0 

°C) and 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa). The 

flammability classification ‘‘3’’ is given 

to refrigerants that, when tested, exhibit 

flame propagation and that either have 

a heat of combustion of 19,000 kJ/kg 

(8,169 BTU/lb) or greater or have an LFL 

of 0.10 kg/m3 or lower. 

For flammability classifications, 

refrigerant blends are designated based 

on the worst case of formulation for 

flammability and the worst case of 

fractionation for flammability 

determined for the blend. 

Using these safety group 

classifications, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 

34–2019 categorizes HFO–1234yf, HFC– 

32 and the four refrigerant blends in this 

section of the proposed rulemaking in 

the A2L Safety Group. 

3. What are HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C 

and how do they compare to other 

refrigerants in the same end-use? 

HFO–1234yf and HFC–32 are lower 

flammability refrigerants, and the four 

refrigerant blends are lower 

flammability refrigerant blends, all with 

an ASHRAE safety classification of A2L. 

The respective Chemical Abstracts 

Service Registry Identification Numbers 

(CAS Reg. Nos.) of HFO–1234yf, HFC– 

32 and the components of the four 

refrigerant blends are listed below. 

HFO–1234yf, also known by the trade 

names ‘‘Solstice® yf’’ and ‘‘Opteon TM

YF,’’ is also known as 2,3,3,3- 

tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 

754–12–1). HFC–32 is also known as R– 

32 or difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 

75–10–5). R–452B, also known by the 

trade names ‘‘Opteon TM XL 55’’ and 

‘‘Solstice® L41y,’’ is a blend consisting 

of 67 percent by weight HFC–32; seven 

percent HFC–125, also known as 

1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. 

No. 354–33–6); and 26 percent HFO– 

1234yf. R–454A, also known by the 

trade name ‘‘OpteonTM XL 40,’’ is a 

blend consisting of 35 percent HFC–32 

and 65 percent HFO–1234yf. R–454B, 

also known by the trade names 

‘‘OpteonTM XL 41’’ and ‘‘Puron 

AdvanceTM,’’ is a blend consisting of 

68.9 percent HFC–32 and 31.1 percent 

HFO–1234yf. R–454C, also known by 

the trade name ‘‘OpteonTM XL 20,’’ is a 

blend consisting of 21.5 percent HFC–32 

and 78.5 percent HFO–1234yf. 

Redacted submissions and supporting 

documentation for HFO–1234yf, HFC– 

32 and the four refrigerant blends are 

provided in the docket for this proposed 

rule (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0836) at 

https://www.regulations.gov. EPA 

performed an assessment to examine the 

health and environmental risks of each 

of these substitutes. These assessments 

are available in the docket for this 

proposed rule.5 6 7 8 9 10

Environmental information: HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32 and the four refrigerant 

blends have ODPs of zero. 

HFO–1234yf has a 100-year integrated 

global warming potential (GWP) of less 

than one to four. 11 12 13 HFC–32 has a 

GWP of 675. The four refrigerant blends 

are made up of the components HFC– 

32, HFC–125, and HFO–1234yf, which 

have GWPs of 675, 3,500, and one to 

four, respectively.14 If these values are 

weighted by mass percentage, then R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C 

have GWPs of about 700, 240, 470, and 

150, respectively. 

HFC–32, HFO–1234yf, and the other 

component of one of the four refrigerant 


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Figure 1. Refrigerant Safety Group Classification 

S a £ ety G rouJ 

Higher A3 B3 

Flammability 

Flammable A2 B2 

Lower 

Flammability A2L B2L 

No Flame Al Bl 

Propagation 

Lower Higher 

Toxicity Toxicity 

Increasing Toxicity 
45514 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

15The regulations at 40 CFR 82.15(g)(5)(iii) 

provide a limited exception to the prohibition on 

use in 82.15(g)(5)(i), for use of HCFC–123 as a 

refrigerant in equipment manufactured on or after 

January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2021 if the 

conditions of 40 CFR 82.15(g)(5)(iii) are met. 

16The regulations at 40 CFR 82.15(g)(2)(ii) 

provide limited exceptions to the prohibitions in 

82.15(g)(2)(i), including for HCFC–22 ‘‘for use as a 

refrigerant in appliances manufactured before 

January 1, 2012, provided that the components are 

manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, and are 

specified in a building permit or a contract dated 

before January 1, 2010, for use on a particular 

project.’’ 

17For example, test report #46 (https://

ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/RESEARCH/ 

AREP_Final_Reports/AHRI%20LowGWP%20AREP-Rpt-046.pdf). 

18For example, test report #7 (https://ahrinet.org/ 

App_Content/ahri/files/RESEARCH/AREP_Final_

Reports/AHRI%20Low-GWP%20AREP-Rpt-024.pdf) 

and test report #25 (https://ahrinet.org/App_

Content/ahri/files/RESEARCH/AREP_Final_

Reports/AHRI%20Low-GWP%20AREP-Rpt025.pdf). 

blends, HFC–125, are excluded from 

EPA’s regulatory definition of volatile 

organic compounds (VOC) (see 40 CFR 

51.100(s)) addressing the development 

of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to 

attain and maintain the National 

Ambient Air Quality Standards 

(NAAQS). That definition provides that 

‘‘any compound of carbon’’ which 

‘‘participates in atmospheric 

photochemical reactions’’ is considered 

a VOC unless expressly excluded in that 

provision based on a determination of 

‘‘negligible photochemical reactivity.’’ 

Knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of 

these refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration is prohibited as 

provided in section 608(c)(2) of the CAA 

and EPA’s regulations at 40 CFR 

82.154(a)(1). 

Flammability information: HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32 and the four refrigerant 

blends have lower flammability. All 

have an ASHRAE flammability 

classification of 2L. 

Toxicity and exposure data: HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32 and the four refrigerant 

blends have an ASHRAE toxicity 

classification of A. Potential health 

effects of exposure to these substitutes 

include drowsiness or dizziness. The 

substitutes may also irritate the skin or 

eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently 

high concentrations, the substitutes may 

cause irregular heartbeat. The 

substitutes could cause asphyxiation if 

air is displaced by vapors in a confined 

space. These potential health effects are 

common to many refrigerants. 

The American Industrial Hygiene 

Association (AIHA) has established 

Workplace Environmental Exposure 

Limits (WEELs) of 1,000 ppm as an 

eight-hour time-weighted average (8-hr 

TWA) for HFC–32 and the component 

refrigerant HFC–125; the AIHA has 

established a WEEL of 500 ppm as an 8- 

hr TWA for HFO–1234yf. The 

manufacturer of R–452B, R–454A, R– 

454B, and R–454C recommends AELs, 

respectively, of 874, 690, 854, and 615 

ppm on an 8-hr TWA for these blends. 

EPA anticipates that users will be able 

to meet the AIHA WEELs and 

manufacturers’ AELs and address 

potential health risks by following 

requirements and recommendations in 

the manufacturers’ safety data sheet 

(SDS), the use conditions proposed 

(including adherence to ASHRAE 

Standard 15), and other safety 

precautions common to the refrigeration 

and AC industry. 

Comparison to other substitutes in 

this end-use: HFO–1234yf, HFC–32 and 

the four refrigerant blends all have an 

ODP of zero, comparable to or lower 

than some of the acceptable substitutes 

in these end-uses, such as HFO– 

1234ze(E) with an ODP of zero. 

Although HCFC–123 and R–406A (with 

components HCFC–22 and HCFC–142b) 

have been listed acceptable in this enduse with ODPs of 0.02 and 0.057, 

respectively, HCFC–123 (unless used, 

recovered, and recycled) may not be 

used as a refrigerant in equipment 

manufactured on or after January 1, 

2020, under 40 CFR 82.15(g)(5)(i).15

Similarly, components of R–406A 

(HCFC–22 and HCFC–142b) (unless 

used, recovered, and recycled) may not 

be used as a refrigerant for use in 

chillers manufactured on or after 

January 1, 2010, under 40 CFR 

82.15(g)(2)(i).16 Under 40 CFR 82.16, 

EPA has not issued any production and 

consumption allowances for HCFC–22 

and HCFC–142b since 2019. 

HFC–32 and the four refrigerant 

blends’ GWPs, ranging from about 150 

to 700, are higher than those of some of 

the acceptable substitutes for new 

centrifugal and positive displacement 

chillers, including HCFO–1233zd(E), 

HFO–1336mzz(Z) and R–515B, with 

GWPs of 3.7, 9 and 287, respectively. 

The GWPs of HFO–1234yf, R–454A, R– 

454B, and R–454C are lower than some 

of the acceptable substitutes for new 

centrifugal and positive displacement 

chillers, such as R–450A and R–513A, 

with GWPs of approximately 600 and 

630, respectively. For scroll and rotary 

chillers, HFC–32’s and R–452B’s GWPs 

of 675 and about 700 are higher than the 

GWPs of those refrigerants. The GWPs 

of HFC–32 and R–452B are, however, 

lower than R–410A, with a GWP of 

approximately 2,090, which is the 

refrigerant that has typically been 

employed in such systems. EPA listed 

R–410A as unacceptable for chillers as 

of January 1, 2024. Our initial 

evaluation is that the characteristics of 

these two alternatives meet the 

technical needs of scroll and rotary 

chillers while lower-GWP alternatives 

do not. For instance, under the AirConditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration 

Institute’s (AHRI) Low-GWP Alternative 

Refrigerants Evaluation Program, 

manufacturers specifically chose HFC– 

32 amongst others to test in scroll 

chillers 17 but not in screw chillers.18

EPA understands that the decision to 

investigate this refrigerant in scroll 

chillers was made because it has the 

higher volumetric capacity that is 

needed for this type of compressor. This 

thermodynamic property is important to 

achieve the cooling capacity needed 

without increasing equipment sizes, 

which could lead to weights exceeding 

code requirements, for instance, when a 

chiller on top of an existing building is 

replaced with a new one. In contrast, for 

other types of compressors, such as 

centrifugal, reciprocating, and screw, 

the higher volumetric capacity is not 

required; lower-GWP refrigerants, such 

as HCFO–1233zd(E), R–450A, and R– 

513A, with GWPs ranging from less than 

one to 630, are available and meet 

technical needs for those compressor 

types. 

HFC–32’s and the four refrigerant 

blends’ GWPs, ranging from about 150 

to 700, are higher than those of some of 

the acceptable substitutes for new 

industrial process AC, including carbon 

dioxide (CO2), HFO–1336mzz(Z) and R– 

515B with GWPs of 1, 9 and 287 

respectively. Their GWPs are lower than 

some of the acceptable substitutes for 

new industrial process AC, such as 

HFC–134a, R–410A, and R–507A with 

GWPs of 1,430, 2,090 and 3,990 

respectively. HFO–1234yf’s GWP of one 

to four is comparable to or lower than 

that of other acceptable substitutes for 

new industrial process AC, such as CO2, 

HFO–1336mzz(Z) and R–515B with 

GWPs of 1, 9 and 287, respectively. 

Information regarding the toxicity of 

other available alternatives is provided 

in the listing decisions previously made 

(see https://www.epa.gov/snap/ 

substitutes-chillers). Toxicity risks of 

use, determined by the likelihood of 

exceeding the exposure limit, of HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32, and the four refrigerant 

blends in these end-uses are evaluated 

in the risk screens referenced above. 

The toxicity risks of using HFO–1234yf, 

HFC–32, and the four refrigerant blends 

in chillers and industrial process AC are 

comparable to or lower than toxicity 

risks of other available substitutes in the 

same end-uses. Toxicity risks of the 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45515 

19We note that while the ASHRAE 15–2019 

purpose indicates ‘‘refrigeration systems,’’ EPA 

believes this includes applications that are typically 

called ‘‘air conditioning.’’ 

proposed refrigerants can be minimized 

by use consistent with ASHRAE 15— 

which would be required by our 

proposed use conditions—and other 

industry standards, recommendations in 

the manufacturers’ SDS, and other 

safety precautions common in the 

refrigeration and AC industry. 

The flammability risk with HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32, and the four refrigerant 

blends in these end-uses, determined by 

the likelihood of exceeding their 

respective lower flammability limits, are 

evaluated in the risk screens referenced 

above. In conclusion, while these 

refrigerants may pose greater 

flammability risk than other available 

substitutes in the same end-uses, this 

risk can be minimized by use consistent 

with ASHRAE 15—which would be 

required by our proposed use 

conditions—and other industry 

standards such as UL 60335–2–40— 

which is also required by our proposed 

use conditions—as well as 

recommendations in the manufacturers’ 

SDS and other safety precautions 

common in the refrigeration and AC 

industry. EPA is proposing use 

conditions to reduce the potential risk 

associated with the flammability of 

these alternatives so that they will not 

pose significantly greater risk than other 

acceptable substitutes in this end-use. 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

use conditions? 

The UL Standard 60335–2–40 

discussed in section II.E indicates that 

refrigerant charges greater than a 

specific amount (called ‘‘m3’’ in the UL 

Standard and based on the refrigerant’s 

LFL) are beyond its scope and that 

national standards might apply, such as 

for instance ANSI/ASHRAE 15–2019. 

Hence, EPA is including adherence to 

both standards as use conditions for 

chillers, broadening the coverage under 

this proposed rule. 

EPA is proposing that ANSI/ASHRAE 

Standard 15–2019, with all addenda 

published to date of this proposal, 

including addenda a, b, c, d, e, f, i, j, k, 

n, o, q, and r apply specifically to 

chillers. Where the requirements 

specified in this proposed rule (if 

finalized) and ASHRAE Standard 15 are 

different, the requirements of this 

proposed rule (if finalized) would 

apply. In cases where similar 

requirements of ASHRAE Standard 15 

and UL Standard 60335–2–40 differ, 

EPA proposes that the more stringent or 

conservative condition would apply. 

A summary of certain aspects of 

ASHRAE Standard 15 is provided here 

for information only. This is not meant 

to be a full explanation of the Standard 

or how it is applied. ASHRAE Standard 

15 specifies requirements for 

refrigeration systems,19 including 

chillers, based on the safety group 

classification of the refrigerant used, the 

type of occupancy in the location for 

which the system is used, and whether 

refrigerant-containing parts of the 

system enter the space or ductwork and 

so leakage in the space is deemed 

‘‘probable.’’ ‘‘High-Probability’’ 

installations are those such that leaks or 

failures will result in refrigerant 

entering the occupied space. As 

explained above, HFO–1234yf, HFC–32 

and the four refrigerant blends are all 

classified as A2L refrigerants. 

Occupancies are divided into six 

classifications: institutional, public 

assembly, residential, commercial, large 

mercantile, and industrial. Examples of 

these include jails, theaters, apartment 

buildings, office buildings, shopping 

malls, and chemical plants, 

respectively. 

Sections 7.2 and 7.3 of ASHRAE 

Standard 15 determine the maximum 

amount of refrigerant allowed in the 

system, while section 7.4 provides an 

option to locate equipment outdoors or 

in a machinery room constructed and 

maintained under conditions specified 

in the standard. Section 7.6 of ASHRAE 

Standard 15 addresses the refrigerants 

in this proposal when used for human 

comfort in ‘‘high-probability’’ systems, 

including requirements for nameplates, 

labels, refrigerant detectors (under 

certain conditions), airflow initiation 

and other actions (if a rise in refrigerant 

concentration is detected), and other 

restrictions. 

EPA recognizes that ASHRAE 

Standard 15 is undergoing revisions and 

is typically updated and republished 

every three years. While this proposed 

rule incorporates all addenda published 

by the date of this proposal, the 2022 

version of the standard may incorporate 

additional changes. ASHRAE standards 

are open for public comment and 

participation following ANSI 

requirements. 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

EPA is providing additional 

information related to these proposed 

listings. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. See section 

II.E.2 below for further discussion on 

what additional information EPA is 

including in these proposed listings. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision 

above for use of HFC–32 and R–452B in 

scroll and rotary chillers. EPA is also 

requesting comment on the proposal to 

list HFO–1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, and 

R–454C acceptable in all chillers. We 

request comment on our initial 

evaluation and our proposal to find 

HFC–32 and R–452B acceptable, subject 

to use conditions, for use only in scroll 

and rotary chillers. EPA also seeks 

specific comments on the use 

conditions including the proposed 

requirements to comply with both the 

third edition of UL Standard 60335–2– 

40 and ASHRAE 15–2019 including 

published addenda. With respect to 

these standards, EPA is requesting 

comment on the risk mitigation offered 

by compliance with the current version 

of the standards proposed as use 

conditions, the nature of updates 

proposed for these standards, and the 

expected timeline for those updates. 

EPA is requesting comment on the 

applicability of UL Standard 60335–2– 

40, 3rd Edition to chillers, including 

which chillers and under which 

applications the standard applies, as 

well as on the applicability of ASHRAE 

Standard 15–2019 with the addenda 

published to date. 

EPA recognizes that these standards 

are undergoing revision. Both UL and 

ASHRAE standards are open for public 

comment and participation following 

ANSI requirements. UL opened for 

comment a proposed 4th edition of this 

standard as an update to the 3rd Edition 

to which comments were due March 1, 

2022. If the final 4th edition is 

published before EPA takes final action 

on today’s proposed listings that would 

incorporate the 3rd edition by reference, 

EPA may incorporate the 4th Edition by 

reference into those listings in lieu of 

the 3rd Edition. Similarly, ASHRAE has 

opened for comment a 2022 version of 

ANSI/ASHRAE 15. If the final 2022 

edition of ASHRAE 15 is published 

before EPA takes final action on today’s 

proposed listings that would 

incorporate the 2019 edition by 

reference, EPA may incorporate the 

2022 edition by reference into those 

listings in lieu of the 2019 edition. If 

either revised standard becomes final 

before EPA takes final action on these 


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45516 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

20SNAP regulations (see 40 CFR 82.172) define 

residential use as use by a private individual of a 

chemical substance or any product containing the 

chemical substance in or around a permanent or 

temporary household, during recreation, or for any 

personal use or enjoyment. Use within a household 

for commercial or medical applications is not 

included in this definition, nor is use in 

automobiles, watercraft, or aircraft. 

listings, EPA anticipates reopening or 

extending the public comment period to 

provide an opportunity for public 

comment on incorporating the final 4th 

edition of UL 60335–2–40 or the final 

2022 edition of ASHRAE 15 by 

reference into those listings. 

B. Residential Dehumidifiers—Proposed 

Listing of HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Residential 

Dehumidifiers End-Use 

EPA previously listed HFO–1234yf as 

acceptable subject to use conditions in 

motor vehicle AC in light-duty vehicles 

(74 FR 53445; October 19, 2009), in 

heavy-duty pickup trucks and complete 

heavy-duty vans (81 FR 86778; 

December 1, 2016) and in nonroad 

vehicles and service fittings for small 

refrigerant cans (87 FR 26276; May 4, 

2022). EPA previously listed HFC–32 as 

acceptable subject to use conditions as 

a substitute in residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs (80 FR 19454; 

April 10, 2015 and 86 FR 24444, May 

6, 2021) and previously listed R–452B, 

R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C (hereafter 

called ‘‘the four refrigerant blends’’) as 

acceptable subject to use conditions as 

substitutes in residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs (86 FR 24444; 

May 6, 2021). 

Several use conditions proposed for 

residential dehumidifiers are common 

to those proposed for other end-uses in 

section II.A, above, and II.C and II.D, 

below. Because of this similarity, EPA 

discusses the use conditions that would 

apply to all four end-uses in section II.E. 

For residential dehumidifiers, those are 

the only use conditions EPA is 

proposing. In summary the use 

conditions proposed are: 

(1) New equipment only—These 

refrigerants may be used only in new 

equipment designed specifically and 

clearly identified for the refrigerant, i.e., 

none of these substitutes may be used as 

a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. 

(2) UL Standard—These refrigerants 

may be used only in residential 

dehumidifiers that meet all 

requirements listed in the 3rd edition, 

dated November 1, 2019, of 

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 

Standard 60335–2–40, ‘‘Household and 

Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety— 

Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for 

Electrical Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners 

and Dehumidifiers’’ (UL Standard). If 

this rule is finalized as proposed, in 

cases where the final rule would 

include requirements different from 

those of the 3rd edition of UL Standard 

60335–2–40, EPA is proposing that the 

appliance would need to meet the 

requirements of the final rule in place 

of the requirements in the UL Standard. 

See section II.E below for further 

discussion on the requirements of this 

standard that EPA is proposing to 

incorporate by reference. 

(3) Warning labels—Several warning 

labels are proposed as use conditions as 

detailed in section II.E below. These 

labels are similar or verbatim in 

language to those required by the UL 

Standard. The warning labels must be 

provided in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high and must be permanent. 

(4) Markings—Equipment must have 

distinguishing red (PMS #185 or RAL 

3020) color-coded hoses and piping to 

indicate use of a flammable refrigerant. 

The residential dehumidifier shall have 

marked service ports, pipes, hoses and 

other devices through which the 

refrigerant is serviced. Markings shall 

extend at least 1 inch (25mm) from the 

servicing port and shall be replaced if 

removed. 

The regulatory text of the proposed 

decisions appears in tables at the end of 

this document. If finalized as proposed, 

this text would be codified in appendix 

X of 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. The 

proposed regulatory text contains listing 

decisions for the end-use discussed 

above. EPA notes that there may be 

other legal obligations pertaining to the 

manufacture, use, handling, and 

disposal of the proposed refrigerants 

that are not included in the information 

listed in the tables (e.g., the CAA section 

608(c)(2) prohibition on knowingly 

venting or otherwise knowingly 

releasing or disposing of substitute 

refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration, or Department of 

Transportation requirements for 

transport of flammable gases). 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered 

or otherwise disposed of from 

residential dehumidifiers are likely to 

be hazardous waste under RCRA (see 40 

CFR parts 260–270). 

1. Background on Residential 

Dehumidifiers 

Residential dehumidifiers are 

primarily used to remove water vapor 

from ambient air or directly from indoor 

air for comfort or material preservation 

purposes in the context of the home.20

While AC systems often combine 

cooling and dehumidification, this enduse only serves the latter purpose and 

is often used in homes for comfort 

purposes. This equipment is selfcontained and circulates air from a 

room, passes it through a cooling coil, 

and collects condensed water for 

disposal. Residential dehumidifiers fall 

under the scope of the UL 60335–2–40 

standard ‘‘Household and Similar 

Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2– 

40: Requirements for Electrical Heat 

Pumps, Air Conditioners and 

Dehumidifiers.’’ 

Some dehumidifiers for residential or 

light commercial use are integrated with 

the space air conditioning equipment, 

for instance via a separate bypass in the 

duct through which air is dehumidified, 

a dehumidifying heat pipe across the 

indoor coil, or other types of energy 

recovery devices that move sensible 

and/or latent heat between air streams 

(e.g., between incoming air and air 

vented to the outside). EPA classifies 

this application as a component of a 

residential or light commercial AC 

system or HP. As such, EPA has already 

listed HFC–32 as acceptable for such 

uses, subject to the use conditions 

specified in SNAP Rule 23 (86 FR 

24444; May 6, 2021). 

Today’s proposal, if finalized, would 

find HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, and the four 

refrigerant blends acceptable, subject to 

use conditions, in self-contained 

residential dehumidifiers. Note that 

dehumidifiers for residential or light 

commercial use that are integrated with 

air conditioning equipment (i.e., not 

self-contained), are not addressed in this 

listing because EPA classifies that type 

of equipment as residential or light 

commercial AC and HP. 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications 

for refrigerant flammability? 

HFO–1234yf and HFC–32 are lower 

flammability refrigerants, and the four 

refrigerant blends are lower 

flammability refrigerant blends, all with 

an ASHRAE safety classification of A2L. 

See section II.A.2 above for further 

discussion on ASHRAE classifications. 

3. What are HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C 

and how do they compare to other 

refrigerants in the same end-use? 

See section II.A.3 above for further 

discussion on the environmental, 

flammability, toxicity, and exposure 

information for these refrigerants. 

Redacted submissions and supporting 

documentation for HFO–1234yf, HFC– 

32 and the four refrigerant blends are 

provided in the docket for this proposed 

rule (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0836) at 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45517 

21 ICF, 2022g. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: HFC–32. 

22 ICF, 2022h. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–452B. 

23 ICF, 2022i. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454A. 

24 ICF, 2022j. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454B. 

25 ICF, 2022k. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454C. 

26 ICF, 2022l. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: HFO–1234yf. 

27The regulations at 40 CFR 82.15(g)(2)(ii) 

provide limited exceptions to the prohibitions in 

82.15(g)(2)(i), including for HCFC–22 ‘‘for use as a 

refrigerant in appliances manufactured before 

January 1, 2012, provided that the components are 

manufactured prior to January 1, 2010, and are 

specified in a building permit or a contract dated 

before January 1, 2010, for use on a particular 

project.’’ 

https://www.regulations.gov. EPA 

performed an assessment to examine the 

health and environmental risks of each 

of these substitutes. These assessments 

are available in the docket for this 

proposed rule.21 22 23 24 25 26

Comparison to other substitutes in 

this end-use: HFO–1234yf, HFC–32 and 

the four refrigerant blends all have an 

ODP of zero, comparable to or lower 

than some of the acceptable substitutes 

in new residential dehumidifiers, such 

as HFC–134a, R–410A, and R–513A, 

with ODPs of zero. HCFC–22 and R– 

406A (a blend of HCFC–22 and HCFC– 

142b) have ODPs of 0.055 and 0.057, 

respectively, and are listed as acceptable 

in new residential dehumidifiers. 

However, HCFC–22 and HCFC–142b are 

controlled substances under Title VI of 

the CAA and (unless used, recovered, 

and recycled) may not be used as a 

refrigerant in equipment manufactured 

on or after January 1, 2010, under 40 

CFR 82.15(g)(2)(i).27 Under 40 CFR 

82.16, EPA has not issued any 

production and consumption 

allowances for HCFC–22 and HCFC– 

142b (which is a component of R–406A, 

along with HCFC–22) since 2019. 

HFO–1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, and 

R–454C have GWPs ranging up to about 

470, lower than all the acceptable 

substitutes for new residential 

dehumidifiers, including R–513A and 

R–410A with GWPs of 630 and 2,090, 

respectively. HFC–32 and R–452B have 

GWPs of 675 and 700, respectively, 

which are lower than some of the other 

acceptable substitutes for new 

residential dehumidifiers, such as HFC– 

134a, R–410A, and R–507A with GWPs 

of 1,430, 2,090 and 3,990 respectively, 

but higher than R–513A, with a GWP of 

about 630. 

Information regarding the toxicity of 

other available alternatives is provided 

in the previous listing decisions for new 

residential dehumidifiers (https://

www.epa.gov/snap/substitutesresidential-dehumidifiers). Toxicity 

risks of use, determined by the 

likelihood of exceeding the exposure 

limit, of HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, and the 

four refrigerant blends in these end-uses 

are evaluated in the risk screens 

referenced above. The toxicity risks of 

using HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, and the 

four refrigerant blends in new 

residential dehumidifiers are 

comparable to or lower than toxicity 

risks of other available substitutes in the 

same end-use. Toxicity risks of the 

proposed refrigerants can be mitigated 

by use consistent with ASHRAE 15 and 

other industry standards, 

recommendations in the manufacturers’ 

SDS, and other safety precautions 

common in the refrigeration and AC 

industry. 

The flammability risk with HFO– 

1234yf, HFC–32, and the four refrigerant 

blends in the new residential 

dehumidifiers end-use, determined by 

the likelihood of exceeding their 

respective lower flammability limits, are 

evaluated in the risk screens referenced 

in this section above. While these 

refrigerants may pose greater 

flammability risk than other available 

substitutes in the new residential 

dehumidifiers end-use, this risk can be 

mitigated by use consistent with 

ASHRAE 15 and UL 60335–2–40, 

required by our proposed use 

conditions, as well as recommendations 

in the manufacturers’ SDS and other 

safety precautions common in the 

refrigeration and AC industry. EPA is 

proposing use conditions to reduce the 

potential risk associated with the 

flammability of these alternatives so that 

they will not pose significantly greater 

risk than other acceptable substitutes in 

the new residential dehumidifiers enduse. 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

use conditions? 

EPA is proposing to list HFO–1234yf, 

HFC–32 and the four refrigerant blends 

as acceptable, subject to use conditions, 

for use in residential dehumidifiers for 

new equipment. The use conditions 

identified in the listing above are 

explained below in section II.E.1 in 

greater detail. 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

EPA is providing additional 

information related to these proposed 

listings. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. See section 

II.E.2 below for further discussion on 

what additional information EPA is 

including in these proposed listings. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision 

in section II.B above, proposing to find 

HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, and the four 

refrigerant blends acceptable, subject to 

use conditions, in new residential 

dehumidifiers. EPA seeks comment on 

the risk mitigation offered by the use 

conditions proposed, including 

requiring compliance with the third 

edition of UL Standard 60335–2–40, 

except to the extent the proposed rule 

conflicts with the UL Standard, in 

which case we propose that the 

conditions specified in the proposed 

rule would apply if finalized. We also 

request comment on whether EPA 

should consider other use conditions to 

further mitigate potential risk from 

refrigerants. EPA requests comment on 

whether residential dehumidifiers have 

been designed for the refrigerants 

proposed and any information on the 

safety of such equipment in other 

countries, and if and how such 

experience would translate to safe use 

in the United States. EPA also requests 

comment on our description of different 

types of dehumidifiers and how EPA 

classifies different types in different 

end-uses. 

C. Non-Residential Dehumidifiers— 

Proposed Listing of HFC–32 as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Non-Residential 

Dehumidifiers End-Use 

EPA is proposing to list HFC–32 as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions for 

use in new non-residential 

dehumidifiers. EPA previously listed 

HFC–32 as acceptable subject to use 

conditions as a substitute in residential 

and light commercial AC and HPs (80 

FR 19454; April 10, 2015 and 86 FR 

24444, May 6, 2021). 

The use conditions proposed for nonresidential dehumidifiers are the same 

as those proposed for residential 

dehumidifiers. The use conditions are 

common to those proposed for other 

end-uses in section II.A and II.B, above, 

and II.D, below. Because of this 

similarity, EPA discusses the use 


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45518 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

28 ICF, 2022m. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Nonresidential Dehumidifiers (New Equipment); 

Substitute: HFC–32. 

conditions that would apply to all four 

end-uses in section II.DE. In summary, 

the use conditions proposed are: 

(1) New equipment only—These 

refrigerants may be used only in new 

equipment designed specifically and 

clearly identified for the refrigerant, i.e., 

none of these substitutes may be used as 

a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. 

(2) UL Standard—These refrigerants 

may be used only in non-residential 

dehumidifiers that meet all 

requirements for dehumidifiers listed in 

the 3rd edition, dated November 1, 

2019, of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 

Standard 60335–2–40, ‘‘Household and 

Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety— 

Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for 

Electrical Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners 

and Dehumidifiers’’ (UL Standard). If 

this rule is finalized as proposed, in 

cases where the final rule would 

include requirements different from 

those of the 3rd edition of UL Standard 

60335–2–40, EPA is proposing that the 

appliance would need to meet the 

requirements of the final rule in place 

of the requirements in the UL Standard. 

See section II.E below for further 

discussion on the requirements of this 

standard that EPA is proposing to 

incorporate by reference. 

(3) Warning labels—Several warning 

labels are proposed as use conditions as 

detailed in section II.E below. These 

labels are similar or verbatim in 

language to those required by the UL 

Standard. The warning labels must be 

provided in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high and must be permanent. 

(4) Markings—Equipment must have 

distinguishing red (PMS #185 or RAL 

3020) color-coded hoses and piping to 

indicate use of a flammable refrigerant. 

The non-residential dehumidifier shall 

have marked service ports, pipes, hoses 

and other devices through which the 

refrigerant is serviced. Markings shall 

extend at least 1 inch (25mm) from the 

servicing port and shall be replaced if 

removed. 

The regulatory text of the proposed 

decisions appears in tables at the end of 

this document. If finalized as proposed, 

this text would be codified in appendix 

X of 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. The 

proposed regulatory text contains listing 

decisions for the end-use discussed 

above. EPA notes that there may be 

other legal obligations pertaining to the 

manufacture, use, handling, and 

disposal of the proposed refrigerants 

that are not included in the information 

listed in the tables (e.g., the CAA section 

608(c)(2) prohibition on knowingly 

venting or otherwise knowingly 

releasing or disposing of substitute 

refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration, or Department of 

Transportation requirements for 

transport of flammable gases). 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered 

or otherwise disposed of from nonresidential dehumidifiers are likely to 

be hazardous waste under RCRA (see 40 

CFR parts 260–270). 

1. Background on Non-Residential 

Dehumidifiers 

Today’s proposal would create a new 

SNAP end-use for non-residential 

dehumidifiers. As described in section 

II.B.1 above, while AC systems often 

combine cooling and dehumidification, 

the non-residential dehumidifier enduse serves only the latter purpose. This 

equipment is self-contained and 

circulates air from a room, passes it 

through a cooling coil, and collects 

condensed water for disposal. Nonresidential dehumidifiers are similar in 

function to residential dehumidifiers 

described in section II.B.1 above, but are 

used in spaces not covered by 

residential use (see definition provided 

in section II.B.1 above). These types of 

non-residential spaces include 

commercial, industrial, or agricultural 

spaces (e.g., grow-rooms for plants) to 

provide finely controlled environments 

with temperature and humidity 

monitored carefully to ensure optimal 

conditions (e.g., plant growth). 

Examples of non-residential settings 

where self-contained dehumidifiers are 

used include food production and 

preparation where excessive humidity 

could damage the product or to manage 

humidity in greenhouses to protect 

crops. This type of equipment falls 

under the scope of the UL 60335–2–40 

standard ‘‘Household and Similar 

Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2– 

40: Requirements for Electrical Heat 

Pumps, Air Conditioners and 

Dehumidifiers.’’ 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications 

for refrigerant flammability? 

HFC–32 is a lower flammability 

refrigerant with an ASHRAE safety 

classification of A2L. See section II.A.2 

above for further discussion on 

ASHRAE classifications. 

3. What is HFC–32 and how does it 

compare to other refrigerants in the 

same end-use? 

See section II.A.3 above for further 

discussion on the environmental, 

flammability, toxicity and exposure 

information for HFC–32. 

The redacted submission and 

supporting documentation for HFC–32 

is provided in the docket for this 

proposed rule (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021– 

0836) at https://www.regulations.gov. 

EPA performed an assessment to 

examine the health and environmental 

risks of this substitute. This assessment 

is available in the docket for this 

proposed rule.28

Because EPA is proposing new nonresidential self-contained dehumidifiers 

as a new end-use, there are no other 

listed substitutes to compare to HFC–32. 

4. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

use conditions? 

The use conditions identified in the 

listing above are explained below in 

section II.E.1 in greater detail. 

5. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

EPA is providing additional 

information related to these proposed 

listings. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. See section 

II.E.2 below for further discussion on 

what additional information EPA is 

including in these proposed listings. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the FURTHER

INFORMATION column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision 

in section II.C above, proposing to find 

HFC–32 acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, in non-residential 

dehumidifiers. EPA seeks comment on 

the risk mitigation offered by the use 

conditions proposed, including 

requiring compliance with the third 

edition of UL Standard 60335–2–40, 

except to the extent the proposed rule 

conflicts with the UL Standard, in 

which case we propose that the 

conditions specified in the proposed 

rule would apply if finalized. We also 

request comment on whether other use 

conditions would offer needed risk 

mitigation for the flammable refrigerants 

proposed. EPA requests comment on 

whether non-residential dehumidifiers 

have been designed for the refrigerant 

proposed, HFC–32, any information on 

the safety of such equipment in other 

countries, and if and how such 

experience would translate to safe use 

in the United States. EPA also requests 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45519 

29 ICF, 2022n. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning 

and Heat Pumps (New Equipment) Substitute: 

HFC–32 (Difluoromethane). 

comment on our description of different 

types of dehumidifiers and how EPA 

classifies different types in different 

end-uses. 

D. Residential and Light Commercial AC 

and Heat Pumps (HPs)—Proposed 

Revision of Use Conditions Provided in 

the Previous Listing of HFC–32 as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in New Self-Contained Room 

ACs and HPs 

EPA previously listed HFC–32 as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, in 

new self-contained room ACs and HPs 

in SNAP Rule 19 (80 FR 19461; April 

10, 2015). Today we are proposing to 

update those use conditions to be 

consistent with use conditions applied 

to other refrigerants with lower 

flammability as finalized in SNAP Rule 

23 (86 FR 24444; May 6, 2021). The 

proposed use conditions would be 

required on all such equipment 

manufactured on or after the effective 

date of the final rule and would not 

apply to or affect equipment 

manufactured before the effective date 

of the final action and manufactured in 

compliance with the SNAP 

requirements applicable at the time of 

manufacture. 

1. Background on Self-Contained Room 

ACs and HPs 

EPA provided an overview of the 

residential and light commercial AC and 

HPs end-use, and the self-contained 

equipment category within that end-use, 

in SNAP Rule 19 (80 FR 19461; April 

10, 2015) and the Notice of Proposed 

Rulemaking for SNAP Rule 23 (85 FR 

35881–35882; June 12, 2020). We 

believe the descriptions there 

adequately describe the end-use 

category as it exists today. 

2. What are the ASHRAE classifications 

for refrigerant flammability? 

See section II.A.2 above for further 

discussion on ASHRAE classifications. 

3. What is HFC–32 and how does it 

compare to other refrigerants in the 

same end-use? 

See section II.A.3 above for further 

discussion on the environmental, 

flammability, toxicity and exposure 

information for HFC–32. 

A redacted submission and 

supporting documentation for HFC–32 

are provided in the docket for this 

proposed rule (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021– 

0836) at https://www.regulations.gov. 

EPA performed an assessment to 

examine the health and environmental 

risks of this substitute, available in the 

docket for this proposed rule.29

Comparison to other substitutes in 

this end-use: HFC–32 has an ODP of 

zero, the same as other acceptable 

substitutes in this end-use, such as R– 

290, HFC–134a, R–410A, and R–513A, 

with ODPs of zero. 

HFC–32 has a GWP of 675, higher 

than some of the acceptable substitutes 

for residential and light commercial air 

conditioning and heat pumps, including 

ammonia absorption, R–290, and R– 

454B with GWPs of zero, three, and 

about 470, respectively. HFC–32’s GWP 

is lower than some of the acceptable 

substitutes for residential and light 

commercial air conditioning and heat 

pumps, such as R–452B, HFC–134a, and 

R–410A, with GWPs of approximately 

700, 1,430, and 2,090, respectively. 

Information on the toxicity and 

flammability risk of HFC–32 in this enduse category was provided in SNAP 

Rule 19. In summary, EPA found the 

toxicity risks of HFC–32 to be 

comparable to or lower than other 

acceptable alternatives. Although we 

noted that the flammability risk of HFC– 

32 may be greater than that of other 

available, nonflammable substitutes in 

the same end-use, we found that those 

risks are not significant even under 

worst-case assumptions. These risks of 

HFC–32 are similar to the risks of other 

flammable refrigerants found acceptable 

for this end-use category in SNAP Rule 

23 (i.e., R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, R– 

454C, and R–457A). We noted there that 

this risk can be minimized by use 

consistent with industry standards such 

as UL 60335–2–40—which would be 

required by our proposed revision to the 

use conditions—and other industry 

standards, such as ASHRAE 15, as well 

as recommendations in the 

manufacturers’ SDS and other safety 

precautions common in the refrigeration 

and air conditioning industry. The 

updates to the use conditions proposed 

maintain the low potential risk 

associated with the flammability of this 

alternative so that it will not pose 

significantly greater risk than other 

acceptable substitutes in this end-use 

category. 

4. What use conditions currently apply 

to this refrigerant in this end-use 

category? 

EPA previously found HFC–32 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, in 

new residential and light commercial 

AC for self-contained room AC units, 

including packaged terminal air 

conditioner (PTAC) units, packaged 

terminal heat pumps (PTHPs), window 

AC and HP units, and portable AC units, 

designed for use in a single room in 

SNAP Rule 19 (80 FR 19454; April 10, 

2015). Those requirements are codified 

in appendix R of 40 CFR part 82, 

subpart G. EPA provided information on 

the environmental and health properties 

of HFC–32 and the various substitutes 

available at that time for use in this enduse. Additionally, EPA’s risk screen for 

this refrigerant is available in the docket 

for this previous rulemaking (EPA–HQ– 

OAR–2013–0748). 

HFC–32 has an ASHRAE 

classification of A2L, indicating that it 

has low toxicity and lower flammability. 

The flammability risks are of potential 

concern because residential ACs and 

HPs traditionally used refrigerants that 

are not flammable. In the presence of an 

ignition source (e.g., static electricity, a 

spark resulting from a closing door, or 

a cigarette), an explosion or a fire could 

occur if the concentration of HFC–32 

were to exceed the LFL of 144,000 ppm 

by volume. 

To address flammability, EPA listed 

HFC–32 as acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, in new self-contained room 

AC units. The current use conditions 

address safe use of this flammable 

refrigerant and include incorporation by 

reference of Supplement SA to the 8th 

edition (August 2, 2012) of UL Standard 

484, refrigerant charge size limits based 

on cooling capacity and type of 

equipment, and requirements for 

markings and warning labels on 

equipment using the refrigerant to 

inform consumers and technicians of 

potential flammability hazards. Without 

appropriate use conditions, the 

flammability risk posed by this 

refrigerant could be higher than nonflammable refrigerants because 

individuals may not be aware that their 

actions could potentially cause a fire, 

and because the refrigerant could be 

used in existing equipment that has not 

been designed specifically to minimize 

flammability risks. Our assessment and 

listing decisions in SNAP Rule 19 (80 

FR 19454; April 10, 2015) found that 

with the use conditions, the overall risk 

of this substitute, including the risk due 

to flammability, does not present 

significantly greater risk in the end-use 

than other substitutes that are currently 

or potentially available for that same 

end-use. 

5. What updates to the use conditions is 

EPA proposing? 

EPA is proposing to update the use 

conditions that apply to HFC–32 in new 

self-contained room ACs and HPs for 


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equipment manufactured after the 

effective date of a final rule based on 

this proposal. Several of the updated 

use conditions proposed for selfcontained room ACs and HPs are 

common to those proposed for other 

end-uses in sections II.A, II.B, and II.C 

above. Because of this similarity, EPA 

discusses the use conditions that would 

apply to all four end-uses in section II.E. 

For HFC–32 in self-contained room ACs 

and HPs, these are the only use 

conditions EPA is proposing. In 

summary, with the updates proposed, 

the use conditions proposed are the 

following: 

(1) New equipment only—This 

refrigerant may only be used in new 

equipment designed specifically and 

clearly identified for the refrigerant, i.e., 

this substitute may not be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. This use condition 

is the same as what currently exists for 

HFC–32 in this end-use category. 

(2) UL Standard—This refrigerant 

(i.e., in this case, HFC–32) may be used 

only in equipment (i.e., in this case, selfcontained room ACs and HPs) that meet 

all requirements listed in the 3rd 

edition, dated November 1, 2019, of 

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 

Standard 60335–2–40, ‘‘Household and 

Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety— 

Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for 

Electrical Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners 

and Dehumidifiers’’ (UL Standard). If 

this rule is finalized as proposed, in 

cases where the final rule would 

include requirements different than 

those of the 3rd edition of UL Standard 

60335–2–40, EPA is proposing that the 

appliance would need to meet the 

requirements of the final rule in place 

of the requirements in the UL Standard. 

See section II.E below for further 

discussion on the requirements of this 

standard that EPA is proposing to 

incorporate by reference. This change in 

the use condition updates the standard 

to which the equipment must comply 

from Supplement SA to the 8th edition, 

dated August 2, 2012, of UL Standard 

484, ‘‘Room Air Conditioners’’ to the 

3rd edition of UL 60335–2–40. 

(3) Warning labels—Several warning 

labels are proposed as use conditions as 

detailed in section II.E below. These 

labels are similar or verbatim in 

language to those required by the UL 

Standard. The warning labels must be 

provided in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high and must be permanent. 

While the font size is the same as in the 

use conditions that currently apply, 

several revisions to the labels and the 

language in them have changed and are 

based on the updated UL Standard, the 

3rd edition of UL 60335–2–40. 

(4) Markings—Equipment must have 

distinguishing red (PMS #185 or RAL 

3020) color-coded hoses and piping to 

indicate use of a flammable refrigerant. 

The equipment shall have marked 

service ports, pipes, hoses and other 

devices through which the refrigerant is 

serviced. Markings shall extend at least 

1 inch (25mm) from the servicing port 

and shall be replaced if removed. This 

use condition is the same as what 

currently exists for HFC–32 in this enduse category. 

The regulatory text of the proposed 

decisions appears in tables at the end of 

this document. If finalized as proposed, 

this text would be codified by amending 

appendix R. The amendment would be 

to indicate that the use conditions 

finalized apply to HFC–32 selfcontained room AC units manufactured 

on or after the effective date of such a 

final rule (which we anticipate would 

be 30 days after publication in the 

Federal Register). Equipment 

manufactured before the effective date 

of the final rule would not be affected 

by this action and would hence be 

subject to the use conditions included 

in appendix R at the time they were 

manufactured. The proposed revisions 

to the current regulatory text update the 

use conditions as they apply to the 

previous listing decision for HFC–32 in 

self-contained room ACs and HPs. EPA 

notes that there may be other legal 

obligations pertaining to the 

manufacture, use, handling, and 

disposal of the proposed refrigerants 

that are not included in the information 

listed in the tables (e.g., the CAA section 

608(c)(2) prohibition on knowingly 

venting or otherwise knowingly 

releasing or disposing of substitute 

refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration, or Department of 

Transportation requirements for 

transport of flammable gases). 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered 

or otherwise disposed of from 

residential and light AC appliances are 

likely to be hazardous waste under 

RCRA (see 40 CFR parts 260–270). 

6. How do the proposed use conditions 

differ from the existing ones and why is 

EPA proposing to change the use 

conditions? 

The updated use conditions EPA is 

proposing are similar to the ones that 

exist today in appendix R of 40 CFR part 

82, subpart G for HFC–32 in this enduse category. The proposed 

requirements that HFC–32 must be used 

in new equipment only and must 

include red markings at service ports are 

repeated in this proposed listing. 

Existing room ACs using HFC–32 

manufactured before the effective date 

of a final rule to this proposal would not 

be affected by these updated use 

conditions. 

Warning labels are required under 

EPA’s current regulations, and EPA is 

proposing to continue to require them, 

although with some specific language 

changes. The warning labels EPA is 

proposing are identical to those required 

as use conditions for the use of HFC–32 

in residential and light commercial AC 

and HPs (excluding self-contained room 

ACs and HPs) and for R–452B, R–454A, 

R–454B, R–454C, and R–457A in 

residential and light commercial AC and 

HPs (including self-contained room ACs 

and HPs). EPA finds that using a 

common set of labels, similar to those 

from UL Standard 60335–2–40, will aid 

in compliance especially for a 

manufacturer that uses more than one of 

these refrigerants or produces both selfcontained room ACs and HPs and other 

types of residential and light 

commercial AC and HPs. The updated 

labels EPA is proposing use the opening 

word ‘‘WARNING’’ in lieu of 

‘‘DANGER’’ or ‘‘CAUTION’’ and change 

‘‘Risk of Fire or Explosion’’ to just ‘‘Risk 

of Fire.’’ EPA is proposing that the 

labels must be provided in letters no 

less than 6.4 millimeter (1⁄4 inch) high 

and must be permanent, which is 

identical to the current requirement for 

HFC–32 in self-contained room ACs and 

HPs. 

EPA is proposing to update the 

standard incorporated by reference in 

the use conditions, replacing the 

requirement to follow certain sections of 

the 2012 version of UL 484 with the 

proposed requirement to adhere to the 

3rd edition of UL Standard 60335–2–40. 

UL Standard 60335–2–40 was 

developed in an open and consensusbased approach, with the assistance of 

experts in the refrigeration and AC 

industry as well as experts involved in 

assessing the safety of products. The 

revision cycle for the 3rd edition, 

including final recirculation, concluded 

with its publication on November 1, 

2019. The 2019 UL Standard replaces 

the previously published version of 

several standards, including UL 

Standard 484, which had already been 

revised into a ninth edition by that time. 

EPA was aware of the continuing 

progress of UL Standards to address 

flammable refrigerants more 

appropriately. In the 2021 SNAP Rule 

(SNAP Rule 23) listing HFC–32 for other 

categories within the residential and 

light commercial AC and HPs end-use, 

we stated, ‘‘EPA understands that the 

standard we relied on in [SNAP] Rule 

19 might ‘sunset’ in the future. 


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Therefore, we will continue to evaluate 

the market for the equipment addressed 

in that rule, including HFC–32 in selfcontained room ACs, and whether to 

establish new or revised use conditions 

that reference UL 60335–2–40’’ (86 FR 

24463; May 6, 2021). Today, we are 

proposing such a change knowing that 

UL is replacing the standard to which 

such equipment is certified from UL 484 

to the newer UL 60335–2–40 standard. 

Updating the UL Standard 

incorporated as a use condition will 

provide more consistency amongst the 

products within this end-use and 

between HFC–32 and the five A2L 

refrigerants listed as acceptable, subject 

to use conditions, for this end-use 

including self-contained room ACs and 

HPs in SNAP Rule 23. This change will 

allow the industry to focus on the 

existing standard. The change will be 

helpful in implementing any transitions 

needed or planned for manufacturers, 

installers, and technicians. A 

manufacturer, who may offer different 

products within this end-use with 

different refrigerants, could use similar 

processes, such as in developing and 

applying the warning labels required. 

Installers and technician, likewise, 

would not need to reference different 

standards depending on the type of 

equipment and the particular A2L 

refrigerant being used in that 

equipment, when putting in a new piece 

of equipment or servicing that 

equipment. 

Another revision to the use conditions 

is charge sizes. In the 2019 SNAP Rule, 

charge sizes from both UL 484 (8th 

edition) and those stipulated by tables 

within the rule needed to be followed. 

Rather than requiring examination of 

both items and determining which 

charge size was lower, the proposed 

updated use conditions would rely on a 

single document, the 3rd edition of UL 

Standard 60335–2–40. 

7. What is the acceptability status of 

HFC–32 in self-contained room ACs and 

HPs? 

If finalized as proposed, the use 

conditions in this action would apply to 

new self-contained room ACs and HPs 

using HFC–32 manufactured on or after 

the effective date of the final rule 

(which we anticipate would be 30 days 

after publication in the Federal 

Register). The final rule would not 

apply to or affect equipment 

manufactured before the effective date 

of this action and manufactured in 

compliance with the SNAP 

requirements applicable at the time of 

manufacture as stipulated in SNAP Rule 

19 and appendix R of 40 CFR part 82, 

subpart G at that time. EPA views 

equipment to be manufactured at the 

date upon which the appliance’s 

refrigerant circuit is complete, the 

appliance can function, the appliance 

holds a full refrigerant charge, and the 

appliance is ready for use for its 

intended purposes. For self-contained 

room ACs and HPs, this occurs at the 

factory. If this rule is finalized as 

proposed, products manufactured 

between May 11, 2015, and the effective 

date of the final rule would be required 

to meet the use conditions in SNAP 

Rule 19 (which took effect May 11, 

2015) and as listed in appendix R of 40 

CFR part 82, subpart G. Such products 

would be permitted to be warehoused 

and sold through normal channels, even 

if they are sold or installed after the 

effective date of the final rule based on 

this proposed rule. Self-contained room 

ACs and HPs using HFC–32 

manufactured on or after the effective 

date of the final rule based on this 

proposed rule would be required to 

meet the use conditions so finalized and 

listed in the revisions to appendix R. 

8. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

EPA is providing additional 

information related to these proposed 

listings. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. See section 

II.E.2 below for further discussion on 

what additional information EPA is 

including in these proposed listings. 

EPA notes that the additional 

information is similar to, but not 

identical with, the addition information 

in the listing for HFC–32 in selfcontained room ACs and HPs in SNAP 

Rule 19. EPA is proposing additional 

information consistent with that 

included in the other proposed listings 

for air conditioning equipment in this 

rule and consistent with that included 

in the listings for four A2L refrigerant 

blends listed as acceptable subject to 

use conditions in self-contained room 

ACs and HPs in SNAP Rule 23. While 

the items listed are not legally binding 

under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the FURTHER

INFORMATION column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

9. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed updates to the 

use conditions as discussed in section 

II.D above. EPA requests comments on 

the proposed change in use conditions 

and if and how such change would 

affect the safety of self-contained room 

ACs and HPs using HFC–32. 

E. Use Conditions and Further 

Information for Chillers, Residential 

Dehumidifiers, Non-Residential 

Dehumidifiers, and HFC–32 SelfContained Room ACs and HPs 

1. What use conditions is EPA 

proposing and why? 

As described above, EPA is proposing 

to list: 

• HFO–1234yf, R–454A, R–454B and R– 

454C as acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, for use in centrifugal and 

positive displacement chillers for new 

equipment in comfort cooling 

applications, including commercial 

AC and industrial process AC 

• HFC–32 and R–452B as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, for use in 

scroll and rotary chillers for new 

equipment in comfort cooling 

applications, including commercial 

AC and industrial process AC 

• HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, R–452B, R– 

454A, R–454B, and R–454C as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, 

for use in residential dehumidifiers 

for new equipment 

• HFC–32 as acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, for use in non-residential 

dehumidifiers for new equipment 

In addition, EPA is proposing to 

update the use conditions that apply to 

the previous listing of: 

• HFC–32 as acceptable, subject to 

use conditions, for use in self-contained 

room ACs and HPs for new equipment. 

These use conditions are summarized 

in the listings under subheadings II.A, 

II.B, and II.C, and the revisions to the 

use conditions are summarized under 

subheading II.D, above, and are 

explained here in greater detail. The use 

conditions EPA proposes (either as new 

listings or revisions to a previous 

listing) include conditions requiring use 

of each refrigerant in new equipment, 

which can be specifically designed for 

the refrigerant; use consistent with the 

UL 60335–2–40 industry standard, 3rd 

Edition, including testing, charge sizes, 

ventilation, usage space requirements, 

and certain hazard warnings and 

markings; and requirements for warning 

labels and markings on equipment to 

inform consumers and technicians of 

potential flammability hazards. The 

listings with specific use conditions are 

intended to allow for the use of these 

lower flammability refrigerants in a 

manner that will ensure they do not 

pose a greater overall risk to human 

health and the environment than other 

substitutes in these end-uses. 


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New Equipment Only; Not Intended for 

Use as a Retrofit Alternative 

EPA is proposing that these 

refrigerants may be used only in new 

equipment which has been designed to 

address concerns unique to flammable 

refrigerants—i.e., none of these 

substitutes may be used as a conversion 

or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing 

equipment. EPA is unaware of 

information on how to address hazards 

if these flammable refrigerants were to 

be used in equipment that was designed 

for non-flammable refrigerants. Given 

the flammable nature of these 

refrigerants, the fact that EPA is 

unaware of information to assess the 

risk if such retrofits were allowed, and 

because the refrigerants were not 

submitted to the SNAP program for 

retrofits, EPA has not reviewed them for 

retrofit applications for this proposal 

and is only proposing that they may be 

used in new equipment which can be 

properly designed for their use. This 

proposed use condition would not affect 

the ability to service a system using one 

of these refrigerants once installed, 

including the adding of refrigerant or 

replacing components. 

Standards 

EPA is proposing that the flammable 

refrigerants may be used only in 

equipment that meets all requirements 

in UL Standard 60335–2–40, 3rd 

Edition. 

Those participating in the UL 60335– 

2–40 consensus standards process 

(hereafter ‘‘UL’’) have tested equipment 

for flammability risk and evaluated the 

relevant scientific studies. Further, UL 

has developed safety standards 

including requirements for construction 

and system design, for markings, and for 

performance tests concerning refrigerant 

leakage, ignition of switching 

components, surface temperature of 

parts, and component strength after 

being scratched. Certain aspects of 

system construction and design, 

including charge size, ventilation, and 

installation space, and greater detail on 

markings, are discussed further below in 

this section. The UL 60335–2–40 

Standard was developed in an open and 

consensus-based approach, with the 

assistance of experts in the AC industry 

as well as experts involved in assessing 

the safety of products. While similar 

standards exist from other bodies such 

as the International Electrotechnical 

Commission (IEC), we are proposing to 

rely on specific UL standards that are 

most applicable and recognized by the 

U.S. market. This approach is the same 

as that in our previous rules on 

flammable refrigerants (e.g., 76 FR 

78832; December 20, 2011 and 80 FR 

19454; April 10, 2015 and 86 FR 24444; 

May 6, 2021). 

A summary of the requirements of UL 

60335–2–40 as they affect the 

refrigerants and end-use addressed in 

this section of our proposal follows. 

This summary is offered for information 

only and does not provide a complete 

review of the requirements in this 

standard. 

Among the provisions in UL 60335– 

2–40 are limits on the amount of 

refrigerant allowed in each type of 

appliance based on several factors 

explained in that standard. The 

requirements in UL 60335–2–40 would 

reduce the risk to workers and 

consumers. Annex GG of the standard 

provides the charge limits, ventilation 

requirements and requirements for 

secondary circuits. The standard 

specifies requirements for installation 

space of an appliance (i.e., room floor 

area) and/or ventilation or other 

requirements that are determined 

according to the refrigerant charge used 

in the appliance, the installation 

location and the type of ventilation of 

the location or of the appliance. Within 

Annex GG, Table GG.1 provides 

guidance on how to apply the 

requirements to allow for safe use of 

flammable refrigerants. UL 60335–2–40, 

3rd Edition contains provisions for 

safety mitigation. These mitigation 

requirements were developed to ensure 

the safe use of flammable refrigerants 

over a range of appliances. In general, as 

larger charge sizes are used, more 

stringent mitigation requirements are 

required. In certain applications 

refrigerant detection systems (as 

described in Annex LL, Refrigerant 

detection systems for A2L refrigerants) 

and refrigerant sensors (as described in 

Annex MM, Refrigerant sensor location 

confirmation tests) such as safety alarms 

are required. Where air circulation (i.e., 

fans) is required in accordance with 

Annex GG or Annex 101.DVG, it must 

be initiated by a separate refrigerant 

detection system either as part of the 

appliance or installed separately. In a 

room with no mechanical ventilation, 

Annex GG provides requirements for 

openings to rooms based on several 

factors, including the charge size and 

the room area. The minimum opening is 

intended to be sufficient so that natural 

ventilation would reduce the risk of 

using a flammable refrigerant. The 

standard also includes specific 

requirements covering construction, 

instruction manuals, allowable charge 

sizes, mechanical ventilation, safety 

alarms, and shut off valves for A2L 

refrigerants. 

In addition to Annex GG and Table 

GG.1 mentioned above, UL 60335–2–40 

has a requirement for the maximum 

charge for an appliance using an A2L 

refrigerant. Additional requirements 

exist for charge sizes exceeding three 

times the LFL. 

Table GG.1 of the UL standard 

indicates that systems with refrigerant 

charges exceeding certain amounts are 

outside the scope of the standard, 

stating that ‘‘National standards apply.’’ 

Specifically, if the refrigeration circuit 

with the greatest mass of a flammable 

refrigerant is more than 260 times the 

lower flammability limit (in kg/m3), 

such equipment is outside the scope. 

For example, HFC–32 has an LFL of 

approximately 0.307 kg/m3 (0.0192 lb/ 

ft3); therefore, equipment with charge 

sizes of a single circuit exceeding 79.82 

kg (176.0 lb) would fall outside the 

scope of the UL Standard. EPA expects 

that many chillers could exceed these 

charge thresholds and therefore is 

proposing that an additional safety 

standard would apply for all chillers, as 

discussed in section II.A above. EPA 

does not expect this situation to occur 

for residential dehumidifiers or selfcontained room ACs and HPs because of 

their smaller charge sizes. 

EPA recognizes that this standard is 

undergoing revision. UL opened for 

comment a proposed 4th edition of this 

standard as an update to the 3rd Edition 

to which comments were due March 1, 

2022. UL standards are open for public 

comment and participation following 

ANSI requirements. 

Warning Labels 

As a use condition or revision to 

existing use conditions, EPA is 

proposing to require labeling of chillers, 

residential dehumidifiers, nonresidential dehumidifiers, and HFC–32 

self-contained room ACs and HPs 

(‘‘equipment’’) containing the proposed 

flammable refrigerants. EPA is 

proposing that the following markings, 

or the equivalent, must be provided in 

letters no less than 6.4 mm (1⁄4 inch) 

high and must be permanent: 

i. On the outside of the equipment: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable 

Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired 

Only By Trained Service Personnel. 

Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing’’ 

ii. On the outside of the equipment: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Dispose of 

Properly In Accordance With Federal 

Or Local Regulations. Flammable 

Refrigerant Used’’ 

iii. On the inside of the equipment near 

the compressor: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of 

Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. 

Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s 

Guide Before Attempting to Service 


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This Product. All Safety Precautions 

Must Be Followed’’ 

iv. For any equipment pre-charged at 

the factory, on the equipment 

packaging or on the outside of the 

equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire 

due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. 

Follow Handling Instructions 

Carefully in Compliance with 

National Regulations’’ 

1. If the equipment is delivered 

packaged, this label shall be applied 

on the packaging 

2. If the equipment is not delivered 

packaged, this label shall be applied 

on the outside of the appliance 

EPA expects that all residential 

dehumidifiers and non-residential 

dehumidifiers and all self-contained 

room ACs and HPs would be packaged, 

and hence this label would be placed as 

stipulated in item 1 above. EPA expects 

that chillers could be provided 

packaged or not, and this label would be 

placed as stipulated in item 1 or 2, 

respectively. 

v. On the equipment near the 

nameplate: 

1. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum 

installation height, X m (W ft)’’. This 

marking is only required if the similar 

marking is required by the 3rd edition 

of UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and 

‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric 

height as calculated per the UL 

Standard. Note that the formatting 

here is slightly different than the UL 

Standard; specifically, the height in 

Inch-Pound units is placed in 

parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has 

been replaced by the opening 

parenthesis. 

2. Immediately below v.1. above or at 

the top of the marking if v.1. is not 

required: ‘‘Minimum room area 

(operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. 

The terms ‘‘Y’’ and ‘‘Z’’ shall be 

replaced by the numeric area as 

calculated per the UL Standard. Note 

that the formatting here is slightly 

different than the UL Standard; 

specifically, the area in Inch-Pound 

units is placed in parentheses and the 

word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the 

opening parenthesis. 

vi. For non-fixed equipment, including 

residential dehumidifiers, nonresidential dehumidifiers, and selfcontained room ACs and HPs, on the 

outside of the product: ‘‘WARNING— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion—Store in a 

well-ventilated room without 

continuously operating flames or 

other potential ignition.’’ EPA expects 

that this label would be required on 

residential dehumidifiers, nonresidential dehumidifiers, and HFC– 

32 self-contained room ACs (e.g., 

including portable ACs, window ACs, 

PTACs and PTHPs). 

vii. For fixed equipment that is ducted, 

including chillers, near the 

nameplate: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of 

Fire—Auxiliary devices which may be 

ignition sources shall not be installed 

in the ductwork, other than auxiliary 

devices listed for use with the specific 

appliance. See instructions.’’ EPA 

expects that residential 

dehumidifiers, non-residential 

dehumidifiers, and self-contained 

ACs and HPs would not be ducted, 

but that chillers used for comfort 

cooling could be. 

The text of the warning labels, above, 

is exactly the same as that required in 

UL 60335–2–40, with the exception of 

the label identified in v., which is 

similar to that in the UL Standard. The 

major difference between this proposed 

requirement and the requirements in 

Table 101.DVF.1 of UL 60335–2–40 is 

that the markings for A2L refrigerants, 

including HFO–1234yf, HFC–32 and the 

four refrigerant blends, are required to 

be no less than 3.2 mm (1⁄8 inch) high 

in the standard instead of 6.4 mm (1⁄4

inch) as EPA is proposing in this action. 

EPA believes that it would be difficult 

to see warning labels with the minimum 

lettering height requirement for A2L 

refrigerants of 1⁄8 inch in the UL 

Standard. Therefore, as in the 

requirements in our previous flammable 

refrigerants rules (e.g., 76 FR 78832; 

December 20, 2011 and 80 FR 19454; 

April 10, 2015 and 86 FR 24444; May 

6, 2021), EPA is proposing that the 

minimum height for lettering must be 1⁄4

inch as opposed to 1⁄8 inch, which will 

make it easier for technicians, 

consumers, retail storeowners, first 

responders, and those disposing the 

appliance to view the warning labels. 

Markings 

Our understanding of the UL 

Standard is that red markings, similar to 

those EPA has applied as use conditions 

in past actions for flammable 

refrigerants (76 FR 78832; December 20, 

2011 and 80 FR 19454; April 10, 2015 

and 86 FR 24444; May 6, 2021), are 

required by the UL Standard for A2 and 

A3 refrigerants but not A2L refrigerants. 

EPA is proposing that such markings 

apply to these A2L refrigerants as well 

to establish a common, familiar and 

standard means of identifying the use of 

a flammable refrigerant. 

These red markings will help 

technicians immediately identify the 

use of a flammable refrigerant, thereby 

potentially reducing the risk of using 

sparking equipment or otherwise having 

an ignition source nearby. The AC and 

refrigeration industry currently uses 

red-colored hoses and piping as means 

for identifying the use of a flammable 

refrigerant based on previous SNAP 

listings. Likewise, distinguishing 

coloring has been used elsewhere to 

indicate an unusual and potentially 

dangerous situation, for example in the 

use of orange-insulated wires in hybrid 

electric vehicles. Currently in SNAP 

listings, color-coded hoses or pipes 

must be used for ethane, HFC–32, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, R–454C, R– 

457A, isobutane, propane, and R–441A 

in certain types of equipment where 

these are listed acceptable, subject to 

use conditions. All such tubing must be 

colored red PMS #185 or RAL 3020 to 

match the red band displayed on the 

container of flammable refrigerants 

AHRI Guideline N, ‘‘2017 Guideline for 

Assignment of Refrigerant Container 

Colors.’’ The intent of this aspect of the 

proposal is to provide adequate notice 

for technicians and others that a 

flammable refrigerant is being used 

within a particular piece of equipment 

or appliance. Another goal is to provide 

adequate notification of the presence of 

flammable refrigerants for personnel 

disposing of appliances containing 

flammable refrigerants. As explained in 

a previous SNAP rule, one mechanism 

to distinguish hoses and pipes is to add 

a colored plastic sleeve or cap to the 

service tube. (80 FR 19465; April 10, 

2015). Other methods, such as a redcolored tape could be used. The colored 

plastic sleeve, cap, or tape would have 

to be forcibly removed in order to access 

the service tube and would have to be 

replaced if removed. This would signal 

to the technician that the refrigeration 

circuit that she/he was about to access 

contained a flammable refrigerant, even 

if all warning labels were somehow 

removed. This sleeve, cap or tape would 

be of the same red color (PMS #185 or 

RAL 3020) and could also be boldly 

marked with a graphic to indicate the 

refrigerant was flammable. This could 

be a cost-effective alternative to painting 

or dyeing the hose or pipe. 

EPA is proposing the use of colorcoded hoses or piping as a way for 

technicians and others to recognize that 

a flammable refrigerant is used in the 

equipment. This would be in addition to 

the proposed use of warning labels 

discussed above. EPA believes having 

two such warning methods is reasonable 

and consistent with other general 

industry practices. This approach is the 

same as that adopted in our previous 

rules on flammable refrigerants (e.g., 76 

FR 78832; December 20, 2011 and 80 FR 

19454; April 10, 2015 and 86 FR 24444; 

May 6, 2021). 


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30 ICF, 2022o. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Very 

Low Temperature Refrigeration (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–1150. 

2. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

For chillers, residential, 

dehumidifiers, non-residential 

dehumidifiers, and self-contained room 

ACs and HPs, EPA is including 

recommendations, found in the 

‘‘Further Information’’ column of the 

regulatory text at the end of this 

document, to protect personnel from the 

risks of using flammable refrigerants. 

Similar to our previous listings of 

flammable refrigerants, EPA is including 

information on the OSHA requirements 

at 29 CFR part 1910, proper ventilation, 

personal protective equipment, fire 

extinguishers, use of spark-proof tools 

and equipment designed for flammable 

refrigerants, and training. Since this 

additional information is not part of the 

regulatory decision under SNAP, these 

statements are not binding for use of the 

substitute under the SNAP program. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the FURTHER

INFORMATION column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

3. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed use conditions 

described above and the 

appropriateness for applying these use 

conditions to the listings for chillers, 

residential dehumidifiers, and nonresidential dehumidifiers, and the 

revisions to the listing for self-contained 

room ACs and HPs described in sections 

II.A, II.B, II.C, and II.D, respectively. 

EPA is requesting comment on the 

applicability of UL Standard 60335–2– 

40, 3rd Edition, to chillers, including for 

which chillers and under which 

applications the standard applies. We 

likewise are requesting comment on the 

applicability of the UL Standard to 

residential dehumidifiers, nonresidential dehumidifiers, and selfcontained room ACs and HPs. 

With regard to UL Standard 60335–2– 

40, EPA is requesting comment on the 

status of the standard, the modifications 

that are being or have been incorporated 

in it, how those modifications would 

change the risk associated with the use 

of these flammable refrigerants in these 

end-uses, and the appropriateness of 

adopting as a use condition the current 

(3rd) edition of this standard. 

EPA recognizes that this standard is 

undergoing revision. UL opened for 

comment a proposed 4th edition of this 

standard as an update to the 3rd Edition 

to which comments were due March 1, 

2022. UL standards are open for public 

comment and participation following 

ANSI requirements. If the final 4th 

edition is published before EPA takes 

final action on today’s proposed listings 

that would incorporate the 3rd edition 

by reference, EPA may incorporate the 

4th Edition by reference into those 

listings in lieu of the 3rd Edition. In that 

situation, EPA anticipates reopening or 

extending the public comment period to 

provide an opportunity for public 

comment on incorporating the final 4th 

edition by reference into those listings. 

EPA is also requesting comment on 

requiring labeling, the height of the 

lettering, and the likelihood of labels 

remaining on a product throughout the 

lifecycle of the product, including its 

disposal. 

F. Very Low Temperature Refrigeration 

(VLTR)—Proposed Listing of R–1150 as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions 

and Narrowed Use Limits, for Use in 

VLTR End-Use 

1. Background on VLTR 

The very low temperature 

refrigeration end-use includes a wide 

range of equipment types. VLTR 

equipment is intended to maintain 

temperatures considerably lower than 

for refrigeration of food (below ¥62 °C 

or ¥80 °F). Examples of very low 

temperature refrigeration equipment 

include medical freezers and freezedryers, which generally require 

extremely reliable refrigeration cycles to 

maintain low temperatures and must 

meet stringent technical standards. In 

some cases, VLTR equipment may use a 

refrigeration system with two stages, 

each with its own refrigerant loop. This 

allows a greater range of temperatures 

and may reduce the overall refrigerant 

charge. 

For this notice of proposed 

rulemaking, only equipment designed to 

reach temperatures lower than ¥80 °C 

(¥112 °F) is addressed. See sections 

II.E.6 and II.E.7 below for a discussion 

of the narrowed use limits describing 

the reasoning for this temperature 

requirement. Examples of equipment 

covered by this proposed rule in the 

VLTR end-use include: 

• Freeze dryers. This equipment 

typically includes a two-stage system, 

with a VLTR stage being addressed by 

this proposed rule and a warmer stage, 

usually classified as industrial process 

refrigeration, not addressed in this 

proposed rule. The primary application 

of this equipment is for freeze drying 

material in a laboratory setting. 

• Cold traps required to operate 

below ¥80 °C or ¥112 °F. This 

equipment is used during laboratory 

evaporation to condense vapors to 

prevent them from entering and 

damaging the pump, or leaking into the 

environment, ensuring a closed system 

within the vacuum pump. 

• Very low temperature freezers 

designed to reach temperatures below 

¥80 °C or ¥112 °F. 

Each of these types of laboratory 

equipment, including other VLTR 

equipment not mentioned that fit within 

the narrowed use limits proposed in 

section II.F.6, would be subject to the 

listing decision under this rule for R– 

1150 if this decision were to become 

final as proposed. 

2. What is EPA’s proposed listing 

decision for R–1150? 

EPA is proposing to list R–1150 as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions 

and narrowed use limits, for use in 

VLTR equipment, including freezedryers, cold traps, and laboratory 

freezers. This proposed listing would 

apply to all types of VLTR equipment 

that meet the requirements of the UL 

Standard 61010–2–011, 2nd Edition, 

and for all applications of such 

equipment under EPA’s proposed use 

conditions and narrowed use limits. 

3. What is R–1150 and how does it 

compare with other refrigerants in the 

same end-use? 

R–1150, also known as ethene or 

ethylene (CAS Reg. No. 75–85–1), is an 

unsaturated hydrocarbon (HC). It is a 

flammable refrigerant with the ASHRAE 

safety classification A3. You may find a 

copy of the applicants’ submissions, 

with CBI redacted, providing the 

required health and environmental 

information for this substitute in this 

end-use in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR– 

2021–0836 at www.regulations.gov 

under the names ‘‘Supporting Materials 

for Rule 25 Listing of R–1150 in 

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. 

SNAP Submission Received December 

3, 2018’’ and ‘‘Supporting Materials for 

Rule 25 Listing of R–1150 in 

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. 

SNAP Submission Received January 21, 

2021.’’ EPA performed an assessment to 

examine the health and environmental 

risks of this substitute. This assessment 

is available in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR– 

2021–0836: ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes 

in Very Low Temperature Refrigeration 

(New Equipment). Substitute: R– 

1150.’’ 30

Environmental information: R–1150 

has an ODP of zero and a GWP of four. 

In addition to ODP and GWP, EPA 

evaluated potential impacts of R–1150 


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31 ICF, 2014. Assessment of the Potential Impact 

of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants on Ground Level 

Ozone Concentrations. February, 2014. 

32 Ibid. 

33EPA is aware that such refrigeration equipment 

exists in Europe. Thus, EPA evaluated R–1150 in 

retail food refrigeration—stand-alone units as well 

as in VLTR and other hydrocarbon refrigerants, to 

consider the greatest impact that reasonably could 

occur when using increasing amounts of such 

refrigerants. 

34 VM IO file_v5.1_10.01.19 and CMAQ 5.2.1 

with carbon bond 06 (CB06) mechanism, as cited 

in ICF, 2022p. Additional Assessment of the 

Potential Impact of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants on 

Ground Level Ozone Concentrations. May, 2020. 

35 ICF, 2022p. Additional Assessment of the 

Potential Impact of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants on 

Ground Level Ozone Concentrations. May, 2020. 

36 In addition to being an acceptable refrigerant in 

very low temperature refrigeration, ethane’s MIR is 

one threshold that EPA considers in deciding 

whether a compound makes a negligible 

contribution to tropospheric ozone formation and 

should be excluded from EPA’s regulatory 

definition of VOC (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing 

the development of SIPs to attain and maintain the 

NAAQS. 

and other HC refrigerants on local air 

quality. R–1150 is considered a VOC 

and not excluded from EPA’s regulatory 

definition of VOC (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) 

addressing the development of SIPs to 

attain and maintain the NAAQS. As 

described below, EPA estimates that 

potential emissions of HCs do not have 

a significant impact on local air quality. 

This includes R–1150 in VLTR, when 

used in the refrigeration and AC sector 

as substitute refrigerants in end-uses 

consistent with their listings under the 

SNAP program.31

In response to the increased market 

share of HCs, particularly in VLTR 

applications, EPA conducted additional 

analysis of various scenarios to consider 

the potential impacts on local air quality 

if HC refrigerants were used in further 

applications.32 In particular, use of R– 

1150 in very low temperature freezers, 

including VLTR equipment with an 

industrial process refrigeration (IPR) 

stage using propylene, and R–1150 in 

retail food refrigeration systems 33 were 

investigated for ground-level ozone 

effects. The analysis first considers 

highly conservative modeling scenarios 

where a specific HC would be used 

widely across all end-uses in the 

refrigeration and AC sector. Scenario 

1b** estimates propylene’s emissions 

using EPA’s Vintaging Model (VM) and 

Community Multi-stage Air Quality 

(CMAQ) model,34 and Scenario 1b 

estimates R–1150’s emissions using the 

same VM and CMAQ versions as in 

Scenario 1b.** 

Additionally, the analysis also 

considers the more realistic scenarios 

(Scenario 2, Scenario 3a, and Scenario 

3b) where HCs are modeled only in the 

end-uses where the SNAP program has 

already listed them as acceptable, or for 

which SNAP submissions or 

international market trends indicate 

HCs soon could be used. Scenario 2 

examines the likely emissions of lower 

maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) 

HCs, propane, isobutane, and ethane, in 

the residential and light commercial AC, 

residential dehumidifiers, retail 

refrigeration, and household 

refrigeration end-uses. Scenarios 3a and 

3b also consider the use of higher MIR 

refrigerants propylene and R–1150 in 

laboratory equipment (IPR and VLTR 

end-uses, respectively) and R–1150 in 

small retail food refrigeration equipment 

(e.g., stand-alone units) in addition to 

the HCs used in Scenario 2. Scenarios 

3a and 3b differentiate based on 

whether propylene and R–1150 would 

be subject to the prohibition under CAA 

sections 608(c)(1) and (2) against 

knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of any 

refrigerant substitute for class I or class 

II substances by any person 

maintaining, servicing, repairing, or 

disposing of appliances or IPR. For 

further information on the specific 

assumptions, see the docket for this 

rulemaking.35

In highly conservative Scenario 1b, 

examining widespread R–1150 adoption 

across the refrigeration and AC sector, 

modeling predicts that the single 8-hour 

average ground-level ozone 

concentration could increase by 11.7 

percent in Los Angeles, which is the 

area with the highest level of groundlevel ozone pollution in the United 

States. However, in the more realistic 

scenarios 3a and 3b, 8-hour groundlevel ozone concentration in Los 

Angeles was found to increase by a 

maximum of 0.017 percent relative to 

the NAAQS on the worst modeled day. 

For purposes of this SNAP 

determination, this is not a significant 

increase in ground-level ozone. The 

modeling is also conservative by 

assuming a one-for-one substitution of 

HCs for current refrigerants because an 

actual transition would likely introduce 

less than one kg of HC for each kg 

replaced. As a result of this analysis, 

EPA believes that the use of R–1150 

consistent with the use conditions and 

narrowed use limits proposed would 

not result in significantly greater risk to 

people’s health or the environment than 

other alternatives available for the same 

use. 

Ecosystem effects from R–1150 are 

expected to be small, as are the effects 

of other acceptable substitutes in this 

end-use. R–1150 is highly volatile and 

typically evaporates or partitions to air, 

rather than contaminating ground or 

surface waters, and thus R–1150’s 

effects on aquatic life are expected to be 

small. Based on these considerations, R– 

1150 is not expected to pose a greater 

risk of ecosystem effects than other 

alternatives for these uses. 

Flammability information: ASHRAE 

Standard 34 classifies R–1150 as a Class 

A3 refrigerant.4 R–1150 is flammable 

when its concentration in the air is in 

the range of 2.7 percent to 36 percent by 

volume (27,000 ppm to 360,000 

ppm).4 30

Toxicity and exposure data: Exposure 

to R–1150 may be hazardous if 

inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact 

with the proposed substitute occurs at 

sufficiently high levels. The most likely 

pathway of exposure is through 

inhalation, which can cause symptoms 

of asphyxiation. Exposures of R–1150 to 

the skin may cause frostbite. Exposures 

of R–1150 to the eyes could cause eye 

irritation. These potential health effects 

are common to many refrigerants. 

The American Conference of 

Governmental Industrial Hygienists 

(ACGIH) has established a TLV of 200 

ppm as an 8-hour TWA for R–1150. EPA 

anticipates that users will be able to 

meet the TLV and address potential 

health risks by following the use 

condition limiting charge sizes to 150 g 

and the requirements and 

recommendations in the manufacturer’s 

SDS, ASHRAE Standard 15, UL 

Standard 61010–2–011, 2nd Edition, 

and other safety precautions common to 

the refrigeration and AC industry.3 30

Comparison to other substitutes in 

this end-use: R–1150 has an ODP of 

zero, comparable to or less than other 

listed substitutes in this end-use with 

ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098. For 

new VLTR equipment, R–1150’s GWP of 

four is comparable to that of other 

acceptable substitutes such as ethane 

and CO2, with respective GWPs of 5.5 

and one, and lower than other 

acceptable substitutes such as R–410A, 

R–507A, and HFC–23 with respective 

GWPs of 1,890, 3,990, and 14,800. 

R–1150 is a VOC that is more 

photochemically reactive and more 

likely to cause ground-level ozone 

pollution than acceptable refrigerants in 

this end-use. For example, R–1150 has 

a MIR of 9.07 g-O3/g-substance, which is 

higher than propane’s MIR of 0.56 g-O3/ 

g-substance or ethane’s MIR of 0.28 gO3/g-substance.36 EPA proposes to 

address this potential risk through a 

narrowed use limit, restricting use of 

this refrigerant to VLTR equipment 

designed to reach temperatures lower 

than ¥80 °C (¥112 °F). See section 


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45526 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

37This is intended to mean a completely new 

refrigeration circuit containing a new compressor, 

evaporator, and condenser. 

II.F.6 below for a discussion of the 

proposed narrowed use limits. 

Flammability risks of R–1150 are 

comparable to flammability risks of 

other available substitutes in the same 

end-use, such as ethane, while R–1150’s 

flammability risks are higher than those 

of nonflammable refrigerants such as R– 

410A, CO2, or HFC–23. Flammability 

risks can be addressed by following the 

proposed use conditions, such as use 

only in new equipment that is designed 

and tested to meet the UL Standard 

61010–2–011. See section II.F.4 below 

for a discussion of the proposed use 

conditions. 

Toxicity risks are comparable to or 

lower than toxicity risks of other 

available substitutes in the same enduse. Toxicity risks can be minimized by 

use consistent with the TLV issued by 

the ACGIH, ASHRAE Standard 15, UL 

standards, and other industry standards, 

recommendations in the manufacturer’s 

SDS, and other safety precautions 

common in the refrigeration and AC 

industry. 

Although R–1150 presents a higher 

risk to local air quality than other 

available alternatives for this end-use, 

other alternatives such as ethane, 

propane, and most HFOs or HFCs that 

are less photochemically reactive than 

R–1150 are not able to attain 

temperatures as low as R–1150 because 

of their higher boiling points. Thus, EPA 

is proposing to list this substitute as 

acceptable subject to use conditions and 

narrowed use limits in VLTR. 

4. What use conditions is EPA 

proposing? 

EPA proposes the following use 

conditions to address flammability risks 

of R–1150: 

(1) New equipment only—R–1150 

may be used only in new equipment 

designed specifically and clearly 

identified for the refrigerant, i.e., the 

substitute shall not be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. 

(2) UL Standard—R–1150 may be 

used only in laboratory equipment that 

meet all requirements listed in the 2nd 

edition, dated May 13th, 2021, of UL 

Standard 61010–2–011, ‘‘Safety 

Requirements for Electrical Equipment 

for Measurement, Control, and 

Laboratory Use—Part 011: Particular 

Requirements for Refrigerating 

Equipment’’ (hereafter in this section, 

‘‘UL Standard’’). If this rule is finalized 

as proposed, in cases where the final 

rule would include requirements 

different than those of the UL Standard, 

EPA is proposing that the equipment 

would need to meet the requirements of 

the final rule in place of the 

requirements in the UL Standard. 

Requirements of note include: 

• Warning labels—The following 

markings, or the equivalent, must be 

provided in letters no less than 6.4 

millimeter (1⁄4 inch) high and must be 

permanent: 

i. Attach near the machine 

compartment: ‘‘DANGER—Risk of Fire 

or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant 

Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained 

Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture 

Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

ii. Attach near the machine 

compartment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire 

or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant 

Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s 

Guide Before Attempting To Service 

This Product. All Safety Precautions 

Must be Followed.’’ 

iii. Attach on the exterior of the 

refrigeration equipment: ‘‘CAUTION— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of 

Properly In Accordance With Federal Or 

Local Regulations. Flammable 

Refrigerant Used.’’ 

iv. Attach near all exposed refrigerant 

tubing: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or 

Explosion Due To Puncture Of 

Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling 

Instructions Carefully. Flammable 

Refrigerant Used.’’ 

v. Attach on the exterior of the 

refrigeration equipment: ‘‘This 

equipment is intended for use in 

commercial, industrial, or institutional 

occupancies as defined in the Safety 

Standard for Refrigeration Systems, 

ANSI/ASHRAE 15’’. 

vi. Attach on the exterior of the 

shipping carton: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of 

Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly 

In Accordance With Federal Or Local 

Regulations.’’ 

vii. The instructions shall include the 

following warnings as necessary: 

a. ‘‘WARNING: Ensure all ventilation 

openings are not obstructed.’’ 

b. ‘‘WARNING: Do not use 

mechanical devices or other means to 

accelerate the defrosting process, other 

than those recommended by the 

manufacturer.’’ 

c. ‘‘WARNING: Do not damage the 

refrigerant circuit.’’ 

• Markings—Equipment must have 

distinguishing red (PMS #185 or RAL 

3020) color-coded hoses and piping to 

indicate use of a flammable refrigerant. 

The laboratory equipment shall have 

marked service ports, pipes, hoses and 

other devices through which the 

refrigerant is serviced. Markings shall 

extend at least 1 inch (25 millimeter) 

from the servicing port and shall be 

replaced if removed. 

(3) Charge size—Equipment must use 

no more than 150 g of R–1150 in each 

refrigerant circuit using this refrigerant. 

The regulatory text of the proposed 

decisions appears in tables at the end of 

this document. If finalized as proposed, 

this text would be codified in appendix 

X of 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. The 

proposed regulatory text contains listing 

decisions for the end-use discussed 

above. EPA notes that there may be 

other legal obligations pertaining to the 

manufacture, use, handling, and 

disposal of the proposed refrigerant that 

are not included in the information 

listed in the tables (e.g., the CAA section 

608(c)(2) prohibition on knowingly 

venting or otherwise knowingly 

releasing or disposing of substitute 

refrigerants in the course of 

maintaining, servicing, repairing or 

disposing of an appliance or industrial 

process refrigeration, or Department of 

Transportation requirements for 

transport of flammable gases). 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered 

or otherwise disposed of from VLTR 

appliances are likely to be hazardous 

waste under the RCRA (see 40 CFR parts 

260–270). 

5. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

use conditions? 

EPA is proposing to list R–1150 as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in the VLTR end-use for new 

equipment reaching temperatures lower 

than ¥80 °C (¥112 °F). The use 

conditions are identified in the listing 

under subheading II.F.4, above, and are 

explained here in greater detail. The use 

conditions EPA proposes include 

conditions requiring use of R–1150 in 

new equipment, which can be 

specifically designed for the refrigerant; 

use consistent with the UL Standard, 

including testing, charge sizes, 

ventilation, usage space requirements, 

and certain hazard warnings and 

markings; and limiting charge size to 

150 g of R–1150 per refrigerant circuit. 

The listings with specific use conditions 

are intended to allow for the use of this 

flammable refrigerant in a manner that 

will ensure it does not pose a greater 

overall risk to human health and the 

environment than other substitutes in 

this end-use. 

New Equipment Only; Not Intended for 

Use as a Retrofit Alternative 

EPA is proposing that R–1150 may be 

used only in new equipment 37 which 

has been designed to address concerns 

unique to flammable refrigerants—i.e., 

this substitute may not be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for 

existing equipment. EPA is unaware of 


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38Engineering ToolBox, (2005). Refrigerants— 

Physical Properties. Available online at: https://

www.engineeringtoolbox.com/refrigerants-d_

902.html Accessed October 28, 2021. 

information on how to address hazards 

if this flammable refrigerant were to be 

used in equipment that was designed for 

non-flammable refrigerants. Given the 

flammable nature of the refrigerant, the 

fact that EPA is unaware of information 

to assess the risk if such retrofits were 

allowed, and because the refrigerant was 

not submitted to the SNAP program for 

retrofits, EPA has not reviewed it for 

retrofit applications for this proposal 

and is only proposing that it may be 

used in new equipment which can be 

properly designed for their use. 

Therefore, EPA is proposing that R– 

1150 may only be used in new 

equipment that can be properly 

designed for its use. 

Standards 

EPA is proposing that R–1150 may be 

used only in equipment that meets all 

requirements in the UL Standard. This 

UL Standard indicates that refrigerant 

charges greater than 150 g are beyond its 

scope and that additional requirements 

apply, such as for instance ANSI/ 

ASHRAE 15–2019. EPA has only 

evaluated equipment that fits within the 

scope of the UL Standard. 

UL has developed safety standards 

including requirements for construction 

and system design, for markings, and for 

performance tests concerning refrigerant 

leakage, ignition of switching 

components, surface temperature of 

parts, and component strength after 

being scratched. Certain aspects of 

system construction and design, 

including charge size, ventilation, and 

installation space, and greater detail on 

markings, are discussed further below in 

this section. The UL Standard was 

developed in an open and consensusbased approach, with the assistance of 

experts in the laboratory equipment 

industry as well as experts involved in 

assessing the safety of products. While 

similar standards exist from other 

bodies such as the IEC, we are 

proposing to rely on a specific UL 

standard that is most applicable and 

recognized by the U.S. market. This 

approach is the same as that in our 

previous rules on flammable refrigerants 

(e.g., 76 FR 78832, December 20, 2011; 

80 FR 19454, April 10, 2015; 86 FR 

24444, May 6, 2021). 

A summary of the requirements of the 

UL Standard as they affect R–1150 and 

the end-use addressed in this section of 

our proposal follows. This summary is 

offered for information only and does 

not provide a complete review of the 

requirements in this standard. The UL 

Standard requires the warning labels on 

the equipment to contain letters at least 

1⁄4 inch high. The label must be 

permanently affixed to the equipment. 

Warning label language requirements 

are described in section II.F.4 of this 

proposed rule. Additionally, red 

markings, similar to those EPA has 

applied as use conditions in past actions 

for flammable refrigerants (76 FR 78832, 

December 20, 2011; 80 FR 19454, April 

10, 2015; 86 FR 24444, May 6, 2021), are 

required by the UL Standard for A2 and 

A3 refrigerants to establish a common, 

familiar and standard means of 

identifying the use of a flammable 

refrigerant. 

These red markings will help 

technicians immediately identify the 

use of a flammable refrigerant, thereby 

potentially reducing the risk of using 

sparking equipment or otherwise having 

an ignition source nearby. The colored 

plastic sleeve or cap would have to be 

forcibly removed in order to access the 

service port, hose, or pipe. This would 

signal to the technician that the 

refrigeration circuit that she/he was 

about to access contained a flammable 

refrigerant, even if all warning labels 

were somehow removed. This sleeve 

would be of the same red color (PMS 

#185 or RAL 3020) and could also be 

boldly marked with a graphic to 

indicate the refrigerant was flammable. 

The use of a colored plastic sleeve or 

cap that is boldly marked with a graphic 

could be a cost-effective alternative to 

painting or dyeing the service port, 

hose, or pipe. 

Charge Size Limitation 

Among the provisions in the UL 

Standard are limits on the amount of 

refrigerant allowed in each appliance. 

The limitations on refrigerant charge 

size for VLTR would be consistent with 

the UL Standard to reduce the risk to 

workers and consumers. EPA is 

proposing to require a charge size limit 

of 150 g for each refrigerant circuit or 

stage for the proposed refrigerant. 

Section 1.1.1 of the UL Standard states, 

‘‘This document details all the 

requirements when up to 150 g of 

FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANT are used 

per stage of a REFRIGERATING 

SYSTEM. Additional requirements 

beyond the current scope of this 

document apply if a REFRIGERANT 

charge of FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANT 

exceeds this amount.’’ Thus, in order to 

ensure the standard’s provisions apply 

and sufficiently address flammability 

risk, EPA is proposing that each 

refrigerant circuit must contain no more 

than 150 g of R–1150. 

In addition to the general requirement 

that each refrigerant circuit must 

contain no more than 150 g of R–1150, 

the UL Standard has a requirement for 

the maximum charge for remote 

condensing unit using a flammable 

refrigerant in Annex DD and Table 

DD.1. Section DD.2.4 of Annex DD sets 

requirements for the minimum 

associated room area for a given charge, 

based on a maximum refrigerant 

concentration of 0.38 lb/1000 ft3, 5200 

ppm, or 6 g/m3 for R–1150. 

6. What narrowed use limits is EPA 

proposing? 

EPA is proposing the following 

narrowed use limits for use of R–1150 

in VLTR: 

(1) Temperature range—R–1150 may 

only be used in equipment designed 

specifically to reach temperatures lower 

than ¥80 °C (¥112 °F). 

(2) The manufacturers of new very 

low temperature equipment would need 

to demonstrate that other alternatives 

are not technically feasible. They must 

document the results of their evaluation 

that showed the other alternatives to be 

not technically feasible and maintain 

that documentation in their files. This 

documentation, which does not need to 

be submitted to EPA unless requested to 

demonstrate compliance, ‘‘shall include 

descriptions of substitutes examined 

and rejected, processes or products in 

which the substitute is needed, reason 

for rejection of other alternatives, e.g., 

performance, technical or safety 

standards, and the anticipated date 

other substitutes will be available and 

projected time for switching to other 

available substitutes.’’ (40 CFR 

82.180(b)(3)). 

7. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

narrowed use limits? 

The boiling point (b.p.) of a refrigerant 

determines the coldest temperature it 

can reach within its refrigerating 

capabilities. R–1150 has a b.p. of ¥104 

°C, allowing it to refrigerate as cold as 

¥104 °C. There are a limited number of 

refrigerants that are capable of reaching 

temperatures below ¥80 °C, such as the 

ODSs CFC–13 (b.p., ¥81.4 °C) and R– 

503 (b.p., ¥88.9 °C), and among the 

acceptable refrigerants in this end-use, 

ethane (b.p., ¥88.3 °C) and the high 

GWP refrigerants HFC–23 (b.p., ¥84.4 

°C), R–508A (b.p., ¥87.4 °C) and R– 

508B (b.p., ¥87.4 °C).38 Given the 

limited refrigerant options available for 

equipment designed to reach the sub 

¥80 °C temperature range, EPA 

understands there is a need for listing 

R–1150. However, EPA proposes that 

limiting the use of R–1150 to VLTR 

equipment designed to reach 

temperatures lower than ¥80 °C 

(¥112 °F) is necessary to mitigate local 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45528 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

39Wickham, 2002. Status of Industry Efforts to 

Replace Halon Fire Extinguishing Agents. March 

2002. 

40 ICF, 2022q. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total 

Flooding Systems in Normally Unoccupied Spaces. 

Substitute: 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

41 ICF, 2022r. Risk Screen on Substitutes as 

Streaming Agents in Non-Residential Applications. 

Substitute: 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

air quality concerns discussed in section 

II.F.3 that could occur with broad use, 

given the larger picture of VOC and 

generation of ground-level ozone in 

areas like Los Angeles. If R–1150 were 

used broadly across the refrigeration 

and AC sector, it could have significant 

impacts on local air quality. For 

equipment in this end-use designed to 

reach temperatures higher than ¥80 °C 

(¥112 °F), other alternatives with lower 

reactivities are widely available, e.g., 

CO2, ethane, propane, and R–410A. 

There are sufficient refrigerant options 

available to fill the need in VLTR 

equipment designed to reach 

temperatures higher than ¥80 °C 

(¥112 °F) without allowing the use of 

refrigerants as photochemically reactive 

as R–1150. 

8. What additional information is EPA 

including in these proposed listings? 

EPA is providing additional 

information related to these proposed 

listings. Since this additional 

information is not part of the regulatory 

decision under SNAP, these statements 

are not binding for use of the substitute 

under the SNAP program. See section 

II.E.2 above for further discussion on 

what additional information EPA is 

including in these proposed listings. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of 

these substitutes. 

9. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA takes comment on this listing, 

including the proposed use conditions 

and narrowed use limits. In particular, 

EPA takes comment on the specific 

temperature range to which R–1150 

should be limited. For example, R–1150 

could instead be listed as acceptable for 

equipment designed to attain 

temperatures of ¥89 °C (¥128.2 °F), 

lower than the boiling point of ethane, 

since ethane could attain temperatures 

down to ¥89 °C and would present 

lower risk of potential local air quality 

impacts because of lower reactivity in 

the lower atmosphere than R–1150. EPA 

also takes comment on whether R–1150 

should be listed as unacceptable, given 

the potential local air quality impacts. 

G. Streaming and Total Flooding Fire 

Suppression—Proposed Listing of 2- 

bromo-3,3,3 trifluoropropene (2–BTP) as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

as a Streaming Agent in NonResidential Applications and as a Total 

Flooding Agent in Normally 

Unoccupied Spaces Under 500 ft3

1. Background on Streaming and Total 

Flooding Fire Suppression 

The fire suppression and explosion 

protection end-uses addressed in this 

action are total flooding and streaming. 

Total flooding systems, which 

historically employed halon 1301 as a 

fire suppression agent, are used in both 

normally occupied and unoccupied 

areas. In the United States, 

approximately 90 percent of installed 

total flooding systems protect 

anticipated hazards from ordinary 

combustibles (i.e., Class A fires), while 

the remaining ten percent protect 

against applications involving 

flammable liquids and gases (i.e., Class 

B fires).39 It is also estimated that 

approximately 75 percent of total 

flooding systems protect electronics 

(e.g., computers, telecommunications, 

process control areas), while the 

remaining 25 percent protect other 

applications, primarily in civil aviation 

(e.g., engine nacelles/auxiliary power 

units, cargo compartments, lavatory 

trash receptacles), military weapons 

systems (e.g., combat vehicles, 

machinery spaces on ships, aircraft 

engines and tanks), oil/gas and 

manufacturing industries (e.g., gas/oil 

pumping, compressor stations), and 

maritime (e.g., machinery space, cargo 

pump rooms). Streaming applications, 

which have historically used halon 1211 

as an extinguishing agent, include 

portable fire extinguishers designed to 

protect against specific hazards. 

2. What is EPA’s proposed listing 

decisions for 2–BTP? 

EPA is proposing to list 2–BTP as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in normally unoccupied spaces 

under 500 ft3 in total flooding fire 

suppression systems. In addition, EPA 

proposes to list 2–BTP as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, as a streaming 

agent for use in non-residential 

applications, except for commercial 

home office and personal watercraft. 2– 

BTP was previously listed as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, for use in 

engine nacelles and auxiliary power 

units on aircraft in total flooding fire 

suppression systems and for use in 

aircraft as a streaming agent (81 FR 

86778, December 1, 2016). 

The redacted submission and 

supporting documentation for 2–BTP 

are provided in the docket for this 

proposed rule (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021– 

0836) at https://www.regulations.gov. 

EPA performed assessments to examine 

the health and environmental risks of 

this substitute during production 

operations and the filling of fire 

extinguishers as well as in the case of 

an inadvertent discharge of the system 

during maintenance activities on the fire 

extinguishing system. These 

assessments are available in the docket 

for this proposed rule.40 41

3. What is 2–BTP and how does it 

compare to other fire suppressants in 

the same end-uses? 

a. Total Flooding 

Environmental information: 2–BTP 

has an ODP of 0.0028 and a GWP of 

0.23–0.26. The ODPs of other total 

flooding agents range from 0 to 0.048 

and GWPs of other total flooding 

alternatives range from 0 to 3,500. 2– 

BTP is considered a VOC and is not 

excluded from EPA’s regulatory 

definition of VOC (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) 

for the purpose of addressing the 

development of SIPs to attain and 

maintain the NAAQS. 

Flammability information: 2–BTP is 

nonflammable. 

Toxicity and exposure data: EPA 

assessed potential health risks from 

exposure to the proposed substitute as 

a total flooding agent in normally 

unoccupied spaces up to 14.2 m3 (500 

ft3) during manufacture, installation, 

and servicing, consistent with the use 

description provided by the submitter. 

According to the SDS, exposure to 2– 

BTP following a discharge may be 

hazardous if inhalation, skin contact, or 

eye contact with the proposed substitute 

occurs at sufficiently high levels. 

However, the most likely pathway of 

exposure is through inhalation, which 

may cause central nervous system 

effects, such as dizziness, confusion, 

physical incoordination, drowsiness, 

anesthesia, or unconsciousness. The 

cardiotoxic Lowest Observed Adverse 

Effect Level (LOAEL) for this agent is 

1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), at which level 

exposure may cause increased 

sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline, 

which might cause irregular heartbeats 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45529 

42 ICF, 2022q. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total 

Flooding Systems in Normally Unoccupied Spaces. 

Substitute: 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

and possibly ventricular fibrillation or 

death. 

2–BTP vapors may reduce oxygen 

available for breathing, causing 

asphyxiation in high concentrations. 

Such vapors pose a potential hazard if 

large volumes are trapped in enclosed or 

low places. In addition, as noted above, 

if person(s) are exposed to high 

concentrations, the person(s) may 

experience central nervous system 

effects, such as drowsiness and 

dizziness, which may result in the 

person(s) not realizing that he/she is 

suffocating. These health effects after 

exposure are similar for other common 

fire suppressants. 

To assess potential health risks from 

exposure to the proposed substitute for 

personnel during manufacturing, EPA 

developed an AEL of 2 ppm for 2–BTP 

based on review of available toxicity 

studies.42 The AEL represents the 

maximum 8-hour TWA at which 

personnel in an occupational 

environment can be exposed regularly 

without adverse effects. The estimated 

exposure values provided by the 

submitter are greater than the 

occupational AEL. To effectively 

mitigate potential occupational 

exposure and maintain average 

exposure levels below the occupational 

AEL of 2 ppm, the manufacturing space 

should be equipped with specialized 

engineering controls and well ventilated 

with a local exhaust system and lowlying source ventilation. The sampling 

data provided by the submitter 

demonstrate that local exhaust 

ventilation greatly reduces exposure 

concentration inside the fill booth and 

in the filling area. 

Exposure to the proposed substitute is 

not likely during installation or 

servicing of 2–BTP total flooding 

systems for normally unoccupied 

spaces. The risk of accidental activation 

of the fire extinguishing system while 

personnel are present near the protected 

space is highly unlikely if proper 

procedures are followed. Proper 

instructions on system installation and 

servicing included in manuals for the 2– 

BTP systems should be adhered to. In 

the case of accidental release, required 

engineering controls in accordance with 

the National Fire Protection Association 

(NFPA) 2001 Standard on Clean Agent 

Fire Extinguishing Systems to limit 

personnel exposure to discharges 

should be employed with 2–BTP 

systems. 

EPA provides additional information 

on safe use of this substitute for 

establishments manufacturing, 

installing and maintaining equipment 

using this agent in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column of the regulatory 

listing. EPA recommends that a time 

delay of 30 to 60 seconds is 

programmed in accordance with the 

NFPA 2001 standard. Although 

exposure is highly unlikely during 

installation and maintenance activities, 

exposure is possible upon reentry into 

a space after a system has been 

discharged. In the event of an accidental 

release, the space should be adequately 

ventilated. EPA recommends that 

personnel wear protective clothing, 

goggles, gloves, and particulateremoving respirators with National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and 

Health (NIOSH) type N95 or better 

filters while performing installation or 

maintenance, and a self-contained 

breathing apparatus (SCBA) while 

performing clean-up activities to reduce 

the risk of exposure. Since this 

additional information is not part of the 

regulatory decision under SNAP, these 

statements are not binding for use of the 

substitute under the SNAP program. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of this 

substitute. 

2–BTP is not expected to cause a 

significant risk to human health in the 

general population when used in total 

flooding systems in normally 

unoccupied areas. The proposed use in 

spaces under 500 ft3 would require a 

smaller amount of fire suppressant, 

reducing potential exposures to workers 

and the general public and reducing 

potential toxicity risks. Disposal of 2– 

BTP total flooding systems is subject to 

local, state, and federal regulations, 

which ensure that 2–BTP and water 

contaminated with 2–BTP are not to be 

dumped into sewers, on the ground, or 

into any body of water, but rather taken 

to a wastewater treatment facility or 

disposed of properly. 2–BTP is not 

considered to be hazardous waste under 

EPA regulations implementing RCRA at 

40 CFR part 261. EPA provides 

additional information on safe use of 

this substitute for establishments 

manufacturing, installing and 

maintaining equipment using this agent 

in the ‘‘Further Information’’ column of 

the proposed regulatory listing. Since 

this additional information is not part of 

the regulatory decision under SNAP, 

these statements are not binding for use 

of the substitute under the SNAP 

program. While the items listed are not 

legally binding under the SNAP 

program, EPA encourages users of 

substitutes to apply all statements in the 

‘‘Further Information’’ column in their 

use of this substitute. 

Comparison to other fire 

suppressants: 2–BTP has an ODP of 

0.0028, comparable to or lower than 

other listed substitutes in this end-use, 

with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.048. 

2–BTP has a GWP of 0.23–0.26 that is 

lower than or comparable to that of 

other acceptable substitutes for total 

flooding agents, with GWPs that range 

from about zero to 3,500. 2–BTP is 

considered a VOC and is not excluded 

from EPA’s regulatory definition of VOC 

(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the 

development of SIPs to attain and 

maintain the NAAQS. Other acceptable 

fire suppression agents currently in use 

in this end-use are also VOC (e.g., C6- 

perfluoroketone), and 2–BTP is 

anticipated to pose no greater risk than 

other alternatives listed as acceptable in 

this end-use. Emissions of 2–BTP 

should be controlled by adhering to 

standard industry practices. Toxicity 

risks can be minimized by use 

consistent with the NFPA 2001 

standard, recommendations in the SDS, 

and other safety precautions common in 

the fire suppression industry. The 

potential toxicity risks due to inhalation 

exposure are common to many total 

flooding agents, including those already 

listed as acceptable under SNAP for this 

same end-use. 2–BTP post-activation 

products are nonflammable, as are all 

other available total flooding agents. 

EPA is proposing to find 2–BTP 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, as 

a total flooding agent for use in 

normally unoccupied spaces under 500 

ft3 because the overall environmental 

and human health risk posed by the 

substitute is lower than or comparable 

to the overall risk posed by other 

alternatives listed as acceptable in the 

same end-use. 

b. Streaming Uses 

Environmental information: The 

environmental information for this 

substitute is set forth in the 

‘‘Environmental information’’ section in 

listing II.G.3.a above. 

Flammability information: 2–BTP is 

nonflammable. 

Toxicity and exposure data: Toxicity 

and personal protective equipment 

(PPE) information is described above 

under total flooding applications. EPA 

evaluated occupational and general 

population exposure at manufacture and 

at end-use to ensure that the use of 2– 

BTP as a streaming agent will not pose 

unacceptable risks to workers or the 

general public. For the occupational 

exposure assessment, EPA has evaluated 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45530 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

43 ICF, 2022r. Risk Screen on Substitutes as 

Streaming Agents in Non-Residential Applications. 

Substitute: 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

44UL, 2017. Standard 2129—Halocarbon Clean 

Agent Fire Extinguishers. Edition 3. This document 

is accessible at: https://www.shopulstandards.com/ 

ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=32182. 

the risks associated with potential 

exposures to 2–BTP during production 

operations and the filling of fire 

extinguishers as well as in the case of 

an inadvertent discharge of the fire 

extinguisher during maintenance 

activities. 

2–BTP is not expected to pose a risk 

to workers during manufacture when 

the engineering controls and PPE 

requirements as referenced in the SDS 

for this proposed substitute are 

followed. The potential health risks 

from exposure to the proposed 

substitute for personnel during 

manufacturing is described above under 

total flooding applications. 

EPA also assessed potential end-use 

exposure scenario at 7.5-minute and 15- 

minute TWA exposures for 2–BTP 

following potential release of agent from 

the handheld extinguisher in confined 

spaces (e.g., electronics and server 

rooms).43 These exposures were then 

compared with the cardiotoxic LOAEL 

for 2–BTP. All but one modeled 7.5- 

minute and 15-minute exposures for 

varying ventilation rates were lower 

than the LOAEL of 10,000 ppm for 2– 

BTP. The estimated exposures were 

derived using conservative assumptions 

(i.e., no mechanical ventilation) and 

represent a worst-case scenario with a 

low probability of occurrence. Because 

anticipated exposures could exceed the 

exposure limit for 2–BTP, EPA 

recommends that standard safety 

techniques to ensure safety during the 

use of 2–BTP fire extinguishers be 

followed in non-residential locations. 2– 

BTP handheld extinguishers must 

follow required minimum room 

volumes established by UL 2129, 

Halocarbon Clean Agent Fire 

Extinguishers,44 when discharged into a 

confined space. This standard prohibits 

the exceedance of the cardiotoxic 

LOAEL for any fire suppressant (i.e., 

10,000 ppm or 1.0% for 2–BTP). 

Therefore, per UL 2129, a warning label 

for 2–BTP extinguishers will mitigate 

use in confined spaces. Based on the 

above results, 2–BTP is not expected to 

pose significant risk to end users when 

used as a streaming fire extinguishing 

agent in non-residential applications, 

except for commercial home office and 

personal watercraft. EPA provides 

additional information on safe use of 

this substitute for establishments 

manufacturing, installing and 

maintaining equipment using this agent 

in the ‘‘Further Information’’ column of 

the regulatory listing. Since this 

additional information is not part of the 

regulatory decision under SNAP, these 

statements are not binding for use of the 

substitute under the SNAP program. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of this 

substitute. 

Comparison to other fire 

suppressants: 2–BTP has an ODP of 

0.0028, comparable to other listed 

substitutes in this end-use, with ODPs 

ranging from zero to 0.022. 2–BTP has 

a GWP of 0.23–0.26, which for 

streaming agents is lower than or 

comparable to that of other acceptable 

substitutes, with GWPs that range from 

about zero to 3,220. 2–BTP is 

considered a VOC and is not excluded 

from EPA’s regulatory definition of VOC 

(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the 

development of SIPs to attain and 

maintain the NAAQS. Other acceptable 

fire suppression agents currently in use 

in this end-use are also VOC (e.g., C6- 

perfluoroketone), and 2–BTP is 

anticipated to pose no greater risk than 

other alternatives listed as acceptable in 

this end-use. Toxicity risks can be 

minimized by use consistent with the 

NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire 

Extinguishers, recommendations in the 

SDS, and other safety precautions 

common in the fire suppression 

industry. 

EPA is proposing to find 2–BTP as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, as 

a streaming agent for use in nonresidential applications, except for 

commercial home office and personal 

watercraft, because the overall 

environmental and human health risk 

posed by the substitute is lower than or 

comparable to the overall risk posed by 

other alternatives listed as acceptable in 

the same end-use. 

4. What use conditions is EPA 

proposing? 

EPA is proposing to list 2–BTP as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in normally unoccupied spaces 

under 500 ft3 in total flooding fire 

suppression systems, and as acceptable, 

subject to use conditions, as a streaming 

agent for use in non-residential 

applications, except for commercial 

home offices and personal watercrafts. 

5. Why is EPA proposing these specific 

use conditions? 

EPA is proposing to list 2–BTP as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in normally unoccupied spaces 

under 500 ft3 in total flooding fire 

suppression systems. These limitations 

are consistent with additional 

information submitted to EPA. The 

limitations correspond to use in small 

enclosed spaces, such as an electrical 

closet. Such spaces would require a 

smaller amount of fire suppressant, 

reducing potential exposures to workers 

and the general public and reducing 

potential toxicity risks. 

Additionally, EPA is proposing to list 

2–BTP as acceptable subject to use 

conditions as a streaming agent for use 

in non-residential applications, except 

for commercial home office and 

personal watercrafts. The definition of 

‘‘residential use’’ in the SNAP 

regulations at 40 CFR 82.172 is use by 

a private individual of a chemical 

substance or any product containing the 

chemical substance in or around a 

permanent or temporary household, 

during recreation, or for any personal 

use or enjoyment. Use within a 

household for commercial or medical 

applications is not included in this 

definition, nor is use in automobiles, 

watercraft, or aircraft. Use in a 

commercial home office or in personal 

watercraft could result in exposure to 

members of the general public, 

including sensitive individuals such as 

children or the elderly. In addition, air 

exchange is often lower in a home office 

or a personal watercraft than in 

industrial or other commercial 

applications, potentially resulting in 

higher exposure levels than in those 

other non-residential applications. 

Because of the more sensitive 

populations and potentially higher 

exposures associated with those 

applications, EPA is proposing to list 2– 

BTP for use in non-residential 

applications other than commercial 

home office and personal watercraft. 

6. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision, 

including the proposed use conditions. 

H. Total Flooding Fire Suppression— 

Proposed Listing of EXXFIRE® as 

Acceptable, Subject to Use Conditions, 

for Use in Normally Unoccupied Spaces 

1. What is EPA’s proposed listing 

decision for EXXFIRE®? 

EPA is proposing to list EXXFIRE® as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, for 

use in total flooding fire suppression 

systems in normally unoccupied spaces. 

Prior to activation, the EXXFIRE®

formulation is in solid form and 

contained within a hermetically sealed 

steel container. Upon detection of a fire, 

nitrogen gas is released from the unit. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45531 

45 ICF, 2022s. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total 

Flooding Systems in Normally Unoccupied Spaces; 

Substitute: EXXFIRE®. 

46EPA, 2004. A Guide to Completing a Risk 

Screen: Collection and Use of Risk Screen Data. Fire 

Suppression Sector. April 2004. 

The nitrogen gas dilutes the oxygen 

level within the enclosure, and 

consequently suppresses the fire. After 

activation, only gas components exit the 

casing. All solid products remain inside 

the casing before, during and after 

activation. Use of this agent should be 

in accordance with the safety guidelines 

in the latest edition of the NFPA 2001 

standard. 

The redacted submission and 

supporting documentation for 

EXXFIRE® are provided in the docket 

for this proposed rule (EPA–HQ–OAR– 

2021–0836) at https://

www.regulations.gov. EPA performed an 

assessment to examine the health and 

environmental risks of each of this 

substitute. This assessment is available 

in the docket for this proposed rule.45

2. What is EXXFIRE® and how does it 

compare to other fire suppressants in 

the same end-use? 

Environmental information: 

According to the submitter, the active 

ingredients for this technology are 

nonvolatile solids before activation so 

the ODP, atmospheric lifetime, and 

GWP are all zero. The gaseous postactivation products that are released 

upon activation of the fire suppressant 

with GWPs are carbon monoxide (CO), 

CO2, and various hydrocarbons with 

GWPs ranging from less than one to 25; 

however, these compounds are present 

in trace amounts, together making up 

less than 0.5 percent of the total weight 

of the post-activation products. The 

majority of the post-activation 

constituents of EXXFIRE® are either not 

organic (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, water, 

hydrogen) or are excluded from EPA’s 

regulatory definition of VOC (see 40 

CFR 51.100(s)), addressing the 

development of SIPs to attain and 

maintain the NAAQS. Some 

constituents of EXXFIRE® are 

considered VOC and are not excluded 

from EPA’s regulatory definition of VOC 

(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)), including a 

variety of hydrocarbons; however, these 

compounds are present in trace 

amounts. 

Flammability information: EXXFIRE®

post-activation products are 

nonflammable, except for certain 

hydrocarbons that are present in trace 

amounts. 

Toxicity and exposure data: EPA 

assessed potential health risks from 

exposure . . . . Most post-activation 

products for EXXFIRE® are not expected 

to result in adverse health effects; 

however, due to the potential presence 

of lithium fluoride, which is acutely 

toxic upon inhalation or ingestion and 

can cause serious skin, eye, and 

respiratory tract irritation, the use of 

this system is only recommended for 

use in normally unoccupied spaces. 

Although expected to be maintained 

inside the generator, the potential 

presence of lithium fluoride in the postactivation particulate products justifies 

the necessity for personnel to wear 

proper PPE (i.e., particulate-removing 

respirator with NIOSH type N95 or 

better filters) upon reentry into the 

space following a discharge of the 

system to mitigate those risks. The 

submitter indicates that the proposed 

substitute can reduce oxygen levels to 

10 to 12 percent, which can cause a 

potential asphyxiation hazard. 

EPA evaluated occupational and 

general population exposure at 

manufacture and at end use to ensure 

that the use of EXXFIRE® will not pose 

unacceptable risks to workers or the 

general public. Exposure is possible 

upon reentry into a space after a system 

has been discharged. Protective gloves, 

tightly sealed goggles, protective work 

clothing, and particulate-removing 

respirators should be worn for 

installation and servicing activities, to 

protect workers in any event of potential 

discharge of the proposed substitute, 

accidental or otherwise. Filling or 

servicing operations should be 

performed in well-ventilated areas. 

Toxicity risks can be minimized by use 

consistent with the NFPA 2001 

standard, recommendations in the SDS, 

and other safety precautions common in 

the fire suppression industry. EPA 

provides additional information on safe 

use of this substitute for establishments 

manufacturing, installing and 

maintaining equipment using this agent 

in the ‘‘Further Information’’ column of 

the regulatory listing. Since this 

additional information is not part of the 

regulatory decision under SNAP, these 

statements are not binding for use of the 

substitute under the SNAP program. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of this 

substitute. 

Comparison to other fire 

suppressants: EXXFIRE® has an ODP of 

zero, comparable to other listed 

substitutes in this end-use, with ODPs 

ranging from zero to 0.048. For total 

flooding agents, EXXFIRE® has a GWP 

of zero prior to activation (and one to 25 

for certain post-activation products 

present in trace amounts), which is 

comparable to or lower than that of 

other acceptable substitutes, such as 

HFC–227ea and other HFCs, with GWPs 

up to 3,500. The majority, 

approximately 99.5 percent, of the postactivation constituents of EXXFIRE® are 

either not organic or are excluded from 

EPA’s regulatory definition of VOC (see 

40 CFR 51.100(s)), addressing the 

development of SIPs to attain and 

maintain the NAAQS. EXXFIRE® is 

anticipated to pose no greater risk than 

other alternatives listed as acceptable in 

this end-use. Toxicity risks can be 

minimized by use consistent with the 

NFPA 2001 standard, recommendations 

in the SDS, and other safety precautions 

common in the fire suppression 

industry. The potential toxicity risks 

due to inhalation exposure are common 

to many total flooding agents, including 

those already listed as acceptable under 

SNAP for this same end-use. 

EXXFIRE®’s post-activation products 

are nonflammable, as are all other 

available total flooding agents. 

EPA is proposing to list EXXFIRE® as 

acceptable, subject to use conditions, in 

the end-use listed above because it does 

not pose greater overall environmental 

and human health risk than other 

available substitutes in the same enduse. 

3. What use conditions is EPA 

proposing and why? 

Consistent with the request by the 

submitter, the use condition requires 

that EXXFIRE® be used in total flooding 

fire suppression systems only in areas 

that are not normally occupied. EPA 

conducted this evaluation for use only 

in unoccupied spaces, and information 

was provided by the submitter in the 

SNAP application specific for this type 

of space based on EPA guidance.46

4. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision, 

including the proposed use conditions. 

I. Total Flooding Fire Suppression— 

Proposed Listing of Powdered Aerosol H 

(Pyroquench-aTM) as Acceptable, 

Subject to Use Conditions, for Use in 

Normally Unoccupied Spaces 

1. What is EPA’s proposed listing 

decision for Powdered Aerosol H? 

EPA is proposing to list Powdered 

Aerosol H, also known as PyroquenchaTM, as acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, for use in total flooding fire 

suppression systems in normally 

unoccupied spaces. Prior to activation, 

the Powdered Aerosol H formulation is 


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47 ICF, 2022t. Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total 

Flooding Systems in Normally Unoccupied Spaces; 

Substitute: Pyroquench-aTM. 

48EPA, 2004. A Guide to Completing a Risk 

Screen: Collection and Use of Risk Screen Data. Fire 

Suppression Sector. April, 2004. 

contained as a solid disk of chemicals 

in insulated and dual-sealed casings. In 

response to heat and lack of oxygen, the 

formulation undergoes a chemical 

reaction; once the Powdered Aerosol H 

system is activated, it generates and 

discharges a homogenous mixture of gas 

and particulates into a space containing 

a fire hazard or directly on the hazard 

itself, extinguishing the fire. In the 

‘‘Further Information’’ column of the 

tables at the end of this document, we 

state that use of this agent should be in 

accordance with the safety guidelines in 

the latest edition of the NFPA 2010 

Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire 

Extinguishing Systems. 

The redacted submission and 

supporting documentation for Powdered 

Aerosol H are provided in the docket for 

this proposed rule (EPA–HQ–OAR– 

2021–0836) at https://

www.regulations.gov. EPA performed an 

assessment to examine the health and 

environmental risks of each of this 

substitute. This assessment is available 

in the docket for this proposed rule.47

2. What is Powdered Aerosol H and how 

does it compare to other fire 

suppressants in the same end-use? 

Environmental information: 

According to the submitter, the active 

ingredients for this technology are 

nonvolatile solids before activation so 

the ODP, atmospheric lifetime, and 

GWP are all zero. The gaseous postactivation products that are released 

upon activation of the fire suppressant 

with GWPs are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 

and CO2, with GWPs of 120 and one, 

respectively. The post-activation 

constituents of Powdered Aerosol H are 

excluded from EPA’s regulatory 

definition of VOC (see 40 CFR 

51.100(s)), addressing the development 

of SIPs to attain and maintain the 

NAAQS. 

Flammability information: Powdered 

Aerosol H post-activation products are 

nonflammable. 

Toxicity and exposure data: EPA 

assessed potential health risks from 

exposure to the proposed substitute as 

a total flooding agent in normally 

unoccupied spaces. Because the preactivation components of the fire 

suppressant are prepared in tablets that 

are non-reactive and do not crumble or 

flake, there is no concern with regard to 

inhalation or ingestion of the preactivation compounds. The discharge of 

the powdered aerosol after activation 

results in temporary reduced visibility 

in the protected space due to the 

uniform distribution of the particulate 

generated and may cause ocular, 

dermal, and respiratory irritation. EPA 

recommends that workers should not 

enter the space following discharge 

until all particles have settled and the 

gases released by the total flooding 

system have dissipated. Use according 

to the NFPA 2010 Standard will reduce 

any safety risks due to reduced 

visibility. The use of proper PPE, such 

as protective clothing, gloves, goggles, 

and particulate-removing respirators, 

during manufacturing, at installation, 

maintenance, and clean-up, minimizes 

personnel exposure from inhalation of 

the substitute. EPA provides additional 

information on safe use of this 

substitute for establishments 

manufacturing, installing and 

maintaining equipment using this agent 

in the ‘‘Further Information’’ column of 

the regulatory listing. Since this 

additional information is not part of the 

regulatory decision under SNAP, these 

statements are not binding for use of the 

substitute under the SNAP program. 

While the items listed are not legally 

binding under the SNAP program, EPA 

encourages users of substitutes to apply 

all statements in the ‘‘Further 

Information’’ column in their use of this 

substitute. 

EPA expects that procedures 

identified in the SDS for Powdered 

Aerosol H and good manufacturing 

practices will be adhered to, and that 

the appropriate safety and personal PPE 

consistent with OSHA guidelines will 

be used during installation, servicing, 

post-discharge clean-up and disposal of 

total flooding systems using Powdered 

Aerosol H. The manufacturer guidance 

upon installation of the system provides 

the appropriate time after which 

workers may re-enter the area for 

disposal to allow the maximum settling 

of all particulates. 

Comparison to other fire 

suppressants: The post-activation 

products of Powdered Aerosol H have 

an ODP of zero, comparable to or lower 

than other listed substitutes in this enduse, with ODPs ranging from zero to 

0.048. For total flooding agents, 

Powdered Aerosol H’s GWP of zero 

prior to activation (and one to 120 for 

certain post-activation products) is 

comparable to or lower than that of 

other acceptable substitutes, such as 

HFC–227ea and other HFCs, with GWPs 

up to 3,500. Other acceptable substitutes 

in this end-use have comparable GWPs 

ranging from zero to one, such as water, 

inert gases, and other powdered aerosol 

fire suppressants. Toxicity risks can be 

minimized by use consistent with the 

NFPA 2010 standard, recommendations 

in the SDS, and other safety precautions 

common in the fire suppression 

industry. The potential toxicity risks 

due to inhalation exposure are common 

to many total flooding agents, including 

those already listed as acceptable under 

SNAP for this same end-use. Powdered 

Aerosol H’s post-activation products are 

nonflammable, as are all other available 

total flooding agents. 

EPA is proposing to list Powdered 

Aerosol H as acceptable, subject to use 

conditions, in the end-use listed above 

because it does not pose greater overall 

environmental and human health risk 

than other available substitutes in the 

same end-use. 

3. What use conditions is EPA 

proposing and why? 

Consistent with the submitter’s 

request, EPA proposes the use condition 

that Powdered Aerosol H be used in 

total flooding fire suppression systems 

only in areas that are not normally 

occupied. EPA conducted this 

evaluation for use only in unoccupied 

spaces, and information was provided 

by the submitter in the SNAP 

application specific for this type of 

space based on EPA guidance.48

4. On which topics is EPA specifically 

requesting comment? 

EPA is requesting comment on all 

aspects of the proposed listing decision, 

including the proposed use conditions. 

III. Request for Advance Comment on 

Potential Approaches to SNAP Listing 

Decisions for Certain Very Short-Lived 

Substances 

In making decisions regarding 

whether a substitute is acceptable or 

unacceptable, and whether substitutes 

present risks that are lower than or 

comparable to risks from other 

substitutes that are currently or 

potentially available in the end-uses 

under consideration, EPA examines the 

criteria in 40 CFR 82.180(a)(7) which 

includes (i) atmospheric effects and 

related health and environmental 

impacts; (ii) general population risks 

from ambient exposure to compounds 

with direct toxicity and to increased 

ground-level ozone; (iii) ecosystem 

risks; (iv) occupational risks; (v) 

consumer risks; (vi) flammability; and 

(vii) cost and availability of the 

substitute. The ability of a chemical to 

destroy ozone is represented 

quantitatively by its ODP, which is the 

ratio of the amount of ozone that would 

be destroyed by the emission of a given 

mass of that chemical to the amount of 


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49 60 FR 31092, June 13, 1995. 

50Brioude et al. (2010). Variations in ozone 

depletion potentials of very short-lived substances 

with season and emission region, Geophys. Res. 

Lett., 37, L19804, doi:10.1029/2010GL044856, 2010. 

51 Youn et al. (2010). Potential impact of 

iodinated replacement compounds CF3I and CH3I 

on atmospheric ozone: A three-dimensional 

modeling study, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10,129– 

10,144,doi:10.5194/acp-10-10129-2010, 2010. 

52N.B. There are limitations on the use of HCFC– 

123 as detailed in section II.A.3 above. 

ozone destroyed by emission of the 

same mass of CFC–11. In order for a 

chemical to deplete stratospheric ozone, 

it must be transported from the 

troposphere, where almost all emissions 

occur, to the stratosphere, where release 

of its halogen atoms can trigger catalytic 

ozone destruction. 

Most class I and class II ODS are fairly 

stable in the troposphere and persist 

long enough to become well-mixed in 

the troposphere and then be transported 

into the stratosphere. Because of their 

longer tropospheric lifetimes and 

tropospheric mixing, the ability of these 

chemicals to deplete stratospheric ozone 

depends little on where on the surface 

of the Earth or during which season the 

chemicals are released, and so the 

ability of a particular chemical to 

destroy ozone can reasonably be 

represented by a single ODP value that 

is constant over space and time. 

However, some alternatives that contain 

chlorine, bromine, and/or iodine are 

more reactive and have shorter 

atmospheric lifetimes. Halogenated 

substances with atmospheric lifetimes 

shorter than about six months are called 

very short-lived substances (VSLS). 

Given the shorter atmospheric lifetimes 

of VSLS, the location of emissions can 

significantly impact the amount of 

ozone depletion that results. Emissions 

at locations where atmospheric 

conditions quickly move VSLS to the 

stratosphere will result in more ozone 

depletion. Conversely, emissions from 

locations where atmospheric conditions 

result in VSLS moving more slowly to 

the stratosphere result in less ozone 

depletion. If there are different ODPs 

calculated for different regions, the 

reported consensus value in WMO 

(2018) is the upper limit of those values. 

While not the only source of 

information used by the Agency, EPA 

regards the quadrennial report of the 

Montreal Protocol’s Scientific 

Assessment Panel as the premier source 

for information concerning stratospheric 

ozone science. Appendix A of the 

Scientific Assessment of Ozone 

Depletion: 2018 (WMO, 2018) contains 

a compilation of metrics, including 

ODPs, for ODS, ODS alternatives, and 

related species, based on best available 

data. The international scientific 

community considers these ODPs to be 

consensus ODPs. 

Given the United States is a party to 

the Montreal Protocol with 196 other 

countries, we recognize the importance 

of a globally consistent approach to 

considering ODPs. A globally consistent 

approach to assessing risk of 

alternatives is also important because 

SNAP listing decisions are often used by 

other countries as a signal that the 

alternative is safe. Thus, considerations 

under the SNAP program about the 

ozone depletion risk of a particular 

chemical have been based on an ODP 

that is the consensus of the scientific 

community. 

Under the SNAP program EPA has 

found alternatives with ODPs to be 

unacceptable. However, having a nonzero ODP does not necessarily make a 

substance unacceptable in all contexts. 

We have previously listed alternatives 

with an ODP, including listing class II 

substances as alternatives to class I 

substances—noting that many of those 

class II substances have subsequently 

been listed as unacceptable and were 

also listed as chemicals to be phased out 

under the Montreal Protocol and the 

Clean Air Act. We have also listed 

alternatives with an ODP as acceptable, 

subject to use restrictions. In a few 

cases, particularly where the ODP is 

several orders of magnitude below that 

of the class II substances, we have listed 

the alternative as acceptable without 

any use restrictions. In other words, a 

substitute with a measurable ODP could 

be determined to reduce overall risks to 

human health and the environment, 

compared with other currently or 

potentially available alternatives. For 

example, the SNAP program listed a 

number of class II ODS as acceptable as 

substitutes to class I ODS and changed 

the status to unacceptable when 

alternatives with lower ODPs became 

available. 

The SNAP program has made some 

acceptability determinations regarding 

VSLS in the past. Two examples are 

given below: 

• In 1995, EPA listed the VSLS 

trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) as 

acceptable with use restrictions for 

specialized total flooding fire 

suppression applications, noting that its 

ODP was then estimated to be 0.008– 

0.01, lower than some class II ODS 

listed as acceptable fire suppressants in 

the same end-use at that time.49 Given 

the limited applications where this 

chemical was found to be acceptable, it 

has not been widely used. More recent 

studies have found CF3I emissions in 

different regions have an ODP ranging 

from 0.0034 (Europe) to 0.094 (S. 

Asia).50 51 These studies were 

considered by WMO in their 2018 

report, which lists an ODP of <0.09 for 

CF3I. 

• In 2012, SNAP listed HCFO– 

1233zd(E), a VSLS with a WMO-listed 

ODP of <0.0004 (WMO, 2018), as 

acceptable for use as a blowing agent in 

polyurethane foams (77 FR 47768; 

August 10, 2012). This VSLS has an 

ODP orders of magnitude below the 

class II substances it can replace and has 

become more widely used in part 

because of its very low ODP and GWP. 

EPA’s SNAP program has received a 

submission to find the blend R–466A 

acceptable in certain end uses in the 

refrigeration and AC sector. This blend 

contains CF3I, which is listed by the 

World Meteorological Organization 

(WMO, 2018) as having an ODP of 

< 0.09. This is significantly higher than 

the ODPs of some HCFCs subject to 

phaseout, e.g., HCFC–22 has an ODP of 

0.055 and HCFC–123 has an ODP of 

0.02.52 While EPA has at times listed 

substitutes that have non-zero ODPs, 

including VSLS, as acceptable under the 

SNAP program, EPA has also at times 

listed substitutes with ODPs as 

unacceptable. While EPA is not 

proposing any action on the substitute 

R–466A in this proposal, we note that 

broad use of R–466A, containing CF3I, 

for air conditioning end-uses could lead 

to large amounts of emissions on an 

ODP-weighted basis. If R–466A were to 

penetrate the AC market to the extent 

that it substituted for 10 percent of the 

R–410A estimated to be used annually 

in the United States in 2022, this would 

mean consumption of over 200 ODPweighted tons using the consensus ODP 

values of 0.09 for CF3I and 0.036 for R– 

466A. For comparison, the U.S. cap on 

HCFC consumption is currently 75 

ODP-weighted tons annually. While 

HCFO–1233zd(E) is also a VSLS with 

potential for widespread use, the WMOlisted ODP of <0.0004 for HCFO– 

1233zd(E) is two orders of magnitude 

less than that of CF3I and EPA’s 

Vintaging Model estimates annual U.S. 

consumption at less than 5 ODPweighted tons. 

The Agency is seeking advance 

comment on how EPA should address 

VSLS within the SNAP program to 

inform potential future listing decisions. 

EPA is specifically requesting comment 

on the following questions: 

• Should EPA consider finding a 

VSLS with a WMO-listed ODP that is 

similar to the ODP of substances that 

have been phased out under the CAA 

Title VI to be unacceptable under 

SNAP? 


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• Should EPA take a more 

conservative approach when 

determining whether VSLS with ODPs 

similar to class II substances are 

acceptable alternatives under SNAP 

given these substances are not listed as 

class II substances under the CAA and 

therefore are not scheduled to be phased 

out? 

• How should the Agency consider 

submissions of VSLS with ODPs similar 

to class II ODS, or blends containing 

such VSLS, as alternatives in light of the 

reality that SNAP listings are used by 

other countries to determine whether an 

alternative may be acceptable? 

IV. Statutory and Executive Order 

Reviews 

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory 

Planning and Review and Executive 

Order 13563: Improving Regulation and 

Regulatory Review 

This action is not a significant 

regulatory action and was therefore not 

submitted to the Office of Management 

and Budget (OMB) for review. 

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) 

This action does not impose any new 

information collection burden under the 

PRA. OMB has previously approved the 

information collection activities 

contained in the existing regulations 

and has assigned OMB control number 

2060–0226. The approved Information 

Collection Request includes five types 

of respondent reporting and 

recordkeeping activities pursuant to 

SNAP regulations: submission of a 

SNAP petition, filing a Toxic 

Substances Control Act (TSCA)/SNAP 

Addendum, notification for test 

marketing activity, recordkeeping for 

substitutes acceptable subject to use 

restrictions, and recordkeeping for small 

volume uses. This action does not 

impose an information collection 

burden under the PRA. 

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 

I certify that this action will not have 

a significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities 

under the RFA. In making this 

determination, EPA concludes that the 

impact of concern for this rule is any 

significant adverse economic impact on 

small entities and that the agency is 

certifying that this rule will not have a 

significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities 

because the rule has no net burden on 

the small entities subject to the rule. 

This action proposes to add the 

additional options under SNAP of using 

HFC–32, HFO–1234yf, R–452B, R– 

454A, R–454B, R–454C, R–1150, 2–BTP, 

EXXFIRE®, and Powdered Aerosol H in 

the specified end-uses, but does not 

mandate such use. Users who choose to 

avail themselves of this flexibility for R– 

1150 must make a reasonable effort to 

ascertain that other substitutes or 

alternatives are not technically feasible 

and must document and keep records of 

the results of such investigations. 

Because equipment for HFC–32, HFO– 

1234yf, R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, R– 

454C is not manufactured yet in the U.S. 

for the chillers, residential 

dehumidifiers, and non-residential 

dehumidifiers end-uses, no change in 

business practice is required to meet the 

use conditions, resulting in no adverse 

impact compared with the absence of 

this rule. Similarly, R–1150, 2–BTP, 

EXXFIRE®, and Powdered Aerosol H are 

proposed to be listed as acceptable with 

use conditions consistent with industry 

standards and with the intended uses 

described by the submitters, also 

requiring no change in business 

practices and resulting in no adverse 

impact compared with the absence of 

this rule. The new use conditions for 

HFC–32 in self-contained room ACs and 

HPs were requested by industry and are 

consistent with the most recent, 

updated standard; these would allow for 

greater consistency in business practices 

for different types of equipment using 

the same refrigerant. Equipment for 

HFC–32 already manufactured prior to 

the effective date of a final rule would 

not be required to be changed. Selfcontained room ACs and HPs using 

HFC–32 have been subject to similar use 

conditions, and thus the updated 

requirements would result in no adverse 

impact compared with the absence of 

this rule. Thus, if the rule were finalized 

as proposed, it would not impose new 

costs on small entities. We have 

therefore concluded that this action will 

have no net regulatory burden for all 

directly regulated small entities. 

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

(UMRA) 

This action does not contain any 

unfunded mandate as described in 

UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531–1538, and does 

not significantly or uniquely affect small 

governments. The action imposes no 

enforceable duty on any state, local or 

tribal governments or the private sector. 

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism 

This action does not have federalism 

implications. It will not have substantial 

direct effects on the states, on the 

relationship between the national 

government and the states, or on the 

distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. 

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation 

and Coordination With Indian Tribal 

Governments 

This action does not have tribal 

implications as specified in Executive 

Order 13175. It will not have substantial 

direct effects on tribal governments, on 

the relationship between the Federal 

government and Indian tribes, or on the 

distribution of power and 

responsibilities between the Federal 

government and Indian tribes, as 

specified in Executive Order 13175. 

Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not 

apply to this action. EPA periodically 

updates tribal officials on air regulations 

through the monthly meetings of the 

National Tribal Air Association and will 

share information on this rulemaking 

through this and other fora. 

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of 

Children From Environmental Health 

and Safety Risks 

This action is not subject to Executive 

Order 13045 because the rule is not 

economically significant as defined in 

Executive Order 12866, and because 

EPA does not believe the environmental 

health or safety risks addressed by this 

action present a disproportionate risk to 

children. While EPA has not conducted 

a separate analysis of risks to infants 

and children associated with this rule, 

the rule does contain use conditions 

that would reduce exposure risks to the 

general population, with the reduction 

of exposure being most important to the 

most sensitive individuals. This action’s 

health and risk assessments are 

contained in the comparisons of toxicity 

for the various substitutes, as well as in 

the risk screens for the substitutes that 

are listed in this proposed rule. The risk 

screens are in the docket for this 

rulemaking. 

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That 

Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 

Distribution, or Use 

This action is not subject to Executive 

Order 13211, because it is not a 

significant regulatory action under 

Executive Order 12866. 

I. National Technology Transfer and 

Advancement Act and 1 CFR Part 51 

This action involves technical 

standards. EPA uses and incorporates by 

reference portions of the 2019 UL 

Standard 60335–2–40, which 

establishes requirements for the 

evaluation of residential AC equipment 

and safe use of flammable refrigerants, 

among other things. Additionally, EPA 

uses and incorporates by reference 

portions of the 2021 UL Standard 

61010–2–011, which establishes 

requirements for the evaluation of 


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laboratory equipment. These standards 

are discussed in greater detail in 

sections II.D.1 and II.E.4 of this 

preamble. 

The 2019 UL Standard 60335–2–40 

and 2021 UL Standard 61010–2–011 are 

available at http://

www.shopulstandards.com/ 

ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=36463 

and may be purchased by mail at: 

COMM 2000, 151 Eastern Avenue, 

Bensenville, IL 60106; email: orders@

shopulstandards.com; Telephone: 1– 

888–853–3503 in the U.S. or Canada 

(other countries dial 1–415–352–2178); 

internet address: http://

ulstandards.ul.com/ or www.comm2000.com. The cost of each of the 2019 

UL Standard 60335–2–40 and 2021 UL 

Standard 61010–2–011 is $440 for an 

electronic copy and $550 for hard copy. 

UL also offers a subscription service to 

the Standards Certification Customer 

Library that allows unlimited access to 

their standards and related documents. 

The cost of obtaining this standard is 

not a significant financial burden for 

equipment manufacturers and purchase 

is not necessary for those selling, 

installing, and servicing the equipment. 

Therefore, EPA concludes that the UL 

standard incorporated by reference is 

reasonably available. 

EPA is also incorporating by reference 

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15–2019, 

Safety Standard for Refrigeration 

Systems, in the use conditions for six 

refrigerants listed for use in chillers. 

This standard is available at https://

www.ashrae.org/resources-publications/ 

bookstore/standards-15-34 and may be 

purchased by mail at: 6300 Interfirst 

Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; by 

telephone: 1–800–527–4723 in the U.S. 

or Canada; internet address: http://

www.techstreet.com/ashrae/ashrae_

standards.html?ashrae_auth_token=. 

The cost of ASHRAE Standard 15–2019 

is $159.00 for an electronic copy or hard 

copy. The cost of obtaining this 

standard is not a significant financial 

burden for equipment manufacturers or 

for those selling, installing and servicing 

the equipment. Therefore, EPA 

concludes that the ASHRAE standard 

proposed to be incorporated by 

reference is reasonably available. 

EPA has already incorporated the 

following standards into appendix R: 

UL 471 (November 24, 2010); UL 484 

(December 21, 2007, with changes 

through August 3, 2012).; UL 541 

(December 30, 2011); and UL 60335–2– 

24 (April 28, 2017). 

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal 

Actions To Address Environmental 

Justice in Minority Populations and 

Low-Income Populations 

A regulatory action may involve 

potential environmental justice 

concerns if it could: (1) Create new 

disproportionate impacts on people of 

color, communities of low-income, and/ 

or indigenous peoples; (2) exacerbate 

existing disproportionate impacts on 

people of color, communities of lowincome, and/or indigenous peoples; or 

(3) present opportunities to address 

existing disproportionate impacts on 

people of color, communities of lowincome, and/or indigenous peoples 

through the action under development. 

EPA believes that this action does not 

create disproportionately high and 

adverse human health or environmental 

effects on people of color, communities 

of low-income and/or indigenous 

peoples, as specified in Executive Order 

12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) 

and may help reduce any existing 

disproportionate impacts. The proposed 

listings for HFC–32, HFO–1234yf, R– 

452B, R–454A, R–454B, R–454C, R– 

1150, 2–BTP, EXXFIRE®, and Powdered 

Aerosol H in the end-uses addressed in 

this action would provide additional 

lower-GWP and ODP or comparable 

alternatives in their respective end-uses. 

By providing lower-GWP and ODP or 

comparable alternatives for these enduses, this proposed rule is also 

anticipated to reduce the use and 

eventual emissions of potent GHGs in 

this end-use, which could help to 

reduce the effects of climate change, 

including the public health and welfare 

effects on people of color, communities 

of low-income and/or indigenous 

peoples. This action’s health and 

environmental risk assessments are 

contained in the comparison of health 

and environmental risks for HFC–32, 

HFO–1234yf, R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, 

R–454C, R–1150, 2–BTP, EXXFIRE®, 

and Powdered Aerosol H, as well as in 

the risk screens that are available in the 

docket for this rulemaking. EPA’s 

analysis indicates that other 

environmental impacts and human 

health impacts of HFC–32, HFO–1234yf, 

R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, R–454C, R– 

1150, 2–BTP, EXXFIRE®, and Powdered 

Aerosol H are comparable to or less than 

those of other substitutes that are listed 

as acceptable for the same end-use. 

Based on these considerations, EPA 

expects that the effects on people of 

color, communities of low-income and/ 

or indigenous peoples would not be 

disproportionately high and adverse. 

V. References 

Unless specified otherwise, all 

documents are available electronically 

through the Federal Docket Management 

System at regulations.gov, Docket 

number EPA–HQ–OAR–2021–0836. 

ASHRAE, 2019a. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 

34–2019: Designation and Safety 

Classification of Refrigerants. 

ASHRAE, 2019b. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 

15–2019: Safety Standard for 

Refrigeration Systems. 2019. 

Brioude et al., 2010. Brioude, J., R.W. 

Portmann, J.S. Daniel, O.R. Cooper, G.J. 

Frost, K.H. Rosenlof, C. Granier, A.R. 

Ravishankara, S.A. Montzka, and A. 

Stohl, Variations in ozone depletion 

potentials of very short-lived substances 

with season and emission region, 

Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L19804, 

doi:10.1029/2010GL044856, 2010. 

Hodnebrog, et al., 2013. Hodnebrog, ;., 

Etminan, M., Fuglestvedt, J.S., Marston, 

G., Myhre, G., Nielsen, C.J., Shine, K.P., 

and Wallington, T.J. (2013). Global 

Warming Potentials and Radiative 

Efficiencies of Halocarbons and Related 

Compounds: A Comprehensive Review, 

Reviews of Geophysics, 51, 300–378. 

Available online at doi.org/10.1002/ 

rog.20013. 

EPA, 2004. A Guide to Completing a Risk 

Screen: Collection and Use of Risk 

Screen Data. Fire Suppression Sector. 

April, 2004. 

ICF, 2014. Assessment of the Potential 

Impact of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants on 

Ground Level Ozone Concentrations. 

February, 2014. 

ICF, 2022a. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–32. 

ICF, 2022b. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: HFO–123yf. 

ICF, 2022c. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–452B. 

ICF, 2022d. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454A. 

ICF, 2022e. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454B. 

ICF, 2022f. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Chillers and Industrial Process Air 

Conditioning (New Equipment); 

Substitute: R–454C. 

ICF, 2022g. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: HFC–32. 

ICF, 2022h. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: R–452B. 

ICF, 2022i. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: R–454A. 

ICF, 2022j. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: R–454B. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45536 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

ICF, 2022k. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: R–454C. 

ICF, 2022l. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: HFO–1234yf 

ICF, 2022m. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Non-residential Dehumidifiers (New 

Equipment); Substitute: HFC–32. 

ICF, 2022n. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Residential and Light Commercial Air 

Conditioning and Heat Pumps (New 

Equipment); Substitute: HFC–32 

(Difluoromethane). 

ICF, 2022o. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Very Low Temperature Refrigeration 

(New Equipment); Substitute: R–1150. 

ICF, 2022p. Additional Assessment of the 

Potential Impact of Hydrocarbon 

Refrigerants on Ground Level Ozone 

Concentrations. May, 2020. 

ICF, 2022q. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Total Flooding Systems in Normally 

Unoccupied Spaces. Substitute: 2-bromo3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

ICF, 2022r. Risk Screen on Substitutes as 

Streaming Agents in Non-Residential 

Applications. Substitute: 2-bromo-3,3,3- 

trifluoropropene (2–BTP). 

ICF, 2022s. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Total Flooding Systems in Normally 

Unoccupied Spaces; Substitute: 

EXXFIRE®. 

ICF, 2022t. Risk Screen on Substitutes in 

Total Flooding Systems in Normally 

Unoccupied Spaces; Substitute: 

Pyroquench-aTM. 

IPCC, 2007. Climate Change 2007: The 

Physical Science Basis. Contribution of 

Working Group I to the Fourth 

Assessment Report of the 

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 

Change. Solomon, S., Qin, D., Manning, 

M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt, K.B., 

Tignor, M., and Miller, H.L. (eds.). 

Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 

United Kingdom and New York, NY, 

USA. Available online at: www.ipcc.ch/ 

publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/ 

contents.html. 

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). 

2018. NFPA 10: Standard for Portable 

Fire Extinguishers. 

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). 

2018. NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean 

Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. 

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). 

2018. NFPA 2010. Standard for Fixed 

Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems. 

Nielsen et al., 2007. Nielsen, O.J., Javadi, 

M.S., Sulbaek Andersen, M.P., Hurley, 

M.D., Wallington, T.J., Singh, R. (2007). 

Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CF=CH2: 

Kinetics and mechanisms of gas-phase 

reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, 

and O3. Chemical Physics Letters 439, 

18–22. Available online at http://

www.lexissecuritiesmosaic.com/ 

gateway/FedReg/network_OJN_174_

CF3CF=CH2.pdf. 

UL 2129, 2017. UL Standard 2129— 

Halocarbon Clean Agent Fire 

Extinguishers. Edition 3. 

UL 60335–2–40, 2019. Household And 

Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety— 

Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for 

Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners 

and Dehumidifiers. Third Edition. 

November 1, 2019. 

UL Standard 61010–2–011, 2021. Safety 

Requirements for Electrical Equipment 

for Measurement, Control, and 

Laboratory Use—Part 011: Particular 

Requirements for Refrigerating 

Equipment. Second edition. May 13, 

2021. 

Wickham, 2002. Status of Industry Efforts to 

Replace Halon Fire Extinguishing 

Agents. March 2002. Available online at: 

https://www.epa.gov/snap/statusindustry-efforts-replace-halon-fireextinguishing-agents. 

World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 

2018. Burkholder et al. Appendix A, 

Table A–1 in Scientific Assessment of 

Ozone Depletion: 2018, Global Ozone 

Research and Monitoring Project, Report 

No. 58, World Meteorological 

Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 

http://ozone.unep.org/science/ 

assessment/sap. 

Youn et al. (2010). Youn, D., K.O. Patten, D.J. 

Wuebbles, H. Lee, and C.-W. So, 

Potential impact of iodinated 

replacement compounds CF3I and CH3I 

on atmospheric ozone: A threedimensional modeling study, Atmos. 

Chem. Phys., 10, 10,129–10,144, 

doi:10.5194/acp-10–10129–2010, 2010. 

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82 

Environmental protection, 

Administrative practice and procedure, 

Air pollution control, Incorporation by 

reference, Stratospheric ozone layer. 

Michael S. Regan, 

Administrator. 

For the reasons set forth in the 

preamble, EPA proposes to amend 40 

CFR part 82 as follows: 

PART 82—PROTECTION OF 

STRATOSPHERIC OZONE 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 82 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7601, 7671– 

7671q. 

Subpart G–Significant New 

Alternatives Policy Program 

■ 2. Amend appendix R to subpart G of 

part 82 by: 

■ a. Revising the heading for appendix 

R to subpart G of part 82; 

■ b. Revising the table titled 

‘‘Substitutes That Are Acceptable 

Subject to Use Conditions’’; and 

■ c. Removing the two undesignated 

paragraphs immediately preceding table 

A. 

The revisions read as follows: 

Appendix R to Subpart G of Part 82— 

Substitutes Subject to Use Restrictions 

Listed in the December 20, 2011, Final 

Rule, Effective February 21, 2012, and 

in the April 10, 2015 Final Rule, 

Effective May 11, 2015, and in the [Date 

of Publication of the Final Rule in the 

Federal Register] Final Rule, Effective 

[Date 30 Days After Date of Publication 

of the Final Rule in the Federal 

Register] 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45537 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

1. Household refrigerators, 

freezers, and combination refrigerators and freezers (New equipment only).

Isobutane (R–600a) Propane 

(R–290) R–441A.

Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

As of September 7, 2018: These refrigerants may be used 

only in new equipment designed specifically and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., none of these substitutes may be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for a different refrigerant) 

These refrigerants may be used only in a refrigerator or 

freezer, or combination refrigerator and freezer, that meets all requirements listed in UL 60335–2–24 126

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), 1910.157 (portable fire extinguishers), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated and re-entry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling these refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin since these refrigerants, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A Class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be 

kept nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on refrigerators and freezers with these refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. Any refrigerant releases should be in a well-ventilated area, such as outside of a building. 

Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable 

refrigerants should service refrigerators and freezers containing these refrigerants. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45538 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

2. Retail food refrigerators and 

freezers (stand-alone units only) (New equipment only).

Isobutane (R–600a) Propane 

(R–290) R–441A.

Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

As provided in clauses SB6.1.2 to SB6.1.5 of UL 471,123

the following markings must be attached at the locations provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On or near any evaporators that can be contacted 

by the consumer: ‘‘DANGER—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use Mechanical Devices To Defrost Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘DANGER—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(c) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) On the exterior of the refrigerator: ‘‘CAUTION— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(e) Near any and all exposed refrigerant tubing: 

‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion Due To Puncture Of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 

mm (1⁄4 inch) high. 

The refrigerator or freezer must have red, Pantone®

Matching System (PMS) #185 marked pipes, hoses, and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced, typically known as the service port, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be present at all service ports and where service puncturing or otherwise creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected (e.g., process tubes). The color mark must extend at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) from the compressor and must be replaced if removed. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

If a service port is added then retail food refrigerators and 

freezers using these refrigerants should have service aperture fittings that differ from fittings used in equipment or containers using non-flammable refrigerant. ‘‘Differ’’ means that either the diameter differs by at least 1/16 inch or the thread direction is reversed (i.e., right-handed vs. left-handed). These different fittings should be permanently affixed to the unit at the point of service and maintained until the end-of-life of the unit, and should not be accessed with an adaptor. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45539 

3. Very low temperature refrigeration Non-mechanical heat 

transfer (New equipment only).

Ethane (R–170) .................... Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

This refrigerant may be used only in new equipment specifically designed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., the substitute may not be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants). This refrigerant may only be used in equipment that 

meets all requirements in Supplement SB to, UL 471.1 32 3 In cases where listing 3 or 4 of this table includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 

471, the appliance must meet the requirements of listing 3 or 4 of this table in place of the requirements in UL 471. 

The charge size for the equipment must not exceed 150 g 

(5.29 oz) in each circuit. 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), 1910.157 (portable fire extinguishers), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated and re-entry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling ethane. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin since ethane, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A Class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be 

kept nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on equipment with flammable refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. 

Any refrigerant releases should be in a well-ventilated 

area, such as outside of a building. 

Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable 

refrigerants should service equipment containing ethane. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45540 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

4. Very low temperature refrigeration. Non-mechanical heat 

transfer (New equipment only).

Ethane (R–170) .................... Ethane (R–170) .................... As provided in clauses SB6.1.2 to SB6.1.5 of UL 471,123

the following markings must be attached at the locations provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On or near any evaporators that can be contacted 

by the consumer: ‘‘DANGER—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use Mechanical Devices To Defrost Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘DANGER—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(c) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) On the exterior of the refrigerator: ‘‘CAUTION— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(e) Near any and all exposed refrigerant tubing: 

‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion Due To Puncture Of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 

mm (1⁄4 inch) high. 

The refrigeration equipment must have red, Pantone®

Matching System (PMS) #185 marked pipes, hoses, and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced, typically known as the service port, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be present at all service ports and where service puncturing or otherwise creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected (e.g., process tubes). The color mark must extend at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) from the compressor and must be replaced if removed. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

If a service port is added then refrigeration equipment 

using this refrigerant should have service aperture fittings that differ from fittings used in equipment or containers using non-flammable refrigerant. ‘‘Differ’’ means that either the diameter differs by at least 1⁄16 inch or 

the thread direction is reversed (i.e., right-handed vs. left-handed). These different fittings should be permanently affixed to the unit at the point of service and maintained until the end-of-life of the unit, and should not be accessed with an adaptor. 

Example of non-mechanical heat transfer using this refrigerant would be use in a secondary loop of a 

thermosiphon. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45541 

5. Vending Machines (New 

equipment only).

Isobutane (R–600a) Propane 

(R–290) R–441A.

Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment 

specifically designed and clearly identified for the refrigerants (i.e., none of these substitutes may be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants). Detaching and replacing the old refrigeration circuit from the outer casing of the equipment with a new one containing a new evaporator, condenser, and refrigerant tubing within the old casing is considered ‘‘new’’ equipment and not a retrofit of the old, existing equipment. 

These substitutes may only be used in equipment that 

meets all requirements in Supplement SA to UL 541.125

In cases where listing 5 or 6 of this table includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 541, the appliance must meet the requirements of listing 5 or 6 of this table in place of the requirements in UL 541. The charge size for vending machines must not exceed 150 g (5.29 oz) in each circuit. 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), 1910.157 (portable fire extinguishers), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated and re-entry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling these refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin since these refrigerants, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A Class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be 

kept nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on refrigeration equipment with flammable refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. 

Any refrigerant releases should be in a well-ventilated 

area, such as outside of a building. 

Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable 

refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing these refrigerants. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45542 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

6. Vending Machines (New 

equipment only).

Isobutane (R–600a) Propane 

(R–290) R–441A.

Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

As provided in clauses SA6.1.2 to SA6.1.5 of UL 541,125

the following markings must be attached at the locations provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On or near any evaporators that can be contacted 

by the consumer: ‘‘DANGER—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use Mechanical Devices To Defrost Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘DANGER—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(c) Near the machine compartment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) On the exterior of the refrigerator: ‘‘CAUTION— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(e) Near any and all exposed refrigerant tubing: 

‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion Due To Puncture Of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 mm (1⁄4 inch) high 

The refrigeration equipment must have red, Pantone®

Matching System (PMS) #185 marked pipes, hoses, and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced, typically known as the service port, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be present at all service ports and where service puncturing or otherwise creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected (e.g., process tubes). The color mark must extend at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) from the compressor and must be replaced if removed. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

If a service port is added then refrigeration equipment 

using this refrigerant should have service aperture fittings that differ from fittings used in equipment or containers using non-flammable refrigerant. ‘‘Differ’’ means that either the diameter differs by at least 1⁄16 inch or 

the thread direction is reversed (i.e., right-handed vs. left-handed). These different fittings should be permanently affixed to the unit at the point of service and maintained until the end-of-life of the unit, and should not be accessed with an adaptor. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45543 

7. Residential and light-commercial air conditioning and 

heat pumps—self-contained room air conditioners only (New equipment only).

Propane (R–290) R–441A .... Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment 

specifically designed and clearly identified for the refrigerants (i.e., none of these substitutes may be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants). 

These refrigerants may only be used in equipment that 

meets all requirements in Supplement SA and Appendices B through F of UL 484.124 In cases where listing 

7 or 8 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 484, the appliance must meet the requirements of listing 7 or 8 of this table in place of the requirements in UL 484. 

The charge size for the entire air conditioner must not exceed the maximum refrigerant mass determined according to Appendix F of UL 484 for the room size where 

the air conditioner is used. The charge size for these three refrigerants must in no case exceed 1,000 g (35.3 oz or 2.21 lbs) of propane or 1,000 g (35.3 oz or 2.21 lb) of R–441A. For portable air conditioners, the charge size must in no case exceed 300 g (10.6 oz or 0.66 lbs) of propane or 330 g (11.6 oz or 0.72 lb) of R–441A. The manufacturer must design a charge size for the entire air conditioner that does not exceed the amount specified for the unit’s cooling capacity, as specified in table A, B, C, D, or E of this appendix R. 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), 1910.157 (portable fire extinguishers), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated and re-entry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling these refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin since these refrigerants, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A Class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be 

kept nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. 

Any refrigerant releases should be in a well-ventilated 

area, such as outside of a building. 

Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable 

refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing these refrigerants. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45544 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

8. Residential and light-commercial air conditioning and 

heat pumps—self-contained room air conditioners only (New equipment only).

Propane (R–290)R–441A ..... Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

As provided in clauses SA6.1.2 to SA6.1.5 of UL 484,124

the following markings must be attached at the locations provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the air conditioner: ‘‘DANGER— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the air conditioner: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ (c) On the inside of the air conditioner near the compressor: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) On the outside of each portable air conditioner: 

‘‘WARNING: Appliance shall be installed, operated and stored in a room with a floor area larger the ‘‘X’’ m2 (Y ft2).’’ The value ‘‘X’’ on the label must be 

determined using the minimum room size in m2 calculated using Appendix F of UL 484. For R–441A, 

use a lower flammability limit of 0.041 kg/m3 in calculations in Appendix F of UL 484. 

All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 

mm (1⁄4 inch) high. 

The air conditioning equipment must have red, Pantone®

Matching System (PMS) #185 marked pipes, hoses, and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced, typically known as the service port, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be present at all service ports and where service puncturing or otherwise creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected (e.g., process tubes). The color mark must extend at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) from the compressor and must be replaced if removed. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

If a service port is added then air conditioning equipment 

using this refrigerant should have service aperture fittings that differ from fittings used in equipment or containers using non-flammable refrigerant. ‘‘Differ’’ means that either the diameter differs by at least 1/16 inch or the thread direction is reversed (i.e., right-handed vs. left-handed). These different fittings should be permanently affixed to the unit at the point of service and maintained until the end-of-life of the unit, and should not be accessed with an adaptor. 

Air conditioning equipment in this category includes: 

Window air conditioning units. Portable room air conditioners. Packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45545 

9. Residential and light-commercial air conditioning and 

heat pumps—self-contained room air conditioners only.(New equipment only) manufactured on or after May 10, 2015 and up to but not including [Date 30 days after date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register].

HFC–32 ................................ Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment 

specifically designed and clearly identified for the refrigerants (i.e., none of these substitutes may be used as a 

conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants). 

These refrigerants may only be used in equipment that 

meets all requirements in Supplement SA and Appendices B through F of UL 484.124 In cases where listing 

9 or 10 of this table includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 484, the appliance must meet the requirements of listing 9 or 10 of this table in place of the requirements in UL 484. 

The charge size for the entire air conditioner must not exceed the maximum refrigerant mass determined according to Appendix F of UL 484 for the room size where 

the air conditioner is used. The charge size for these three refrigerants must in no case exceed 1,000 g (35.3 oz or 2.21 lbs) of propane or 1,000 g (35.3 oz or 2.21 lb) of R–441A. For portable air conditioners, the charge size must in no case exceed 300 g (10.6 oz or 0.66 lbs) of propane or 330 g (11.6 oz or 0.72 lb) of R–441A. The manufacturer must design a charge size for the entire air conditioner that does not exceed the amount specified for the unit’s cooling capacity, as specified in table A, B, C, D, or E of this appendix. 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), 1910.157 (portable fire extinguishers), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing hydrocarbon refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated and re-entry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling these refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin since these refrigerants, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A Class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be 

kept nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. 

Any refrigerant releases should be in a well-ventilated 

area, such as outside of a building. 

Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable 

refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing these refrigerants. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45546 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

10. Residential and light-commercial air conditioning and 

heat pumps—self-contained room air conditioners only. (New equipment only) manufactured on or after May 10, 2015 and up to but not including [Date 30 days after date of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register].

HFC–32 ................................ Acceptable subject to use 

conditions.

As provided in clauses SA6.1.2 to SA6.1.5 of UL 484,124

the following markings must be attached at the locations provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the air conditioner: ‘‘DANGER— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the air conditioner: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ (c) On the inside of the air conditioner near the compressor: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) On the outside of each portable air conditioner: 

‘‘WARNING: Appliance shall be installed, operated and stored in a room with a floor area larger the ‘‘X’’ m2 (Y ft2).’’ The value ‘‘X’’ on the label must be 

determined using the minimum room size in m2 calculated using Appendix F of UL 484. For R–441A, 

use a lower flammability limit of 0.041 kg/m3 in calculations in Appendix F of UL 484. 

All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 

mm (1⁄4 inch) high. 

The air conditioning equipment must have red, Pantone®

Matching System (PMS) #185 marked pipes, hoses, and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced, typically known as the service port, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be present at all service ports and where service puncturing or otherwise creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected (e.g., process tubes). The color mark must extend at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) from the compressor and must be replaced if removed. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

If a service port is added then air conditioning equipment 

using this refrigerant should have service aperture fittings that differ from fittings used in equipment or containers using non-flammable refrigerant. ‘‘Differ’’ means that either the diameter differs by at least 1/16 inch or the thread direction is reversed (i.e., right-handed vs. left-handed). These different fittings should be permanently affixed to the unit at the point of service and maintained until the end-of-life of the unit, and should not be accessed with an adaptor. 

Air conditioning equipment in this category includes: 

Window air conditioning units. Portable room air conditioners. Packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps. 

11. Residential and light-commercial air conditioning and 

heat pumps—self-contained room air conditioners only. (New equipment only) manufactured on or after [Date 30 days after of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register].

HFC–32 ................................ Acceptable Subject to Use 

Conditions.

This refrigerant may be used only in new equipment specifically designed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., this substitute may not be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants). 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45547 

This substitute may only be used in air conditioning equipment that meets all requirements in the UL 60335–2– 

40.127 In cases where this listing 11 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 60335–2–40, the 

appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 11 in place of the requirements in UL 60335–2–40. 

The following markings must be attached at the locations 

provided and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING— 

Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING— 

Risk of Fire. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(c) On the inside of the equipment near the compressor: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s 

Guide Before Attempting to Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) For any equipment pre-charged at the factory, on 

the equipment packaging or on the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. Follow Handling Instructions Carefully in Compliance with National Regulations’’ 

a. If the equipment is delivered packaged, this 

label shall be applied on the packaging. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45548 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

SUBSTITUTES

THAT

ARE

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

b. If the equipment is not delivered packaged, 

this label shall be applied on the outside of the equipment near the control panel or nameplate. 

(e) On the equipment near the nameplate: 

a. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum Installation height, X m (W ft)’’. This marking is only 

required if required by the UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and ‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric height as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the height in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis. 

b. Immediately below marking (a) of this listing 

11or at the top of the marking if marking (a) is not required: ‘‘Minimum room area (operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. The terms ‘‘Y’’ and 

‘‘Z’’ shall be replaced by the numeric area as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the area in InchPound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis. 

(f) For non-fixed equipment, on the outside of the 

product: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire or Explosion— Store in a well-ventilated room without continuously operating flames or other potential ignition.’’ 

(g) All of these markings must be in letters no less 

than 6.4 mm (1⁄4 inch) high. 

The equipment must have red Pantone Matching System 

(PMS) #185 or RAL 3020 marked service ports, pipes, hoses, or other devices through which the refrigerant passes, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be applied at all service ports and other parts of the system where service puncturing or other actions creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected and must extend a minimum of one (1) inch (25mm) in both directions from such locations and shall be replaced if removed. 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must 

be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during 

the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept 

nearby. 

Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. Any recovery equipment used should be designed for 

flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately 

following the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 60335–2–40.2 7

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process 

refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport 

of flammable gases must be followed. 

Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste 

under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 

1The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference (5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51). You may inspect a copy at the U.S. EPA or at the National Archives and Records Administration 

(NARA). Contact the U.S. EPA at: EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, www.epa.gov/dockets, (202) 202–1744. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. 2You may obtain the material from: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) COMM 2000; 151 Eastern Avenue; Bensenville, IL 60106; email: orders@comm-2000.com; phone: 1–888–853–3503 in the U.S. or Canada 

(other countries +1–415–352–2168); website: https://ulstandards.ul.com/ or www.comm-2000.com. 3 UL 471. Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers. 10th edition. Supplement SB: Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. November 24, 2010. 

4 UL 484. Room Air Conditioners. 8th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for Room Air Conditioners Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System and Appendices B through F. December 21, 

2007, with changes through August 3, 2012. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45549 

5 UL 541. Refrigerated Vending Machines. 7th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for Refrigerated Venders Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. December 30, 2011. 6 UL 60335–2–24. Standard for Safety: Requirements for Household and Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2–24: Particular Requirements for Refrigerating Appliances, Ice-Cream Appliances and Ice-Makers, Second edition, dated April 28, 2017. 7 UL 60335–2–40, Standard for Household And Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers, 3rd edition, Dated November 

1, 2019. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45550 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

* * * * * 

■ 3. Add appendix X to subpart G of 

part 82 to read as follows: 

Appendix X to Subpart G of Part 82— 

Substitutes Listed in the [Date of 

Publication of the Final Rule in the 

Federal Register] Final Rule—Effective 

[Date 30 Days After Date of Publication 

of the Final Rule in the Federal 

Register] 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45551 

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

NARROWED

USE

LIMITS

End-use Substitute Decision Narrowed use limits Further information 

1. Very low temperature refrigeration (new only). R–1150 ............. Acceptable Subject to Use Conditions and Narrowed 

Use Limits.

• Temperature range—R–1150 may only be used in equipment designed specifically to reach temperatures lower than 

¥80 °C (¥112 °F).

• The manufacturers of new very low temperature equipment 

would need to demonstrate that other alternatives are not technically feasible. They must document the results of their evaluation that showed the other alternatives to be not technically feasible and maintain that documentation in their files. This documentation, which does not need to be submitted to EPA unless requested to demonstrate compliance, ‘‘shall include descriptions of substitutes examined and rejected, processes or products in which the substitute is needed, reason for rejection of other alternatives, e.g., performance, technical or safety standards, and the anticipated date other substitutes will be available and projected time for switching to other available substitutes.’’ ( § 82.180(b)(3)).

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

1. Centrifugal Chillers for 

comfort cooling and Industrial Process Air Conditioning Positive Displacement Chillers for comfort cooling and Industrial Process Air Conditioning.

HFO–1234yf, R–454A, R–454B, R–454C 

Acceptable Subject to 

Use Conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment specifically 

designed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., none of 

these substitutes may be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants).

These substitutes may only be used in air conditioning equipment 

that meets all requirements in UL 60335–2–40.135 In cases where 

this listing 1 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 60335–2–40, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 1 in place of the requirements in the UL 60335–2–40.

These refrigerants may be used in chillers if and only if such chiller 

meets all requirements listed in ASHRAE 15–2019.124 In cases 

where this listing 1 includes requirements different than those of ASHRAE 15–2019, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 1 in place of the requirements in ASHRAE 15–2019. Where similar requirements of ASHRAE 15–2019 and UL 60335– 2–40 differ, the more stringent or conservative condition shall apply unless superseded by this listing 1.

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 

1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 

29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear appropriate 

personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45552 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

The following markings must be attached at the locations provided 

and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(c) On the inside of the equipment near the compressor: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting to Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) For any equipment pre-charged at the factory, on the equipment packaging or on the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. Follow 

Handling Instructions Carefully in Compliance with National Regulations’’ 

a. If the equipment is delivered packaged, this label shall 

be applied on the packaging.

b. If the equipment is not delivered packaged, this label 

shall be applied on the outside of the equipment near the control panel or nameplate.

(e) On the equipment near the nameplate: ..................................

a. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum Installation Height, 

X m (W ft)’’. This marking is only required if required by UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and ‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric height as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the height in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

b. Immediately below marking (a) of this listing 1or at the 

top of the marking if marking (a) is not required: ‘‘Minimum room area (operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. 

The terms ‘‘Y’’ and ‘‘Z’’ shall be replaced by the numeric area as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the area in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air 

conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. 

Any recovery equipment used should be designed for flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding 

of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately following 

the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning 

and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 60335–2–40, 3rd edition.3 5

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport of flammable gases must be followed. Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of 

from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 

(f) For non-fixed equipment, on the outside of the product: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire or Explosion—Store in a well-ventilated room without continuously operating flames or other potential ignition.’’LI O=≥xl≥ O=≥oi3≥≤(g) For fixed equipment that is ducted, including chillers, near the nameplate: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire—Auxiliary devices which may be ignition sources shall not be installed in the ductwork, other than auxiliary devices listed for use with the specific appliance. See instructions.’’.

(h) All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high.

The equipment must have red Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

#185 or RAL 3020 marked service ports, pipes, hoses, or other devices through which the refrigerant passes, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be applied at all service ports and other parts of the system where service puncturing or other actions creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected and must extend a minimum of one (1) inch (25mm) in both directions from such locations and shall be replaced if removed.


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45553 

2. Positive Displacement 

chillers for comfort cooling using a rotary or scroll compressor and Industrial Process Air Conditioning using a chiller with a rotary or scroll compressor.

HFC–32, R– 

452B.

Acceptable Subject to 

Use Conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment specifically 

designed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., none of 

these substitutes may be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants).

These substitutes may only be used in air conditioning equipment 

that meets all requirements in UL 60335–2–40.123 In cases where 

this listing 2 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 60335–2–40, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 2 in place of the requirements in UL 60335–2–40.

These refrigerants may be used in chillers if and only if such chiller 

meets all requirements listed in ASHRAE 15–2019.1 In cases 

where this listing 2 includes requirements different than those of ASHRAE 15–2019, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 2 in place of the requirements in ASHRAE 15–2019. Where similar requirements of ASHRAE 15–2019 and UL 60335– 2–40 differ, the more stringent or conservative condition shall apply unless superseded by this listing.

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 

1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 

29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear appropriate 

personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

The following markings must be attached at the locations provided 

and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(c) On the inside of the equipment near the compressor: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting to Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) For any equipment pre-charged at the factory, on the equipment packaging or on the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. Follow 

Handling Instructions Carefully in Compliance with National Regulations’’ 

a. If the equipment is delivered packaged, this label shall 

be applied on the packaging.

b. If the equipment is not delivered packaged, this label 

shall be applied on the outside of the equipment near the control panel or nameplate.

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air 

conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. 

Any recovery equipment used should be designed for flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding 

of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately following 

the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning 

and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 60355–2–40.3 5

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport of flammable gases must be followed. Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of 

from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45554 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

(e) On the equipment near the nameplate: ..................................

a. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum Installation height, X 

m (W ft)’’. This marking is only required if required by UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and ‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric height as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the height in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

b. Immediately below marking (a) or at the top of the marking if marking (a) is not required: ‘‘Minimum room area 

(operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. The terms ‘‘Y’’ and 

‘‘Z’’ shall be replaced by the numeric area as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the area in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

(f) For non-fixed equipment, on the outside of the product: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire or Explosion—Store in a well-ventilated room without continuously operating flames or other potential ignition.’’ 

(g) For fixed equipment that is ducted, including chillers, near 

the nameplate: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire—Auxiliary devices which may be ignition sources shall not be installed in the ductwork, other than auxiliary devices listed for use with the specific appliance. See instructions.’’ 

(h) All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high 

The equipment must have red Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

#185 or RAL 3020 marked service ports, pipes, hoses, or other devices through which the refrigerant passes, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be applied at all service ports and other parts of the system where service puncturing or other actions creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected and must extend a minimum of one (1) inch (25mm) in both directions from such locations and shall be replaced if removed.


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45555 

3. Residential Dehumidifiers. HFO–1234yf, HFC–32, 

R–452B, R–454A, R–454B, and R–454C 

Acceptable Subject to 

Use Conditions.

These refrigerants may be used only in new equipment specifically 

designed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., none of 

these substitutes may be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants).

These substitutes may only be used in dehumidifier equipment that 

meets all requirements in UL 60335–2–40.135 In cases where this 

listing 3 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 60335–2–40, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 3 in place of the requirements in UL 60335–2–40.

The following markings must be attached at the locations provided 

and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’ 

(b) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(c) On the inside of the equipment near the compressor: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting to Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) For any equipment pre-charged at the factory, on the equipment packaging or on the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. Follow 

Handling Instructions Carefully in Compliance with National Regulations’’ 

a. If the equipment is delivered packaged, this label shall 

be applied on the packaging.

b. If the equipment is not delivered packaged, this label 

shall be applied on the outside of the equipment near the control panel or nameplate.

(e) On the equipment near the nameplate: 

a. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum Installation Height, 

X m (W ft)’’. This marking is only required if required by UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and ‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric height as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the height in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

b. Immediately below marking (a) of this listing 3or at the 

top of the marking if marking (a) is not required: ‘‘Minimum room area (operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. 

The terms ‘‘Y’’ and ‘‘Z’’ shall be replaced by the numeric area as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the area in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

(f) On the outside of the product: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire or 

Explosion—Store in a well-ventilated room without continuously operating flames or other potential ignition.’’ 

(g) All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high.

The equipment must have red Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

#185 or RAL 3020 marked service ports, pipes, hoses, or other devices through which the refrigerant passes, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be applied at all service ports and other parts of the system where service puncturing or other actions creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected and must extend a minimum of one (1) inch (25mm) in both directions from such locations and shall be replaced if removed.

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 

1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 

29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear appropriate 

personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air 

conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. 

Any recovery equipment used should be designed for flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding 

of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately following 

the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning 

and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 60335–2–40.3 5

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport of flammable gases must be followed. Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of 

from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45556 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

4. Non-residential Dehumidifiers. HFC–32 ............ Acceptable Subject to Use Conditions. This refrigerant may be used only in new equipment specifically de- signed and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., this substitute 

may not be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants).

This substitute may only be used in dehumidifier equipment that 

meets all requirements in UL 60335–2–40.135 In cases where this 

listing 4 includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 60335–2–40, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 4 in place of the requirements in UL 60335–2–40.

The following markings must be attached at the locations provided 

and must be permanent: 

(a) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.’’.

(b) On the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. 

Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’.

(c) On the inside of the equipment near the compressor: 

‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting to Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’.

(d) For any equipment pre-charged at the factory, on the equipment packaging or on the outside of the equipment: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire due to Flammable Refrigerant Used. Follow 

Handling Instructions Carefully in Compliance with National Regulations’’.

a. If the equipment is delivered packaged, this label shall 

be applied on the packaging.

b. If the equipment is not delivered packaged, this label 

shall be applied on the outside of the equipment near the control panel or nameplate.

(e) On the equipment near the nameplate: ..................................

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 

1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 

29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear appropriate 

personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air 

conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. 

Any recovery equipment used should be designed for flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding 

of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately following 

the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning 

and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 6035–2–40.3 5

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport of flammable gases must be followed. Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of 

from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45557 

a. At the top of the marking: ‘‘Minimum Installation Height, 

X m (W ft)’’. This marking is only required if required by UL 60335–2–40. The terms ‘‘X’’ and ‘‘W’’ shall be replaced by the numeric height as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the height in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

b. Immediately below marking (a) of this listing 4 or at the 

top of the marking if marking (a) is not required: ‘‘Minimum room area (operating or storage), Y m2 (Z ft2)’’. 

The terms ‘‘Y’’ and ‘‘Z’’ shall be replaced by the numeric area as calculated per UL 60335–2–40. Note that the formatting here is slightly different than UL 60335–2–40; specifically, the area in Inch-Pound units is placed in parentheses and the word ‘‘and’’ has been replaced by the opening parenthesis.

(f) On the outside of the product: ‘‘WARNING—Risk of Fire or 

Explosion—Store in a well-ventilated room without continuously operating flames or other potential ignition.’’ 

(g) All of these markings must be in letters no less than 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high.

The equipment must have red Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

#185 or RAL 3020 marked service ports, pipes, hoses, or other devices through which the refrigerant passes, to indicate the use of a flammable refrigerant. This color must be applied at all service ports and other parts of the system where service puncturing or other actions creating an opening from the refrigerant circuit to the atmosphere might be expected and must extend a minimum of one (1) inch (25mm) in both directions from such locations and shall be replaced if removed.


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45558 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

REFRIGERANTS—SUBSTITUTES

ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

5. Very Low Temperature 

Refrigeration.

R–1150 ............. Acceptable Subject to 

Use Conditions.

R–1150 may be used only in new equipment specifically designed 

and clearly identified for the refrigerant (i.e., none of these substitutes may be used as a conversion or ‘‘retrofit’’ refrigerant for existing equipment designed for other refrigerants).

R–1150 may only be used in laboratory equipment that meet all requirements in UL 61010–2–011.136 In cases where this listing 5 

includes requirements more stringent than those of UL 61010–2– 011, the appliance must meet the requirements of this listing 5 in place of the requirements in UL 61010–2–011.

Requirements of note include: 

(a) Warning labels—The following markings, or the equivalent, 

must be provided in letters no less than 6.4 mm (1⁄4 inch) high 

and must be permanent: 

(b) Attach near the machine compartment: ‘‘DANGER—Risk of 

Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Service Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing’’.

(c) Attach near the machine compartment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of 

Fire or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair Manual/Owner’s Guide Before Attempting To Service This Product. All Safety Precautions Must be Followed.’’ 

(d) Attach on the exterior of the refrigeration equipment: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ (e) Attach near all exposed refrigerant tubing: ‘‘CAUTION—Risk 

of Fire or Explosion Due To Puncture Of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handling Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used.’’ 

(f) Attach on the exterior of the refrigeration equipment: ‘‘This 

equipment is intended for use in commercial, industrial, or institutional occupancies as defined in the Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, ANSI/ASHRAE 15’’ 

(g) Attach on the exterior of the shipping carton: ‘‘CAUTION— 

Risk of Fire or Explosion. Dispose of Properly In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations.’’ 

(h) The instructions shall include the following warnings as necessary: 

a. ‘‘WARNING: Ensure all ventilation openings are not obstructed.’’ 

Applicable OSHA requirements at 29 CFR part 1910 must be followed, including those at 29 CFR 1910.94 (ventilation) and 

1910.106 (flammable and combustible liquids), 1910.110 (storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and hazardous substances). 

Proper ventilation should be maintained at all times during the manufacture and storage of equipment containing flammable refrigerants through adherence to good manufacturing practices as per 

29 CFR 1910.106. If refrigerant levels in the air surrounding the equipment rise above one-fourth of the lower flammability limit, the space should be evacuated, and reentry should occur only after the space has been properly ventilated. 

Technicians and equipment manufacturers should wear appropriate 

personal protective equipment, including chemical goggles and protective gloves, when handling flammable refrigerants. Special care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin which, like many refrigerants, can cause freeze burns on the skin. 

A class B dry powder type fire extinguisher should be kept nearby. Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working on air 

conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants. 

Any recovery equipment used should be designed for flammable refrigerants. Only technicians specifically trained in handling flammable refrigerants should service refrigeration equipment containing this refrigerant. Technicians should gain an understanding 

of minimizing the risk of fire and the steps to use flammable refrigerants safely. 

Room occupants should evacuate the space immediately following 

the accidental release of this refrigerant. 

Personnel commissioning, maintaining, repairing, decommissioning 

and disposing of appliances with this refrigerant should obtain training and follow practices consistent with Annex HH of UL 60335–2–40.3 5

CAA section 608(c)(2) prohibits knowingly venting or otherwise 

knowingly releasing or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration. 

Department of Transportation requirements for transport of flammable gases must be followed. Flammable refrigerants being recovered or otherwise disposed of 

from residential and light commercial air conditioning appliances are likely to be hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (see 40 CFR parts 260 through 270). 

b. ‘‘WARNING: Do not use mechanical devices or other 

means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.’’.

c. ‘‘WARNING: Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.’’ 

Equipment must have distinguishing red (Pantone® Matching System (PMS) #185 or RAL 3020) color-coded hoses and piping to indicate use of a flammable refrigerant. The laboratory equipment 

shall have marked service ports, pipes, hoses and other devices through which the refrigerant is serviced. Markings shall extend at least 1 inch (25mm) from the servicing port and shall be replaced if removed.

Equipment must use no more than 150 g of R–1150 in each refrigerant circuit using this refrigerant.

1The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference (5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51). You may inspect a copy at the U.S. EPA or at the National Archives and Records Administration 

(NARA). Contact the U.S. EPA at: EPA Docket Center, WJC West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, www.epa.gov/dockets, (202) 202–1744. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45559 

2You may obtain this material from: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 180 Technology Parkway NW, Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092; phone: 404–636–8400; 

website: www.ashrae.org. 3You may obtain this material from: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) COMM 2000; 151 Eastern Avenue; Bensenville, IL 60106; phone: 415–352–2168; email: orders@comm-2000.com; website: https://

ulstandards.ul.com/ or www.comm-2000.com. 4ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15–2019. Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, including all addenda published as of July 28, 2022. 

5 UL 60335–2–40, Standard for Household And Similar Electrical Appliances—Safety—Part 2–40: Particular Requirements for Electrical Heat Pumps, Air-Conditioners and Dehumidifiers, 3rd edition, Dated November 

1, 2019. 6 UL 61010–2–011, Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use—Part 011: Particular Requirements for Refrigerating Equipment, 2nd edition, dated May 13th, 2021. 

FIRE

SUPPRESSION AND

EXPLOSION

PROTECTION

AGENTS—ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

1. Total Flooding ........................ 2–BTP .............. Acceptable Subject to Use 

Conditions.

Acceptable only for use in normally unoccupied spaces under 

500 ft3.

This fire suppressant has a relatively low GWP of 0.23–0.26 

and a short atmospheric lifetime of approximately seven days. 

This agent is subject to a TSCA section 5(a)(2) SNUR. For establishments manufacturing, installing and maintaining 

equipment using this agent, EPA recommends the following: 

• This agent should be used in accordance with the safety 

guidelines in the latest edition of NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems; 1

• In the case that 2–BTP is inhaled, person(s) should be immediately removed and exposed to fresh air; if breathing is 

difficult, person(s) should seek medical attention; 

• Eye wash and quick drench facilities should be available. In 

case of ocular exposure, person(s) should immediately flush the eyes, including under the eyelids, with fresh water and move to a non-contaminated area; 

• Exposed persons should remove all contaminated clothing 

and footwear to avoid irritation; and medical attention should be sought if irritation develops or persists; 

• Although unlikely, in case of ingestion of 2–BTP, the person(s) should consult a physician immediately; • Manufacturing space should be equipped with specialized 

engineering controls and well ventilated with a local exhaust system and low-lying source ventilation to effectively mitigate potential occupational exposure; regular testing and monitoring of the workplace atmosphere should be conducted; 

• Employees responsible for chemical processing should wear 

the appropriate PPE, such as protective gloves, tightly sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and suitable respiratory protection in case of accidental release or insufficient ventilation; 

• All spills should be cleaned up immediately in accordance 

with good industrial hygiene practices; and 

• Training for safe handling procedures should be provided to 

all employees that would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent. 

• Safety features that are typical of total flooding systems 

such as predischarge alarms, time delays, and system abort switches should be provided, as directed by applicable OSHA regulations and NFPA standards.1 Use of this agent 

should also conform to relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR 1910.160 and 1910.162. 

See notes 1 through 5 to this table. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45560 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

FIRE

SUPPRESSION AND

EXPLOSION

PROTECTION

AGENTS—ACCEPTABLE

SUBJECT TO

USE

CONDITIONS—Continued 

End-use Substitute Decision Use conditions Further information 

2. Streaming .............................. 2–BTP .............. Acceptable, Subject to Use 

Conditions.

Acceptable only for use in non-residential applications, except 

for commercial home office and personal watercraft.

This fire suppressant has a relatively low GWP of 0.23–0.26 

and a short atmospheric lifetime of approximately seven days. 

This agent is subject to a TSCA section 5(a)(2) SNUR. For establishments manufacturing, installing and maintaining 

equipment using this agent, EPA recommends the following: 

• This agent should be used in accordance with the safety 

guidelines in the latest edition of NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers; 1

• In the case that 2–BTP is inhaled, person(s) should be immediately removed and exposed to fresh air; if breathing is 

difficult, person(s) should seek medical attention; 

• Eye wash and quick drench facilities should be available. In 

case of ocular exposure, person(s) should immediately flush the eyes, including under the eyelids, with fresh water and move to a non-contaminated area; 

• Exposed persons should remove all contaminated clothing 

and footwear to avoid irritation; and medical attention should be sought if irritation develops or persists; 

• Although unlikely, in case of ingestion of 2–BTP, the person(s) should consult a physician immediately; • Manufacturing space should be equipped with specialized 

engineering controls and well ventilated with a local exhaust system and low-lying source ventilation to effectively mitigate potential occupational exposure; regular testing and monitoring of the workplace atmosphere should be conducted; 

• Employees responsible for chemical processing should wear 

the appropriate PPE, such as protective gloves, tightly sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and suitable respiratory protection in case of accidental release or insufficient ventilation; 

• All spills should be cleaned up immediately in accordance 

with good industrial hygiene practices; and 

• Training for safe handling procedures should be provided to 

all employees that would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent. 

See notes 1 through 5 to this table. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 45561 

3. Total Flooding ........................ EXXFIRE® ........ Acceptable Subject to Use 

Conditions.

Acceptable only for use in normally unoccupied spaces ........... Use of this agent should be in accordance with the safety 

guidelines in the latest edition of the NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.1

For establishments manufacturing, installing and maintaining 

equipment using this agent, EPA recommends the following: 

• In the case that EXXFIRE® is inhaled, person(s) should be 

immediately removed and exposed to fresh air. 

• Eye wash and quick drench facilities should be available. In 

case of ocular exposure, person(s) should immediately flush the eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. 

• In the case of dermal exposure, the SDS recommends that 

person(s) should remove large grain particles, rinse with water for a minimum of 15 minutes, and remove all contaminated clothing. 

• Manufacturing space should be equipped with engineering 

controls, specifically an adequate exhaust ventilation system, to effectively mitigate potential occupational exposure. 

• Employees responsible for chemical processing should wear 

the appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE), such as protective gloves, tightly sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and suitable respiratory protection in case of accidental release or insufficient ventilation. 

• All spills should be cleaned up immediately in accordance 

with good industrial hygiene practices. 

• Training for safe handling procedures should be provided to 

all employees that would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent. 

• Safety features that are typical of total flooding systems 

such as predischarge alarms, time delays, and system abort switches should be provided, as directed by applicable OSHA regulations and NFPA standards.1

See notes 1 through 5 to this table. 

4. Total Flooding ........................ Powdered Aerosol H. Acceptable Subject to Use Conditions. Acceptable only for use in normally unoccupied spaces ........... Use of this agent should be in accordance with the safety guidelines in the latest edition of NFPA 2010, Standard for 

Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems.1

For establishments manufacturing, installing, and maintaining 

equipment using this agent, EPA recommends the following: 

• Workers should use appropriate safety and protective equipment (e.g., protective gloves, tightly sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and particulate-removing respirators using 

NIOSH type N95 or better filters) consistent with OSHA guidelines. 

• A local exhaust system should be installed and operated to 

provide adequate ventilation to reduce airborne exposure to Powdered Aerosol H constituents. 

• An eye wash fountain and quick drench facility should be 

close to the production area. 

• Training for safe handling procedures should be provided to 

all employees that would be likely to handle the containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with the agent. 

• Workers responsible for cleanup should allow particulates to 

settle before reentering area and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. 

• All spills should be cleaned up immediately in accordance 

with good industrial hygiene practices. 

See notes 1 through 5 to this table. 

1 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards are available from www.nfpa.org. 

Note 1: The EPA recommends that users consult Section VIII of the OSHA Technical Manual for information on selecting the appropriate types of personal protective equipment for all listed fire suppression agents. 

The EPA has no intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respiratory protection), fire protection, hazard communication, worker training or any 

other occupational safety and health standard with respect to halon substitutes). 

Note 2: Use of all listed fire suppression agents should conform to relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR 1910.160 and 1910.162.Note 3: Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the area. Note 4: Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance requirements. Note 5: The agent should be recovered from the fire protection system in conjunction with testing or servicing and recycled for later use or destroyed. 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3
45562 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 144 / Thursday, July 28, 2022 / Proposed Rules 

[FR Doc. 2022–14665 Filed 7–27–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6560–50–P 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS3