Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118-1588
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 32 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program
Posted Date: 2016-10-11T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70029-70038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24381]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 82

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118; FRL-9953-72-OAR]
RIN 2060-AG12

Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 32 for 
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Determination of acceptability.

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SUMMARY: This determination of acceptability expands the list of 
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. This 
action lists as acceptable additional substitutes for use in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning sector and fire suppression and 
explosion protection sectors.

DATES: This determination is effective on October 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All 
electronic documents in the docket are listed in the index at 
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is 
not publicly available, i.e., Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (Nos. A-
91-42 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), William J. 
Clinton West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20460. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number 
for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number 
for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald Wozniak by telephone at (202) 
343-9624, by email at wozniak.gerald@epa.gov, or by mail at U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6205T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. Overnight or courier deliveries 
should be sent to the office location at 1201 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20004.
    For more information on the Agency's process for administering the 
SNAP program or criteria for the evaluation of substitutes, refer to 
the initial SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 
18, 1994 (59 FR 13044). Notices and rulemakings under the SNAP program, 
as well as other EPA publications on protection of stratospheric ozone, 
are available at EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection including the SNAP portion at www.epa.gov/snap/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
    A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
    B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
II. Section 612 Program
    A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program
    B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612
    C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work
    D. Additional Information About the SNAP Program
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes

    This action presents EPA's most recent decision to list as 
acceptable several substitutes in the refrigeration and air 
conditioning and fire suppression and explosion protection sectors. New 
substitutes are:
     R-448A in retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food 
processing and dispensing equipment;
     R-449A in retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food 
processing and dispensing equipment;
     R-449B in several refrigeration end-uses; and
     trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene in total 
flooding fire suppression.
    For copies of the full list of acceptable substitutes for ozone 
depleting

[[Page 70030]]

substances (ODS) in all industrial sectors, visit the SNAP portion of 
EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector. 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.
    The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail. 
Appendix A contains tables summarizing today's listing decisions for 
these new substitutes. The statements in the ``Further Information'' 
column in the tables provide additional information, but are not 
legally binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). In 
addition, the ``Further Information'' column may not include a 
comprehensive list of other legal obligations you may need to meet when 
using the substitute. Although you are not required to follow 
recommendations in the ``Further Information'' column of the table to 
use a substitute consistent with section 612 of the CAA, some of these 
statements may refer to obligations that are enforceable or binding 
under federal or state programs other than the SNAP program. In many 
instances, the information simply refers to standard operating 
practices in existing industry standards and/or building codes. When 
using these substitutes, EPA strongly encourages you to apply the 
information in this column. Many of these recommendations, if adopted, 
would not require significant changes to existing operating practices.
    You can find submissions to EPA for the substitutes listed in this 
document, as well as other materials supporting the decisions in this 
action, in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov.

A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

1. R-448A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-448A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and 
dispensing equipment (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-448A, marketed under the trade name Solstice[supreg] N-40, is a 
weighted blend of 26 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 26 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 21 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); 20 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No 754-12-1); and 7 percent 
HFO-1234ze(E), which is also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-
ene (CAS Reg. No. 29118-24-9).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Solstice[supreg] N-40 (R-448A) 
SNAP Information Notice.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the 
health and environmental risks of this substitute. These assessments 
are available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration 
Substitute: R-448A (Solstice[supreg] N-40)''

    EPA previously listed R-448A as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (e.g., 
July, 16, 2015, 80 FR 42053).
    Environmental information: R-448A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, and HFO-1234ze(E) 
have a 100-year integrated global warming potentials (100-yr GWPs) of 
675; 3,500; 1,430; one to four; 1 2 and one to six; \3\ 
respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-
448A has a GWP of about 1,390. The components of R-448A are excluded 
from the definition of volatile organic compound (VOC) under CAA 
regulations (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). Knowingly venting or releasing this 
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \1\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013. Op. cit.
    \2\ Nielsen, O. J., Javadi, M. S., Sulbaek Andersen, M. P., 
Hurley, M. D., Wallington, T. J., Singh, R. 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, 2007.
    \3\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Javadi et al., 2008. Op. cit.
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    Flammability information: R-448A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute 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 Levels (WEELs) of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr 
time-weighted average (TWA) for HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a; 500 ppm 
for HFO-1234yf; and 800 ppm for HFO-1234ze(E), the components of R-
448A. The manufacturer of R-448A recommends an acceptable exposure 
limit (AEL) of 890 ppm on an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates 
that users will be able to meet the AIHA WEELs and manufacturer's AEL, 
and address potential health risks by following requirements and 
recommendations in the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS), in the 
American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning 
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 15, and other safety precautions common to 
the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: R-448A has an ODP 
of zero, comparable \4\ to or lower than other listed substitutes in 
this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098.
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    \4\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502A, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    R-448A's GWP of about 1,390 is comparable to or lower than that of 
HFC-134a with a GWP of 1,430 and a number of HFC blends in this end-
use. R-448A's GWP of about 1,390 is higher than those of some other 
acceptable substitutes in this end-use, including ammonia vapor 
compression with a secondary loop, CO2, R-450A, R-513A, and 
certain blends with GWPs ranging from zero to 920; of these 
substitutes, ammonia and CO2 are not listed as acceptable 
for use in retrofit equipment. We note that R-448A has a GWP toward the 
higher end of the scale of acceptable alternatives in this end-use. 
This end-use is a subset of retail food refrigeration and in some 
instances the equipment in this end use has specialized technical 
requirements that may limit or prevent use of acceptable substitutes 
with lower GWPs. In this end-use, we are not aware of significant 
success in the United States using alternatives with GWPs significantly 
lower than that for R-448A. However, if it is demonstrated in the 
future that lower GWP alternatives--either those currently listed or 
new alternatives added to the list in the future--can be used in this 
end-use, EPA may evaluate whether those alternatives pose lower overall 
risk than R-448A and other listed substitutes with similar GWPs.

[[Page 70031]]

    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Flammability risks are low, as discussed above. Toxicity 
risks can be minimized by use consistent with the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 
and other industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other 
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning 
industry.
    EPA finds R-448A acceptable in the end-use listed above, because 
the overall environmental and human health risk posed by R-448A is 
lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other available 
substitutes in the same end-use.
2. R-449A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-449A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and 
dispensing equipment (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-449A, marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP 40, is a 
weighted blend of 24.3 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 24.7 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 25.7 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); and 25.3 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Opteon[supreg] XP 40 (R-449A) 
SNAP Information Notice.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the 
health and environmental risks of this substitute. These assessments 
are available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration 
Substitute: R-449A (Opteon[supreg] XP40)''

    EPA previously listed R-449A as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (e.g., 
July, 16, 2015, 80 FR 42053).
    Environmental information: R-449A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf have GWPs of 675; 
3,500; 1,430; and one to four,\5\ respectively. If these values are 
weighted by mass percentage, then R-449A has a GWP of about 1,400. The 
components of R-449A are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA 
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs 
to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this 
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \5\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
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    Flammability information: R-449A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500 ppm for HFO-1234yf, the components 
of R-449A. The manufacturer of R-449A recommends an AEL of 830 ppm on 
an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the manufacturer's AEL and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions common to the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-449A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \6\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098.
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    \6\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502A, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    R-449A's GWP of about 1,400 is comparable to or lower than that of 
HFC-134a with a GWP of 1,430 and a number of HFC blends in this end-
use. R-449A's GWP of about 1,400 is higher than those of some other 
acceptable substitutes in this end-use, including ammonia vapor 
compression with a secondary loop, CO2, R-450A, R-513A, and 
certain blends, with GWPs ranging from zero to 920. Ammonia and 
CO2 are not listed as acceptable for use in retrofit 
equipment. We note that R-449A has a GWP toward the higher end of the 
scale of acceptable alternatives in this end-use. This end-use is a 
subset of retail food refrigeration with equipment that in some 
instances has specialized technical requirements that may limit or 
prevent use of acceptable substitutes with lower GWPs. In this end-use, 
we are not aware of significant success in the United States using 
alternatives with GWPs significantly lower than that for R-449A. 
However, if it is demonstrated in the future that lower GWP 
alternatives--either those currently listed or new alternatives added 
to the list in the future--can be used in this end-use, EPA may 
evaluate whether those alternatives pose lower overall risk than R-449A 
and other listed substitutes with similar GWPs. Flammability and 
toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than flammability and 
toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the same end-use. 
Flammability risks are low, as discussed above. Toxicity risks can be 
minimized by use consistent with the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other 
industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety 
precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-449A acceptable in the end-use listed above, because 
the overall environmental and human health risk posed by R-449A is 
lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other available 
substitutes in the same end-use.
3. R-449B
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-449B acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Commercial ice machines (new and retrofit equipment)
 Refrigerated transport (new and retrofit equipment)
 Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and 
dispensing equipment (new and retrofit equipment)
 Retail food refrigeration-low-temperature stand-alone 
equipment (i.e., equipment designed to maintain internal temperatures 
at 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) or below) (new and retrofit)
 Retail food refrigeration--supermarket systems and remote 
condensing units (new and retrofit)

    R-449B, marketed under the trade name Forane[supreg] 449B, is a 
weighted blend of 25.2 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 24.3 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 27.3 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); and 23.2 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-

[[Page 70032]]

2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Forane[supreg] 449B 
(R-449B) SNAP Information Notice.'' EPA performed assessments to 
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute. These 
assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the 
following names:

 Risk Screen on Substitutes in Commercial Ice Machines
    Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Refrigerated Transport
    Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration
    Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration--
Refrigerated Food Processing and Dispensing Equipment
    Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''

    Environmental information: R-449B has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf have GWPs of 675; 
3,500; 1,430; and one to four,\7\ respectively. If these values are 
weighted by mass percentage, then R-449B has a GWP of about 1,410. The 
components of R-449B are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA 
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs 
to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this 
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: R-449B, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500 ppm for HFO-1234yf, the components 
of R-449B. The manufacturer of R-449B recommends an AEL of 865 ppm on 
an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the manufacturer's AEL and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions common to the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-449B has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \8\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.098.
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    \8\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502A, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    For commercial ice machines, many substitutes listed as acceptable 
have comparable or higher GWPs than R-449B's GWP of about 1,410, such 
as HFC-134a, R-404A, R-448A, R-449A, and other HFC refrigerant blends, 
with GWPs ranging from 1,390 to approximately 3,990; other substitutes 
listed as acceptable substitutes for commercial ice machines have a 
lower GWP including ammonia absorption, ammonia vapor compression, 
Stirling cycle, propane,\9\ R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from 
zero to about 630.
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    \9\ Propane (R-290) is listed as acceptable, subject to use 
conditions, in this end-use. This substitute is subject to a use 
condition restricting charge sizes to 150 g or less and thus may 
limit its use for equipment that requires larger charge sizes.
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    In refrigerated transport, many substitutes listed as acceptable 
have comparable or higher GWPs than R-449B's GWP of about 1,410, such 
as HFC-134a, R-404A, R-448A, R-449A, and other HFC refrigerant blends, 
with GWPs ranging from 1,390 to approximately 3,990; other substitutes 
listed as acceptable substitutes for refrigerated transport have a 
lower GWP including R-450A, R-513A, CO2, direct nitrogen 
expansion, and Stirling cycle, with GWPs ranging from zero to about 
630.
    R-449B's GWP of about 1,410 is comparable to or lower than that of 
HFC-134a and a number of HFC and HFC/HFO blends in retail food 
refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment. 
R-449B's GWP of about 1,410 is higher than those of some other 
acceptable substitutes in new retail food refrigeration--refrigerated 
food processing and dispensing equipment, including ammonia vapor 
compression with a secondary loop, CO2, R-450A, R-513A, and 
certain blends, with GWPs ranging from zero to 920. Ammonia and 
CO2 are not listed as acceptable for use in retrofit 
equipment. We note that R-449B has a GWP toward the higher end of the 
scale of acceptable alternatives in this end-use. This end-use is a 
subset of retail food refrigeration with equipment that in some 
instances has specialized technical requirements that may limit or 
prevent use of acceptable substitutes with lower GWPs. In this end-use, 
we are not aware of significant success in the United States using 
alternatives with GWPs significantly lower than that for R-449B. 
However, if it is demonstrated in the future that lower GWP 
alternatives--either those currently listed or new alternatives added 
to the list in the future--can be used in this end-use, EPA may 
evaluate whether those alternatives pose lower overall risk than R-449B 
and other listed substitutes with similar GWPs.
    R-449B's GWP of about 1,410 is comparable to or lower than a number 
of other substitutes listed as acceptable in retail food 
refrigeration--supermarket systems and remote condensing units, 
including HFC-134a, R-407A, R-448A, R-449A, and other HFC refrigerant 
blends, with GWPs ranging from 1,390 to approximately 2,110. R-449B's 
GWP of about 1,410 is higher than the GWP of some other acceptable 
substitutes in retail food refrigeration-supermarket refrigeration 
systems and remote condensing units, including CO2, R-450A, 
and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to about 630.
    R-449B's GWP of about 1,410 is comparable to the GWP of substitutes 
listed as acceptable for retail food refrigeration-low-temperature 
stand-alone equipment, including the HFO/HFC blends R-448A and R-449A 
with GWPs of 1,390 and 1,400, HFC-134a with a GWP of 1,430, as well as 
other HFC blends. R-449B's GWP of about 1,410 is higher than the GWP of 
some other listed substitutes in this end-use, including 
CO2, propane, isobutane, R-441A, R-450A, and R-513A, with 
GWPs ranging from one to approximately 630.\10\ We note that R-449B has 
a GWP toward the higher end of the scale of acceptable alternatives in 
the retail food refrigeration--low temperature stand-alone equipment 
end-use. This end-use is a subset of retail food refrigeration with 
equipment that in some instances have specialized technical 
requirements that may limit use of acceptable substitutes with lower 
GWPs. In this end-use, we are not aware of significant success in the 
United States using alternatives with GWPs significantly lower than 
that for R-449B. However, if it is demonstrated in the future that 
lower GWP alternatives--either those currently listed or new 
alternatives

[[Page 70033]]

added to the list in the future--can be used in this end-use, EPA may 
evaluate whether those alternatives pose lower overall risk than R-449B 
and other listed substitutes with similar GWPs.
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    \10\ Propane (R-290), isobutane (R-600a), and R-441A are 
acceptable, subject to use conditions, in this end-use. These three 
substitutes are subject to a use condition restricting charge sizes 
to 150 g or less and thus may limit their use for equipment that 
requires larger charge sizes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Flammability risks are low, as discussed above. Toxicity 
risks can be minimized by use consistent with the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 
and other industry standards, recommendations in the SDS, and other 
safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning 
industry.
    EPA finds R-449B acceptable in the end-uses listed above, because 
the overall environmental and human health risk posed by R-449B is 
lower than or comparable to the risks posed by other available 
substitutes in the same end-uses.

B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection

1. Trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (Solstice[supreg] FS)
    EPA's decision: EPA finds trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene 
acceptable as a substitute for use in:

 Total flooding uses in both normally occupied and unoccupied 
spaces.

    Trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene ((E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-
trifluoroprop-1-ene, CAS Reg. No. 102687-65-0) is a chlorofluoroalkene 
marketed under the trade name Solstice[supreg] FS for this end-use. 
Solstice[supreg] FS is proposed for use in applications including data 
centers, telecommunication centers, power plants, manufacturing plants, 
historical buildings, warehouses, and engine nacelles and auxiliary 
power units (APUs) aboard aircraft.
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket item EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0118-0285 in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov. 
EPA has performed an assessment to examine the health and environmental 
risks of this substitute. This assessment is available in docket EPA-
HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the name, ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Total 
Flooding Systems in Normally Occupied and Unoccupied Spaces--
Substitute: Trans-1-Chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene (Solstice[supreg] 
FS).''
    We have previously listed trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene 
as a refrigerant for use in new equipment in centrifugal chillers and 
non-mechanical heat transfer, as a foam blowing agent, as a cleaning 
solvent, as an aerosol solvent, and as a carrier solvent in adhesives 
coatings, and inks (e.g., August 10, 2012, 77 FR 47768; October 21, 
2014, 79 FR 62863).
    Environmental information: Solstice[supreg] FS has an ODP of 
0.00024-0.001512.11 12 13 The submitter indicates that 
Solstice[supreg] FS has a GWP of 4.7-7 and an atmospheric lifetime of 
approximately 26 days. Solstice[supreg] FS is excluded from the 
definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The lower bound of the range reflects ODP values for 
surface emissions. The upper bound of the range takes into account 
predicted ODP values for higher altitude emissions at various 
latitudes.
    \12\ Wang D., Olsen S., Wuebbles D. 2011. ``Preliminary Report: 
Analyses of tCFP's Potential Impact on Atmospheric Ozone.'' 
Department of Atmospheric Sciences. University of Illinois, Urbana, 
IL. September 26, 2011.
    \13\ Patten and Wuebbles, 2010. ``Atmospheric Lifetimes and 
Ozone Depletion Potentials of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-
trichloropropylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in a three-
dimensional model.'' Atmos. Chem. Phys., 10, 10867-10874, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: Solstice[supreg] FS is not flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of this 
substitute include serious eye irritation, skin irritation, and 
frostbite. It may cause central nervous system effects such as 
drowsiness and dizziness. The substitute could cause asphyxiation if 
air is displaced by vapors in a confined space. The potential health 
effects of Solstice[supreg] FS are unlikely to occur when following 
good industrial hygiene practices and the personnel protective 
equipment (PPE) and engineering control (e.g., ventilation) 
recommendations outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for 
Solstice[supreg] FS.
    To assess potential health risks from exposure to this substitute, 
EPA considered both occupational and end-user exposure. We evaluated 
potential risks from chronic occupational exposure, such as during 
manufacture, installation, and servicing. The AIHA has established a 
WEEL of 800 ppm for trans-1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-1-ene. The WEEL 
represents the maximum 8-hour TWA at which a worker can be exposed 
regularly without adverse effects. The Solstice[supreg] FS cylinder 
filling process utilizes quick coupling devices to transfer the 
substitute from a storage supply to the agent container, which 
minimizes agent release and keeps potential exposures to levels 
significantly below the 8-hour WEEL.
    During installation or servicing of Solstice[supreg] FS total 
flooding systems, if the proper instructions on system installation and 
servicing included in manuals for the Solstice[supreg] FS systems and 
relevant industry standards (i.e., latest edition of the National Fire 
Protection Association (NFPA) 2001 Standard for Clean Agent Fire 
Extinguishing Systems and Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) 2166) are 
adhered to, exposure to the substitute is not likely. In the event of 
an accidental release of the substitute from the total flooding system, 
potential acute exposures may be of concern, primarily cardiac 
sensitization. The manufacturer's maximum design concentration of 6.8 
percent covering Class C hazards (energized electrical fires) is 
significantly below the cardiotoxic NOAEL of 10 percent. Appropriate 
protective measures should be taken and proper training administered 
for the manufacture, clean-up and disposal of this product and for the 
installation and maintenance of the total flooding systems using this 
product.
    NFPA 2001 provides that in the case of accidental release in 
normally occupied spaces, required engineering controls as specified in 
NFPA 2001 should be employed to limit personnel exposure to clean agent 
discharges. Specifically, audible and visual pre-discharge alarms and a 
30-60 second time delay should be employed within the protected space 
to indicate the operation of the system and pending discharge to ensure 
egress for all personnel prior to activation.
    EPA's evaluation indicates that the use of Solstice[supreg] FS is 
not expected to pose a significant toxicity risk to personnel or the 
general population. In addition, the risks it may pose after exposure 
are common to many total flooding agents, including those already 
listed as acceptable under SNAP for this same end-use. EPA evaluated 
the risks associated with potential exposures to Solstice[supreg] FS 
during production operations as well as in the case of an inadvertent 
discharge of the system during maintenance activities on the fire 
extinguishing system. EPA's review of the human health impacts of 
Solstice[supreg] FS, including the summary of available toxicity 
studies, is in the docket for this action (EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118).\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ ICF, 2016. Significant New Alternatives Policy Program. 
Fire Extinguishing and Explosion Prevention Sector. Risk Screen on 
Substitutes for Total Flooding Systems in Normally Occupied and 
Unoccupied Spaces--Substitute: Trans-1-Chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoroprop-
1-ene (Solstice[supreg] FS).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Protective gloves and tightly sealed goggles 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.

[[Page 70034]]

Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with NFPA 2001 
standard, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the fire suppression industry. In the ``Further Information'' 
column of the listing for total flooding agents, EPA is providing the 
following additional information for establishments manufacturing, 
installing and maintaining equipment using this agent:
     In the case that Solstice[supreg] FS 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 water for 15 minutes; should 
frostbite occur, affected areas should be rinsed with lukewarm water, 
and medical attention should be sought if irritation develops or 
persists.
     In the case of dermal exposure, the SDS recommends that 
person(s) should immediately wash the affected area with water and 
remove all contaminated clothing to avoid irritation; should frostbite 
occur, bathe (do not rub) the affected area with lukewarm, no hot, 
water. If water is not available, cover the affected area with a clean 
soft cloth; and medical attention should be sought if irritation 
develops or persists.
     Although unlikely, in case of ingestion of 
Solstice[supreg] FS, the person(s) should drink a cup of water, if 
fully conscious, and consult a physician immediately.
     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.
     This agent should be used in accordance with the safety 
guidelines in the latest edition of the NFPA 2001 Standard for Clean 
Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
     Safety features that are typical of total flooding systems 
such as pre-discharge alarms, time delays, and system abort switches 
should be provided, as directed by applicable OSHA regulations and NFPA 
standards.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: Solstice[supreg] 
FS has an ODP of 0.00024-0.001512 which is comparable to or lower than 
the ODP of other acceptable total flooding agents with ODPs that range 
from zero to 0.048. Solstice[supreg] FS's GWP of 4.7-7 is significantly 
lower than that of some of the other alternatives listed as acceptable 
total flooding agents- such as HFC-227ea, other HFCs, the H-Galden 
hydrofluoropolyethers, and some HCFC fire suppressants, with GWPs which 
range from about 1,550 to 14,800. Other acceptable substitutes in this 
end-use have comparable GWPs ranging from zero to one, such as water, 
C6-perfluoroketone, and inert gases. Like a number of other acceptable 
substitutes in this end-use, Solstice[supreg] FS is excluded from the 
definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s).
    The 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, such as C6-perfluoroketone. 
Solstice[supreg] FS is nonflammable, as are all other available total 
flooding agents.
    EPA finds Solstice[supreg] FS acceptable in the end-use listed 
above, because the overall environmental and human health risk posed by 
Solstice[supreg] FS is lower than or comparable to the risks posed by 
other available substitutes in the same end-use.

II. Section 612 Program

A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program

    Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to develop a program for 
evaluating alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. EPA refers to 
this program as the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. 
The major provisions of section 612 are:
1. Rulemaking
    Section 612(c) requires EPA to promulgate rules making it unlawful 
to replace any class I substance (CFC, halon, carbon tetrachloride, 
methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, hydrobromofluorocarbon, and 
chlorobromomethane) or class II substance (HCFC) 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 
unacceptable for specific uses and to publish a corresponding list of 
acceptable alternatives for specific uses. The list of ``acceptable'' 
substitutes is found at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector and the 
lists of ``unacceptable,'' ``acceptable subject to use conditions,'' 
and ``acceptable subject to narrowed use limits'' substitutes are found 
in the appendices to 40 CFR part 82 subpart G.
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). The Agency has 90 days to grant or deny 
a petition. Where the Agency grants the petition, EPA must publish the 
revised lists within an additional six months.
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 new or existing chemicals are introduced into 
interstate commerce for significant new uses as substitutes for a class 
I substance. The producer must also provide the Agency with the 
producer's unpublished health and safety studies on such substitutes.
5. Outreach
    Section 612(b)(1) states that the Administrator shall seek to 
maximize the use of federal research facilities and resources to assist 
users of class I and II substances in identifying and developing 
alternatives to the use of such substances in key commercial 
applications.
6. Clearinghouse
    Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency to set up a public 
clearinghouse of alternative chemicals, product substitutes, and 
alternative manufacturing processes that are available for products and 
manufacturing processes which use class I and II substances.

B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612

    On March 18, 1994, EPA published the initial SNAP rule (59 FR 
13044) which established the process for

[[Page 70035]]

administering the SNAP program and issued EPA's first lists identifying 
acceptable and unacceptable substitutes in the major industrial use 
sectors (subpart G of 40 CFR part 82). These sectors are the following: 
Refrigeration and air conditioning; foam blowing; solvents cleaning; 
fire suppression and explosion protection; sterilants; aerosols; 
adhesives, coatings and inks; and tobacco expansion. These sectors 
comprise the principal industrial sectors that historically consumed 
the largest volumes of ODS.
    Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to list as acceptable those 
substitutes that do not present a significantly greater risk to human 
health and the environment as compared with other substitutes that are 
currently or potentially available.

C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work

    Under the SNAP regulations, anyone who plans to market or produce a 
substitute to replace a class I substance or class II substance in one 
of the eight major industrial use sectors must provide the Agency with 
notice and the required health and safety information on the substitute 
at least 90 days before introducing it into interstate commerce for 
significant new use as an alternative (40 CFR 82.176(a)). While this 
requirement typically applies to chemical manufacturers as the entity 
likely to be planning to introduce the substitute into interstate 
commerce,\15\ it may also apply to importers, formulators, equipment 
manufacturers, and end users \16\ when they are responsible for 
introducing a substitute into commerce. The 90-day SNAP review process 
begins once EPA receives the submission and determines that the 
submission includes complete and adequate data (40 CFR 82.180(a)). The 
CAA and the SNAP regulations, 40 CFR 82.174(a), prohibit use of a 
substitute earlier than 90 days after notice has been provided to the 
agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.104, ``interstate commerce'' means 
the distribution or transportation of any product between one state, 
territory, possession or the District of Columbia, and another 
state, territory, possession or the District of Columbia, or the 
sale, use or manufacture of any product in more than one state, 
territory, possession or District of Columbia. The entry points for 
which a product is introduced into interstate commerce are the 
release of a product from the facility in which the product was 
manufactured, the entry into a warehouse from which the domestic 
manufacturer releases the product for sale or distribution, and at 
the site of United States Customs clearance.
    \16\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``end-use'' means processes or 
classes of specific applications within major industrial sectors 
where a substitute is used to replace an ODS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency has identified four possible decision categories for 
substitute submissions: Acceptable; acceptable subject to use 
conditions; acceptable subject to narrowed use limits; and unacceptable 
(40 CFR 82.180(b)).\17\ Use conditions and narrowed use limits are both 
considered ``use restrictions'' and are explained below. Substitutes 
that are deemed acceptable without use conditions may be used for all 
applications within the relevant end-uses within the sector and without 
limits under SNAP on how they may be used. Substitutes that are 
acceptable subject to use restrictions may be used only in accordance 
with those restrictions. Substitutes that are found to be unacceptable 
may not be used after the date specified in the rulemaking adding such 
substitute to the list of unacceptable substitutes.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ The SNAP regulations also include ``pending,'' referring to 
submissions for which EPA has not reached a determination, under 
this provision.
    \18\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``use'' means any use of a 
substitute for a Class I or Class II ozone-depleting compound, 
including but not limited to use in a manufacturing process or 
product, in consumption by the end-user, or in intermediate uses, 
such as formulation or packaging for other subsequent uses. This 
definition of use encompasses manufacturing process of products both 
for domestic use and for export. Substitutes manufactured within the 
United States exclusively for export are subject to SNAP 
requirements since the definition of use in the rule includes use in 
the manufacturing process, which occurs within the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After reviewing a substitute, the Agency may make a determination 
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.'' Entities that use these substitutes 
without meeting the associated use conditions are in violation of EPA's 
SNAP regulations (40 CFR 82.174(c)).
    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. The Agency generally requires a user of a substitute 
subject to narrowed use limits to demonstrate that no other acceptable 
substitutes are available for their specific application.\19\ EPA 
describes these substitutes as ``acceptable subject to narrowed use 
limits.'' A person using a substitute that is acceptable subject to 
narrowed use limits in applications and end-uses that are not 
consistent with the narrowed use limit is using the substitute in 
violation of section 612 of the CAA and EPA's SNAP regulations (40 CFR 
82.174(c)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ In the case of the July 20, 2015, final rule, EPA 
established narrowed use limits for certain substitutes over a 
limited period of time for specific MVAC and foam applications, on 
the basis that other acceptable alternatives would not be available 
for those specific applications within broader end-uses, but 
acceptable alternatives were expected to become available over time, 
e.g., after military qualification testing for foam blowing agents 
in military applications or after development of improved servicing 
infrastructure in a destination country for MVAC in vehicles 
destined for export.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The section 612 mandate for EPA to prohibit the use of a substitute 
that may present risk to human health or the environment where a lower 
risk alternative is available or potentially available \20\ provides 
EPA with the authority to change the listing status of a particular 
substitute if such a change is justified by new information or changed 
circumstance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ In addition to acceptable commercially available 
substitutes, the SNAP program may consider potentially available 
substitutes. The SNAP program's definition of ``potentially 
available'' is ``any alternative for which adequate health, safety, 
and environmental data, as required for the SNAP notification 
process, exist to make a determination of acceptability, and which 
the agency reasonably believes to be technically feasible, even if 
not all testing has yet been completed and the alternative is not 
yet produced or sold.'' (40 CFR 82.172).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described in this document and elsewhere, including the initial 
SNAP rule published in the Federal Register at 59 FR 13044 on March 18, 
1994, the SNAP program evaluates substitutes within a comparative risk 
framework. The SNAP program compares new substitutes both to the ozone-
depleting substances being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the CAA, and to other 
available or potentially available alternatives for the same end-uses. 
The environmental and health risk factors that the SNAP program 
considers include ozone depletion potential, flammability, toxicity, 
occupational and consumer health and safety, as well as contributions 
to global warming and other environmental factors. Environmental and 
human health exposures can vary significantly depending on the 
particular application of a substitute--and over time, information 
applicable to a substitute can change. This approach does not imply 
fundamental tradeoffs with respect to different types of risk, either 
to the environment or to human health. Over the past twenty years, the 
menu of substitutes has become much broader and a great deal of new 
information has been developed on many substitutes. Because the overall 
goal of the SNAP program is to ensure that substitutes listed as 
acceptable do not pose

[[Page 70036]]

significantly greater risk to human health and the environment than 
other available substitutes, the SNAP criteria should be informed by 
our current overall understanding of environmental and human health 
impacts and our experience with and current knowledge about available 
and potentially available substitutes. Over time, the range of 
substitutes reviewed by SNAP has changed, and, at the same time, 
scientific approaches have evolved to more accurately assess the 
potential environmental and human health impacts of these chemicals and 
alternative technologies. The Agency publishes its SNAP program 
decisions in the Federal Register. EPA uses notice-and-comment 
rulemaking to place any alternative on the list of prohibited 
substitutes, to list a substitute as acceptable only subject to use 
conditions or narrowed use limits, or to remove a substitute from 
either the list of prohibited or acceptable substitutes.
    In contrast, EPA publishes ``notices of acceptability'' or 
``determinations of acceptability,'' to notify the public of 
substitutes that are deemed acceptable with no restrictions. As 
described in the preamble to the rule initially implementing the SNAP 
program (59 FR 13044; March 18, 1994), EPA does not believe that 
rulemaking procedures are necessary to list alternatives that are 
acceptable without restrictions because such listings neither impose 
any sanction nor prevent anyone from using a 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, 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 
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.

D. Additional Information About the SNAP Program

    For copies of the comprehensive SNAP lists of substitutes or 
additional information on SNAP, refer to EPA's Ozone Depletion Web site 
at: www.epa.gov/snap. 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 are found at: 
www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Date: September 28, 2016.
Sarah Dunham,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.

Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

                                       Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             End-use                    Substitute             Decision             Further information \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial ice machines (new and   R-449B                Acceptable.........  R-449B has a 100-year global
 retrofit equipment).               (Forane[supreg]                            warming potential (GWP) of
                                    449B).                                     approximately 1,410. This
                                                                               substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
                                                                               which is also known as
                                                                               difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
                                                                               10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); and HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                               is also known as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 754-12-1).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The American Industrial Hygiene
                                                                               Association (AIHA) has
                                                                               established workplace
                                                                               environmental exposure limits
                                                                               (WEELs) of 1,000 ppm (8-hr time
                                                                               weighted average (TWA)) for HFC-
                                                                               32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and
                                                                               500 ppm for HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                               manufacturer recommends an
                                                                               acceptable exposure level (AEL)
                                                                               for the workplace for R-449B of
                                                                               865 ppm (8-hr TWA).
Refrigerated transport (new and    R-449B                Acceptable.........  R-449B has a 100-year GWP of
 retrofit equipment).               (Forane[supreg]                            approximately 1,410. This
                                    449B).                                     substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
                                                                               which is also known as
                                                                               difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
                                                                               10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); and HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                               is also known as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 754-12-1).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The AIHA has established WEELs of
                                                                               1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-32,
                                                                               HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                               ppm for HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                               manufacturer recommends an AEL
                                                                               for the workplace for R-449B of
                                                                               865 ppm (8-hr TWA).

[[Page 70037]]

 
Retail food refrigeration (new     R-448A                Acceptable.........  R-448A has a 100-yr GWP of
 and retrofit refrigerated food     (Solstice[supreg] N-                       approximately 1,390. This
 processing and dispensing          40).                                       substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
 equipment).                                                                   which is also known as
                                                                               difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
                                                                               10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); HFO-1234yf, which is
                                                                               also known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-
                                                                               prop-l-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                               1); and HFO-1234ze(E), which is
                                                                               also known as trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 29118-24-9).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The AIHA has established WEELs of
                                                                               1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-32,
                                                                               HFC-125, and HFC-134a; 500 ppm
                                                                               for HFO-1234yf; and 800 ppm for
                                                                               HFO-1234ze(E). The manufacturer
                                                                               recommends an AEL for the
                                                                               workplace for R-448A of 890 ppm
                                                                               (8-hr TWA).
Retail food refrigeration (new     R-449A                Acceptable.........  R-449A has a 100-year GWP of
 and retrofit refrigerated food     (Opteon[supreg] XP                         approximately 1,400. This
 processing and dispensing          40).                                       substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
 equipment).                                                                   which is also known as
                                                                               difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
                                                                               10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); and HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                               is also known as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 754-12-1).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The AIHA has established WEELs of
                                                                               1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-32,
                                                                               HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                               ppm for HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                               manufacturer recommends an AEL
                                                                               for the workplace for R-449A of
                                                                               830 ppm (8-hr TWA).
Retail food refrigeration (new     R-449B                Acceptable.........  R-449B has a 100-year GWP of
 and retrofit refrigerated food     (Forane[supreg]                            approximately 1,410. This
 processing and dispensing          449B).                                     substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
 equipment).                                                                   which is also known as
                                                                               difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
                                                                               10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); and HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                               is also known as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 754-12-1).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The AIHA has established WEELs of
                                                                               1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-32,
                                                                               HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                               ppm for HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                               manufacturer recommends an AEL
                                                                               for the workplace for R-449B of
                                                                               865 ppm (8-hr TWA).
Retail food refrigeration          R-449B                Acceptable.........  R-449B has a 100-year GWP of
 (supermarket systems, remote       (Forane[supreg]                            approximately 1,410. This
 condensing units, and low-         449B).                                     substitute is a blend of HFC-32,
 temperature \2\ stand-alone                                                   which is also known as
 equipment only, new and retrofit                                              difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-
 equipment).                                                                   10-5); HFC-125, which is also
                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                               pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               354-33-6); HFC-134a, which is
                                                                               also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                               tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No.
                                                                               811-97-2); and HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                               is also known as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                               tetrafluoroprop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                               No. 754-12-1).
                                                                              The blend is nonflammable.
                                                                              The AIHA has established WEELs of
                                                                               1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA) for HFC-32,
                                                                               HFC-125, and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                               ppm for HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                               manufacturer recommends an AEL
                                                                               for the workplace for R-449B of
                                                                               865 ppm (8-hr TWA).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Observe recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS and guidance for all listed refrigerants.
\2\ ``Low-temperature'' refers to equipment that maintains food or beverages at temperatures at or below 32
  [deg]F (0 [deg]C). See appendix U to 40 CFR part 82, subpart G.

                                    Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             End-use                    Substitute             Decision               Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total flooding...................  Trans-1-chloro-3,3,3- Acceptable.........  Use of this agent should be in
                                    trifluoroprop-1-ene                        accordance with the safety
                                    (Solstice[supreg]                          guidelines in the latest edition
                                    FS).                                       of the National Fire Protection
                                                                               Association (NFPA) 2001 Standard
                                                                               on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
                                                                               Systems. Safety features that are
                                                                               typical of total flooding systems
                                                                               such as pre-discharge alarms,
                                                                               time delays, and system abort
                                                                               switches should be provided, as
                                                                               directed by applicable OSHA
                                                                               regulations and NFPA standards.
                                                                              For establishments manufacturing,
                                                                               installing and maintaining
                                                                               equipment using this agent, EPA
                                                                               recommends the following:

[[Page 70038]]

 
                                                                                 In the case that
                                                                              Solstice[supreg] FS 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
                                                                              water for 15 minutes; should
                                                                              frostbite occur, affected areas
                                                                              should be rinsed with lukewarm
                                                                              water, and medical attention
                                                                              should be sought if irritation
                                                                              develops or persists;
                                                                                 In the case of dermal
                                                                              exposure, the SDS recommends that
                                                                              person(s) should immediately wash
                                                                              the affected area with water and
                                                                              remove all contaminated clothing
                                                                              to avoid irritation; should
                                                                              frostbite occur, bathe (do not
                                                                              rub) the affected area with
                                                                              lukewarm, no hot, water. If water
                                                                              is not available, cover the
                                                                              affected area with a clean soft
                                                                              cloth; and medical attention
                                                                              should be sought if irritation
                                                                              develops or persists.
                                                                                 Although unlikely, in
                                                                              case of ingestion of
                                                                              Solstice[supreg] FS, the person(s)
                                                                              should drink a cup of water, if
                                                                              fully conscious, and consult a
                                                                              physician immediately;
                                                                                 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 personal
                                                                              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;
                                                                              See additional comments 1, 2, 3,
                                                                               4, 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
2. Use of all listed fire suppression agents should conform to relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR part
  1910, subpart L, sections 1910.160 and 1910.162.
3. Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the
  area.
4. Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance
  requirements.
5. The agent should be recovered from the fire protection system in conjunction with testing or servicing, and
  recycled for later use or destroyed.

[FR Doc. 2016-24381 Filed 10-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P