This class of chemicals has been demonstrated to be harmful to the ozone layer and is subject to a production phaseout. This fact sheet outlines practices for the management of existing stocks of ozone depleting chemicals in the University, including maintenance, recycling, and disposal practices. This fact sheet does not apply to small appliances containing 5 pounds or less of refrigerant, or to motor vehicle air conditioners. Small appliances generally include home-sized refrigerators, room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, drinking fountains, small ice makers, vending machines and similar equipment.
Commercial refrigeration includes food service establishments and cold storage applications.
All of this equipment contains large refrigerant charges, typically over 75 pounds. Low pressure appliances include appliances that use a refrigerant with a boiling point greater than 10 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure. High pressure appliances include appliances that use a refrigerant with a boiling point between -50 and 10 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure. Industrial process refrigeration includes ice rinks, manufacturing applications, and industrial ice machines. Opening of appliances includes any service, maintenance or repair which could reasonably be expected to release refrigerant from the appliance.