This paper concerns refrigerant gases classified as Division 2.1 flammable gases under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code or classified as Flammable Gas Category 1 using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It covers general work health and safety / occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) duties, however, readers should check their legislative responsibilities at the state/territory and Commonwealth level in relation to working with refrigerants.

It includes information on:

the use of flammable refrigerant gases in stationary and mobile (vehicle) workplace environments (including fixed or portable plant);
how to manage the risk of fire and explosion from refrigeration and air-conditioning systems containing flammable refrigerant gases and
the storage and handling of flammable refrigerant gases.

This document does not address the transport of refrigerant gases. The application of WHS/OHS legislation in domestic environments is in scope only when work is being conducted; for example during installation or servicing of a domestic refrigeration system.

Whilst refrigerant gases may have one or more of a number of hazards (eg toxicity, irritant properties, flammability, environmental hazards) this paper focuses on the issue of flammability. The general duty of care provisions in the WHS/OHS legislation apply to all workplace hazards, including those not in the scope of this paper such as Flammable Gas Category 2 substances.

The term “must” is used where there is a WHS/OHS legislative duty. As this position paper applies broadly to various Australian jurisdictions, references to specific sections of the legislation are not provided and enquiries on this should be directed to the relevant regulator (Section 6).