AIRAH have released their Management Guideline for the phase-out of refrigerant R22.
The Guideline states that its aim is to provide advice to building owners, operators and maintainers about the issues associated with the continued use of R22 in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, during the phase out.
The Guideline is recommended to owners, operators and facilities managers of buildings and facilities containing air conditioning or refrigeration equipment that operates R22. The Guideline is also recommended to those who are responsible for conducting audits, maintenance and system installations.
The Guideline applies specifically to vapour-compression-cycle refrigeration and air conditioning systems (for example window-mounted room air conditioners), as well as commercial and industrial refrigeration systems that operate with R22.
The Guideline points out that there are only four options in dealing with the phase out of R22 with existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems–retaining and managing the R22 plant, retrofitting the plant with an alternative refrigerant, replacing the R22 equipment or replacing and upgrading the system.
The Guideline explores the technical options and risk management of R22. The Guideline’s exploration of the technical options includes: the potential risk for building owners/operators/maintainers, retaining & managing existing R22 systems, converting to a different refrigerant classification and key management considerations.The Guideline’s exploration on risk management of R22 includes: auditing, meeting current standards and reclamation and recycling of R22 refrigerant.
The Guideline states that the phase out is in accordance with Australia’s obligation to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and is being implemented via reduction in allowable imports.
The Guideline can be found and downloaded at no cost here.