A systematic approach to risk assessing A2L refrigeration systems.

The safety of A2L refrigeration systems is a priority for owners and users. From my own personal experience with risk assessing ammonia refrigeration systems, it has been common place for site installations to have elements that are unsafe or to have poor procedures in place. I believe future A2L refrigeration system installations will suffer the same fate. Whilst legislation and good practice requirements are understood by leaders in the industry, the industry will need to focus more on the flammability and explosive properties of the A2L refrigerants, whilst having systems in place to deal with asphyxiation and toxic issues after combustion.

When carrying out a risk assessment, the outcome of the assessment is only as good as the knowledge of the assessor and their ability to identify the risks in a short space of time during their site visit. A standard approach has been developed and will be used when risk assessing A2L refrigeration systems to ensure that all aspects of legislation and good practice are reviewed and recorded. Where non-compliance is identified, an action list will be provided to guide the owner and users in implementing changes to their refrigeration system, safety systems and working practices.