Low GWP Refrigerant Safety: Flammable and Mildly Flammable Refrigerants

As the HVACR industry continues to move forward and innovate, the refrigerants that were once so commonplace are now being phased out. Replacing them are more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier refrigerants, known as Low GWP refrigerants. Many of these new refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, or slightly flammable. The industry is also seeing expanded use of some hydrocarbon (A3) refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane. Students and technicians will require additional training for the safe handling and transportation of these refrigerants.


Training Manual

The Low GWP refrigerant program manual covers:

  • Refrigerant safety
  • Introduction to Low GWP refrigerants
  • Refrigerant properties and characteristics
  • The refrigeration cycle
  • Working with refrigerant blends
  • Proper installation and service guidelines
  • Flammable refrigerant considerations
  • Explanation of the associated codes and standards for A2L refrigerants

View a sample of the training manual.

Registered Proctors can review a digital version of the manual by logging in and visiting the resource center.


Instructor Resources

PowerPoint presentation: The instructor resource materials include 2 PowerPoint presentations (one for each Section), 208 slides in all, that correlate directly with the training manual. Each slide within the presentation contains speaker notes that are designed to aid the instructor through the presentation and provide additional talking points.


Certification

The Low GWP Refrigerant Safety - A2L Refrigerants examination validates that a person possesses the knowledge to safely work with low GWP refrigerants and helps reduce liability. The 50-question, closed-book exam covers the following competencies:

  • General Flammable Refrigerant Safety Knowledge
  • Core ACR Knowledge
  • Flammable System Service Safety
  • Flammable System Installation Safety
  • Flammable Refrigerant Transportation and Handling Safety