I have joked about this topic in other posts, as we have been battling the idea that our new refrigerant for vehicle air conditioners is a Category 1 Flammable Gas. This conversion from R-134a has been a bumpy one, but in jest, I share with you EPA’s “use conditions,” and for an agency that certainly played along with industry, they sure did have some requirements that sound a lot like a PSM covered process…
HFO–1234yf MVAC systems must adhere to all of the safety requirements of SAE 1 J639 (adopted 2011), including:
- requirements for a flammable refrigerant warning label,
- high-pressure compressor cutoff switch,
- pressure relief devices, and
- unique fittings.
For connections with refrigerant containers of 20 lbs or higher, use fittings consistent with SAE J2844 (adopted 2011).
NOTE: the fittings will be quick-connect fittings, different from those for any other refrigerant
Manufacturers must conduct Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) as provided in SAE J1739 (adopted 2009). Manufacturers must keep the FMEA on file for at least three years from the date of creation.
EPA in their own words: