B. What are EPA's regulations concerning venting, releasing or
disposing of refrigerant substitutes?

    Regulations promulgated under Section 608 of the Act, published on
May 14, 1993 (58 FR 28660), established a recycling program for ozone-
depleting refrigerants recovered during the servicing and maintenance
of AC and refrigeration appliances. In the same 1993 rule, EPA also
promulgated regulations implementing the section 608(c) prohibition on
knowingly venting, releasing, or disposing of class I or class II
controlled substances. These regulations were designed to substantially
reduce the use and emissions of ozone-depleting refrigerants.
    EPA issued a final rule on March 12, 2004, at 69 FR 11946 and a
second rule on April 13, 2005, at 70 FR 19273 clarifying how the
venting prohibition in section 608(c) applies to substitutes for CFC
and HCFC refrigerants (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and
perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in part or whole) during the maintenance,
service, repair, or disposal of appliances. These regulations are
codified at 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. The regulation at 40 CFR
82.154(a) now states in part that:

    (1) ``Effective June 13, 2005, no person maintaining, servicing,
repairing, or disposing of appliances may knowingly vent or
otherwise release into the environment any refrigerant or substitute
from such appliances, with the exception of the following
substitutes in the following end-uses:
    i. Ammonia in commercial refrigeration, or in [IPR] or in
absorption units;
    ii. Hydrocarbons in [IPR] (processing of hydrocarbons);
    iii. Chlorine in [IPR] (processing of chlorine and chlorine
compounds);

    iv. Carbon dioxide in any application;
    v. Nitrogen in any application; or
    vi. Water in any application.
    (2) The knowing release of a refrigerant or non-exempt
substitute subsequent to its recovery from an appliance shall be
considered a violation of this prohibition. De minimis releases
associated with good faith attempts to recycle or recover
refrigerants or non-exempt substitutes are not subject to this
prohibition. . . .''

    As explained in EPA's earlier rulemaking concerning refrigerant
substitutes, EPA has not promulgated regulations requiring
certification of refrigerant recycling/recovery equipment intended for
use with substitutes to date (70 FR 19275; April 13, 2005). However, as
EPA noted, the lack of a current regulatory provision should not be
considered as an exemption from the venting prohibition for substitutes
that are not expressly exempted in Section 82.154(a). EPA has also
noted that, in accordance with section 608(c) of the Act, the
regulatory prohibition at Section 82.154(a) reflects the statutory
references to de minimis releases of substitutes as they pertain to
good faith attempts to recover and recycle or safely dispose of non-
exempted substitutes (70 FR 19275; April 13, 2005).

C. What revision to the venting prohibition has EPA recently issued?

    On May 23, 2014 at 79 FR 29682, EPA revised the venting prohibition
for refrigerant substitutes.\21\ Those changes exempt from that
prohibition three hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes listed as
acceptable subject to use conditions in the specified end-uses under
the SNAP program: isobutane (R-600a) and R-441A, which were listed as
acceptable, subject to use conditions, as refrigerant substitutes in
household refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigerators and
freezers, and propane (R-290), which was listed as acceptable, subject
to use conditions, as a refrigerant substitute in retail food
refrigerators and freezers (stand-alone units only). That final rule
does not apply to blends of hydrocarbons with other refrigerants or
containing any amount of any CFC, HCFC, HFC, or PFC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ EPA is describing that final rule in this NPRM simply for
ease of reference and as a reminder of EPA's most recent rule on
this subject; EPA is not here changing any aspect of that final rule
or reopening the opportunity for comments on that final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPA determined that for the purposes of CAA section 608(c)(2), the
venting, release or disposal of such hydrocarbon refrigerant
substitutes in the specified end-uses does not pose a threat to the
environment, considering both the inherent characteristics of these
substances and the limited quantities used in the relevant
applications. EPA additionally concluded that other authorities,
controls and practices that apply to such refrigerants help to mitigate
environmental risk from the release of those three hydrocarbon
refrigerant substitutes. For example, state and local air quality
agencies may include VOC emissions reduction strategies in state
implementation plans developed to meet and maintain the NAAQS that
would apply to hydrocarbon refrigerants.

D. What is EPA's proposed determination regarding whether venting of
hydrocarbons to be listed as acceptable subject to use conditions in
the end-uses proposed in this NPRM poses a threat to the environment?

    For purposes of section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, EPA considers two
factors in determining whether or not venting, release, or disposal of
a substitute refrigerant during the maintenance, servicing, repairing,
or disposing of appliances poses a threat to the environment. See 69 FR
11948 (March 12, 2004). First, EPA determines whether venting, release,
or disposal of the substitute refrigerant poses a threat to the
environment because of the inherent characteristics of the refrigerant,
such as global warming potential. Second, EPA determines whether and to
what extent such venting, release, or disposal actually takes place
during the maintenance, servicing, repairing, or disposing of
appliances, and to what extent such venting, release, or disposal is
controlled by other authorities, regulations, or practices. To the
extent that such releases are adequately controlled by other
authorities, EPA defers to those authorities.
1. Potential Environmental Impacts
    EPA has evaluated the potential environmental impacts of releasing
into the environment the hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes that we
are proposing to list under the SNAP program as acceptable subject to
use conditions in the end-uses proposed--i.e., ethane in very low
temperature refrigeration and non-mechanical heat transfer; isobutane
in retail food refrigeration (stand-alone equipment only) and vending
machines; propane in household refrigerators and freezers, vending
machines and room AC units; and R-441A in retail food refrigeration
(stand-alone equipment only), vending machines and room AC units. In
particular, we assessed the potential impact of the release of
additional hydrocarbons on local air quality and their ability to
decompose in the atmosphere, their ODP and their GWPs, as well as
potential impacts on ecosystems (see Section IV above, ``What criteria
did EPA consider in determining whether to list the substitutes as
acceptable and in determining appropriate use conditions and how does
EPA consider those factors?''). As explained in that section, the ODP
of these hydrocarbons is zero, the GWPs are less than 10, and effects
on aquatic life from these hydrocarbons are expected to be small. As to
potential effects on local air quality, based on the analysis and
modeling results described above, EPA concludes that the four saturated
hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes proposed to be listed as acceptable
subject to use conditions in specific end-uses--ethane, isobutane,
propane, and R-441A--are expected to have little impact on local air
quality. In addition, when examining all hydrocarbon substitute
refrigerants in those uses for which UL currently has standards in
place, for which the SNAP program has already listed the uses as
acceptable subject to use conditions, or for which the SNAP program is
reviewing a submission, including those in this rule, we found that
even if all the refrigerant in appliances in end-uses addressed in this
proposed rule were to be emitted, there would be a worst-case impact of
less than 0.2% of the NAAQS for ground-level ozone in the Los Angeles
area. In light of its evaluation of potential environmental impacts,
EPA concludes that the four hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes in the
end-uses at issue in this proposal are not expected to pose a threat to
the environment on the basis of the limited quantities used in the
relevant end-uses and applications and on the basis of the inherent
characteristics of these substances (ICF, 2014a).
2. Toxicity and Flammability
    As discussed above in sections IV.B., ``Flammability and fire
safety'' and IV.C., ``Toxicity,'' EPA's SNAP program evaluated the
potential for fire risk from flammability and toxicity risks from
exposure to the substitute refrigerants in this proposal. EPA is
providing some of that information in this section as well.
    Hydrocarbons, including ethane, propane, isobutane and the
hydrocarbon blend R-441A, are classified as A3 refrigerants by ASHRAE
Standard 34-2010, indicating that they have low toxicity and high
flammability. Hydrocarbons considered in this proposal have lower
flammability limits (LFLs) ranging from 1.8% to 3.0% (18,000 ppm to
30,000 ppm). To address flammability risks, EPA is issuing

recommendations for their safe use (see section VII, ``What
recommendations does EPA have for safe use of the proposed flammable
substitute refrigerants?'' below) and specified use conditions. The
SNAP program's analysis suggests that the use conditions proposed in
this rule mitigate flammability risks.
    Like most refrigerants, hydrocarbons can displace oxygen at high
concentrations and cause asphyxiation. Various industry and regulatory
standards exist to address asphyxiation and toxicity risks. The SNAP
program's analysis of asphyxiation and toxicity risks suggests that the
use conditions proposed in this rule mitigate potential asphyxiation
and toxicity risks. Furthermore, the Agency believes that the
flammability risks and occupational exposures to hydrocarbons are
adequately regulated by OSHA, building, and fire codes at a local and
national level.
3. Authorities, Controls, and Practices
    EPA believes that existing authorities, controls, and practices
would help mitigate environmental risk from the release of these
hydrocarbon refrigerants. Analyses performed for both this proposed
rule and the SNAP rules issued in 1994 and 2011 (March 17, 1994, at 59
FR 13044 and December 20, 2011, at 76 FR 38832, respectively) indicate
that existing regulatory requirements and industry practices designed
to limit and control these substances adequately control the emission
of the hydrocarbon refrigerants proposed to be listed in this action.
As explained below, EPA concludes that the limits and controls under
other authorities, regulations or practices adequately control the
release of and exposure to the four hydrocarbon substitute refrigerants
and mitigate risks from any possible release.
    This conclusion is relevant to the second factor mentioned above in
the overall determination of whether venting, release, or disposal of a
substitute refrigerant poses a threat to the environment--that is, a
consideration of the extent that such venting, release, or disposal is
adequately controlled by other authorities, regulations, or practices.
As such, this conclusion is another part of the determination that the
venting, release, or disposal of these four hydrocarbon refrigerants
would not pose a threat to the environment.
    Industry service practices and OSHA standards and guidelines
address hydrocarbon refrigeration equipment, include monitoring
efforts, engineering controls, and operating procedures. OSHA
requirements that apply during servicing include continuous monitoring
of explosive gas concentrations and oxygen levels. In general,
hydrocarbon emissions from refrigeration systems are likely to be
significantly smaller than those emanating from the industrial process
and storage systems, which are controlled for safety reasons. Further,
the SNAP rule listing hydrocarbons as acceptable subject to use
conditions for use in household and commercial stand-alone
refrigerators and freezers (December 20, 2011, at 76 FR 78832), we
noted that the amount of refrigerant from a refrigerant loop is limited
(57 g for household refrigerators and freezers, and 150 g for
commercial stand-alone refrigerators and freezers), indicating that
hydrocarbon emissions from such uses are likely to be relatively small.
Similar charge limits are proposed to apply to very low temperature
refrigeration equipment, non-mechanical heat transfer equipment, and
vending machines, with larger but still limited charges for room air
conditioners (1000 g for hydrocarbon refrigerants).
    Hydrocarbons that are also VOC may be regulated as VOC under
sections of the Clean Air Act that address nonattainment, attainment
and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
ground level ozone, including those sections addressing development of
State Implementation Plans and those addressing permitting of VOC
sources.
    The release and/or disposal of many refrigerant substitutes,
including hydrocarbons, are controlled by other authorities including
those established by OSHA and NIOSH guidelines, various standards, and
state and local building codes. To the extent that release during
maintaining, repairing, servicing or disposing of appliances is
controlled by regulations and standards of other authorities, EPA
believes these practices and controls for the use of hydrocarbons are
sufficiently protective. These practices and controls could help
mitigate the risk to the environment that may be posed by the venting,
release or disposal of these four hydrocarbon refrigerants during the
maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of appliances. This
conclusion addresses the second factor in the analysis described above
and is thus part of the determination that the venting, release, or
disposal of these hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes does not pose a
threat to the environment.
4. Conclusion
    EPA has reviewed the potential environmental impacts of four
hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes in the end-uses that we are
proposing to list subject to use conditions under SNAP, as well as the
authorities, controls and practices in place for those hydrocarbon
refrigerant substitutes. Specifically, EPA concludes that these four
hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes in the proposed end-uses and
subject to the proposed use conditions are not expected to pose a
threat to the environment based on the inherent characteristics of
these substances and the limited quantities used in the relevant
applications. EPA additionally concludes that existing authorities,
controls, and practices help mitigate environmental risk from the
release of those four hydrocarbons in the proposed end-uses and subject
to the proposed use conditions. In light of these conclusions and those
described or identified above in this section, we are proposing to
determine, in accordance with 608(c)(2), that based on current evidence
and risk analyses, the venting, release or disposal of these four
hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes in the end-uses proposed does not
pose a threat to the environment. Furthermore, EPA is proposing to
exempt from the venting prohibition at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1) these
additional uses for which hydrocarbons are being proposed to be found
acceptable subject to use conditions under the SNAP program.
    EPA seeks information or data on whether there currently is an
industry standard for recovery units for flammable refrigerants and
whether there are commercially available recovery units that are
specifically designed to be compatible with ethane, isobutane, propane,
and R-441A. At this time, EPA is unaware of any recovery units that are
designed specifically for recovering hydrocarbons and which are readily
available in the U.S. Further, we are not aware of relevant U.S.
standards for such recovery units. However, to the extent that these
hydrocarbons are recovered rather than vented as would be allowed in
the specified end-uses if this proposal became final, EPA recommends
the use of recovery equipment designed for flammable refrigerants, when
such equipment and relevant U.S. standards for it become available, in
accordance with applicable safe handling practices.

E. What is EPA proposing regarding venting, release, or disposal of
refrigerant substitutes, other than hydrocarbons, included in our
proposed decision?

    Today's proposed rulemaking would regulate the use of HFC-32 in
room AC units. All HFCs are currently subject to the venting
prohibition. EPA is not proposing to extend the exemption to HFC-32 or
any refrigerant blends that contain HFC-32 or any other HFC. Further,
the exemption to the venting prohibition proposed in this NPRM does not
extend to blends of hydrocarbons and other types of compounds, e.g.,
blends of HFCs and hydrocarbons. Such refrigerant substitutes would
still be subject to the statutory and regulatory venting prohibition.

VII. What recommendations does EPA have for safe use of the proposed
flammable substitute refrigerants?

    EPA recommends that only technicians specifically trained in
handling flammable refrigerant substitutes service or dispose of
refrigeration and AC equipment containing these substances. Technicians
should know how to minimize the risk of fire and the procedures for
using flammable refrigerant substitutes safely. Releases of large
quantities of refrigerant substitutes during servicing and
manufacturing, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces or in
areas where large amounts of refrigerant are stored, could cause an
explosion if an ignition source exists nearby. For these reasons, it is
important that only properly trained technicians handle flammable
refrigerant substitutes when maintaining, servicing, repairing, or
disposing of household and retail food refrigerators and freezers, very
low temperature freezers, non-mechanical heat transfer equipment (e.g.,
thermosiphons), and room air conditioners. In addition, EPA recommends
that if hydrocarbon refrigerant substitutes were vented, released, or
disposed of (rather than recovered), as would be allowed in the
specified end-uses if this proposal became final, the release should be
in a well-ventilated area, such as outside of a building.
    We are aware that at least one organization, Refrigeration Service
Engineers Society (RSES), has developed a technician training program
in collaboration with refrigeration equipment manufacturers and users
that addresses safe use of flammable refrigerant substitutes. In
addition, EPA has reviewed several training programs provided as part
of SNAP submissions from persons interested in flammable refrigerant
substitutes. EPA intends to update the CAA Section 608 technician
certification test bank provided to approved organizations that
administer the certification exams in accordance with 40 CFR 82.161 to
specifically include questions concerning flammable refrigerant
substitutes.
    EPA considered proposing a use condition requiring training in
handling flammable refrigerant substitutes for technicians who service
or dispose of refrigeration and AC equipment containing these
substitutes. However, we do not have sufficient information on the core
elements that should be part of such a training program to ensure that
a training requirement would improve safety. Some examples of potential
core elements that EPA might consider include:
     EPA's relevant use conditions for flammable refrigerants;
     relevant OSHA requirements for flammable gases; relevant
industry standards (e.g., UL, ASHRAE, NFPA);
     MSDS information, including first aid and physical and
chemical characteristics of flammable refrigerants; and
     requirements and procedures for safe storage and handling
of flammable refrigerants.
EPA requests comment on whether we should establish a use condition
requiring training in handling flammable refrigerant substitutes for
technicians servicing or disposing of equipment containing such
substitutes, and if so, what should be the mandatory elements of such
training.

VIII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    Under Executive Order (EO) 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993),
this action is a ``significant regulatory action.'' It raises novel
legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's
priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive Order.
Accordingly, EPA submitted this action to the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) for review under EO 12866 and 13563 (76 FR 3821, January
21, 2011) and any changes made in response to OMB recommendations have
been documented in the docket for this action.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose any new information collection burden.
This proposed rule is an Agency determination. It contains no new
requirements for reporting or recordkeeping. The Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) has previously approved the information collection
requirements contained in the existing regulations in Subpart G of 40
CFR Part 82 under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned OMB control number 2060-0226. This
Information Collection Request (ICR) included five types of respondent
reporting and recordkeeping activities pursuant to SNAP regulations:
Submission of a SNAP petition, filing a SNAP/TSCA Addendum,
notification for test marketing activity, recordkeeping for substitutes
acceptable subject to use restrictions, and recordkeeping for small
volume uses. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed
in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.C.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) generally requires an agency
to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to
notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative
Procedure Act or any other statute unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses,
small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. For purposes
of assessing the impacts of this rule on small entities, small entity
is defined as: (1) A small business as defined by the Small Business
Administration's (SBA) regulations at 13 CFR 121.201; (2) a small
governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town,
school district or special district with a population of less than
50,000; and (3) a small organization that is any not-for-profit
enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not
dominant in its field.
    After considering the economic impacts of this proposed rule on
small entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In
determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any
significant adverse economic impact on small entities, since the
primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify
and address regulatory alternatives ``which minimize any significant
economic impact of the rule on small entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.

Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule
relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect
on all of the small entities subject to the rule. The use conditions of
this proposed rule, if finalized, would apply to manufacturers of
household and commercial refrigerators and freezers, vending machines,
non-mechanical heat transfer equipment, very low temperature
refrigeration equipment for laboratories and room air conditioners that
choose to use these refrigerants. Today's action, if finalized, would
allow equipment manufacturers the additional options of using ethane,
HFC-32, isobutane, propane, and R-441A in the specified end-uses but
does not mandate such use. Because refrigeration and AC equipment for
these refrigerants are not manufactured yet in the U.S. for the
proposed end-uses (with the exception of limited test-marketing), no
change in business practice would be required to meet the use
conditions, resulting in no adverse impact compared to the absence of
this rule. Proposed provisions that would allow venting of hydrocarbon
refrigerants in the uses addressed by this rule would reduce regulatory
burden. Thus, the rule would not impose any new costs on small entities
if finalized as proposed. EPA continues to be interested in the
potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities and welcomes
comments on issues related to such impacts.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This action contains no Federal mandates under the provisions of
Title II of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C.
1531-1538 for State, local, or tribal governments or the private
sector. This action imposes no enforceable duty on any State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector. The enforceable requirements
of this proposed rule related to integrating risk mitigation devices,
markings, and procedures for maintaining safety of refrigeration and AC
equipment using flammable refrigerants affect only a small number of
manufacturers of refrigeration and AC equipment and their technicians.
Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202
and 205 of the UMRA. This action is also not subject to the
requirements of section 203 of UMRA because it contains no regulatory
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. This regulation applies equipment manufacturers and not to
governmental entities. Today's action, if finalized, would allow
equipment manufacturers the additional options of using ethane, HFC-32,
isobutane, propane, and R-441A in the specified end-uses. Because
refrigeration and AC equipment for these refrigerants are not
manufactured yet in the U.S. for the proposed end-uses, no change in
business practice would be required to meet the use conditions. This
proposed rule does not mandate a switch to these substitutes;
consequently, there is no direct economic impact on entities from this
rulemaking.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have
substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as
specified in Executive Order 13132. This regulation applies directly to
facilities that use these substances and not to governmental entities.
Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this action. In the
spirit of Executive Order 13132, and consistent with EPA policy to
promote communications between EPA and State and local governments, EPA
specifically solicits comments on this proposed action from State and
local officials.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). It will not have
substantial direct effects on tribal governments, on the relationship
between the Federal government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal
government and Indian tribes, as specified in Executive Order 13175.
EPA specifically solicits additional comment on this proposed action
from tribal officials.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental
Health and Safety Risks

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885,
April 23, 1997) because it is not economically significant as defined
in E.O. 12866, and because the Agency does not believe the
environmental health or safety risks addressed by this action present a
disproportionate risk to children. This proposed rule provides both
regulatory restrictions and recommended guidelines based upon risk
screens conducted in order to reduce risk of fire and explosion. This
proposed rule, if finalized, would provide refrigerant substitutes that
have no ODP and lower GWP than other substitutes currently listed as
acceptable. The reduction in ODS and GHG emissions would assist in
restoring the stratospheric ozone layer and provide climate benefits.
The public is invited to submit comments or identify peer-reviewed
studies and data that assess effects of early life exposure to the
refrigerant substitutes addressed in this action.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not a ``significant energy action'' as defined in
Executive Order 13211, (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001)) because it is not
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy. Preliminary information indicates that
these new systems may be more energy efficient than currently available
systems in some climates.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law 104-113, (15 U.S.C. 272 note)
directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory
activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by
voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide
Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This proposed
rule involves technical standards. EPA proposes to use current editions
of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards 250, 471, 541 and 484,
which include requirements for safety and reliability for flammable
refrigerants. This proposed rule regulates the safety and deployment of
new substitutes for household and commercial refrigerators and
freezers, vending machines, non-mechanical heat transfer equipment,
very low temperature refrigeration equipment, and room air
conditioners.
    EPA welcomes comment on this aspect of the proposed rulemaking and,
specifically invites the public to identify potentially applicable
voluntary consensus standards and to explain why

such standards should be used in this regulation.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12898 (59 FR 7629 (Feb. 16, 1994))
establishes Federal executive policy on environmental justice. Its main
provision directs Federal agencies, to the greatest extent practicable
and permitted by law, to make environmental justice part of their
mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate,
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority
populations and low-income populations in the United States.
    EPA has determined that this proposed rule will not have
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental
effects on minority or low-income populations because it increases the
level of human health and environmental protection for all affected
populations without having any disproportionately high and adverse
human health or environmental effects on any population, including any
minority or low-income population. This proposed rule, if finalized,
would provide refrigerant substitutes that have no ODP and lower GWP
than other substitutes currently listed as acceptable. The reduction in
ODS and GHG emissions would assist in restoring the stratospheric ozone
layer and provide climate benefits.

IX. References

    This preamble references the following documents, which are also in
the Air Docket at the address listed in Section I.B.1. Unless specified
otherwise, all documents are available electronically through the
Federal Docket Management System, Docket  EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-
0748.

Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), 2012.
AHRI Guideline N-2012: Assignment of Refrigerant Container Colors.
2012.
ASHRAE, 2010. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE). Standard 34-2010 (supersedes ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-
2007): Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants. 2010.
A.S. Trust & Holdings, 2012. Significant New Alternatives Policy
Program Submission to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency for R-441A in retail food refrigeration.
A/S Vestfrost, 2012. Significant New Alternatives Policy Program
Submission to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for
isobutane in retail food refrigeration.
Climate Action Plan, 2013. The President's Climate Action Plan.
Executive Office of the President. June, 2013. Available online at
www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf.
Chinese Household Electrical Appliance Association (CHEAA), 2013.
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program Submission to the United
States Environmental Protection Agency for Propane (R-290) in
residential and light commercial air conditioning and dehumidifiers.
Daikin, 2011. Significant New Alternatives Policy Program Submission
to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for HFC-32 in
residential and light commercial air conditioning.
EPA, 2014. Derivation of Charge Limits for Room Air Conditioners.
Staff memo to Air Docket. 2014.
ICF, 2014a. Assessment of the Potential Impact of Hydrocarbon
Refrigerants on Ground-Level Ozone Concentrations.
ICF, 2014b. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12, HCFC-22 and R-502
in Retail Food Refrigeration; Substitute: Isobutane (R-600a)
ICF, 2014c. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12, HCFC-22 and R-502
in Retail Food Refrigeration; Substitute: R-441A.
ICF, 2014d. Risk Screen on Substitute for CFC-12, CFC-13, R-13B1,
and R-503 in Very Low Temperature Refrigeration and Non-Mechanical
Heat Transfer; Substitute: Ethane (R-170).
ICF, 2014e. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12 and R-502 in
Vending Machines; Substitute: R-441A.
ICF, 2014f. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12 and R-502 in
Vending Machines; Substitute: Isobutane (R-600a).
ICF, 2014g. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12 and R-502 in
Vending Machines; Substitute: Propane (R-290).
ICF, 2014h. Risk Screen on Substitutes for CFC-12 and HCFC-22 in
Household Refrigerators and Household Freezers.; Substitute: Propane
(R-290).
ICF, 2014i. Risk Screen on Substitutes for HCFC-22 in Residential
and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps; Substitute:
Propane (R-290).
ICF, 2014j. Risk Screen on Substitutes for HCFC-22 in Residential
and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps; Substitute:
HFC-32 (Difluoromethane).
ICF, 2014k. Risk Screen on Substitutes for HCFC-22 in Residential
and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps; Substitute: R-
441A.
IPCC, 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis.
Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin,
M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor and H.L.
Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United
Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. This document is accessible at
www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/contents.html.
Montzka, S.A., 2012. HFCs in the Atmosphere: Concentrations,
Emissions and Impacts, ASHRAE/NIST Conference 2012.
NOAA, 2013. NOAA emissions data on HFCs. Available online at ftp://ftp.cmdl.noaa.gov/hats/hfcs/.
ORNL, 1997. J. Sand, S. Fischer, and V. Baxter, ``Energy and Global
Warming Impacts of HFC Refrigerants and Emerging Technologies,''
1997, Oak Ridge National Lab.
Sheldon, 1989. Sheldon, L.S., et al. 1989. ``An Investigation of
Infiltration and Indoor Air Quality.'' New York State Energy
Research & Development Authority, Report 90-11. As cited in ICF,
2014h, Risk screen for propane in household refrigerators and
freezers.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 250. UL 250: Household Refrigerators
and Freezers. 10th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for
Refrigerators and Freezers Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the
Refrigerating System. August 2000.
UL 471. Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers. 10th edition.
Supplement SB: Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers Employing
a Flammable Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. November 2010.
UL 484. Room Air Conditioners. 8th edition. Supplement SA:
Requirements for Refrigerated Venders Employing a Flammable
Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. August 2012.
UL 541. Refrigerated Vending Machines. 7th edition. Supplement SA:
Requirements for Room Air Conditioners Employing a Flammable
Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. December 2011.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Recycling, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Stratospheric ozone layer.

    Dated: June 26, 2014.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, 40 CFR part 82 is proposed
to be amended as follows:

PART 82--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 82 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7414, 7601, 7671-7671q.

0
2. In Sec.  82.154, add paragraph (a)(1)(iii) to read as follows:

Sec.  82.154  Prohibitions.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *

    (iii) Effective [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL
RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER], isobutane (R-600a) and R-441A as
substitutes in retail food refrigerators and freezers (stand-alone
units only); propane (R-290) as a substitute in household
refrigerators, freezers, and combination refrigerators and freezers;
ethane (R-170) as a substitute in very low temperature refrigeration
equipment and equipment for non-mechanical heat transfer; R-441A,
propane, and isobutane as substitutes in vending machines; and propane
and R-441A in self-contained room air conditioners for residential and
light commercial air conditioning and heat pumps.
* * * * *

Appendix R to Subpart G of Part 82--[Amended]

0
3. Revise Appendix R to subpart G of part 82 to read as follows:

Appendix R to Subpart G of Part 82--Substitutes Subject to Use
Restrictions Listed in the December 20, 2011, Final Rule, Effective
February 21, 2012, and in the [DATE OF PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE
FEDERAL REGISTER] Final Rule, Effective [DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF
PUBLICATION OF FINAL RULE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]

                                                Substitutes That Are Acceptable Subject to Use Conditions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              End-use                    Substitute             Decision                   Use conditions                    Further information
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Household refrigerators, freezers,  Isobutane (R-600a)..  Acceptable subject    These refrigerants may be used only  Applicable OSHA requirements at 29
 and combination refrigerators and  Propane.............   to use conditions.    in new equipment designed            CFR part 1910 must be followed,
 freezers (New equipment only).     (R-290).............                         specifically and clearly             including those at 29 CFR 1910.106
                                    R-441A..............                         identified for the refrigerant       (flammable and combustible
                                                                                (i.e., none of these substitutes     liquids), 1910.110 (storage and
                                                                                may be used as a conversion or       handling of liquefied petroleum
                                                                                ``retrofit'' refrigerant for         gases), 1910.157 (portable fire
                                                                                existing equipment designed for a    extinguishers), and 1910.1000
                                                                                different refrigerant).              (toxic and hazardous substances).
                                                                                These refrigerants may be used only  Proper ventilation should be
                                                                                in a refrigerator or freezer, or     maintained at all times during the
                                                                                combination refrigerator and         manufacture and storage of
                                                                                freezer, that meets all              equipment containing hydrocarbon
                                                                                requirements listed in Supplement    refrigerants through adherence to
                                                                                SA to the 10th edition of the        good manufacturing practices as
                                                                                Underwriters Laboratories (UL)       per 29 CFR 1910.106. If
                                                                                Standard for Household               refrigerant levels in the air
                                                                                Refrigerators and Freezers, UL       surrounding the equipment rise
                                                                                250, dated August 25, 2000. In       above one-fourth of the lower
                                                                                cases where the final rule           flammability limit, the space
                                                                                includes requirements more           should be evacuated and re-entry
                                                                                stringent than those of the 10th     should occur only after the space
                                                                                edition of UL 250, the appliance     has been properly ventilated.
                                                                                must meet the requirements of the   Technicians and equipment
                                                                                final rule in place of the           manufacturers should wear
                                                                                requirements in the UL Standard.     appropriate personal protective
                                                                                The quantity of the substitute        equipment, including chemical
                                                                                refrigerant (i.e., ``charge          goggles and protective gloves,
                                                                                size'') must not exceed 57 grams     when handling these refrigerants.
                                                                                (2.01 ounces) in any refrigerator,   Special care should be taken to
                                                                                freezer, or combination              avoid contact with the skin since
                                                                                refrigerator and freezer for each    these refrigerants, like many
                                                                                circuit.                             refrigerants, can cause freeze
                                                                                burns on the skin.
                                                                                A class B dry powder type fire
                                                                                extinguisher should be kept
                                                                                nearby.
                                                                                Technicians should only use spark-
                                                                                proof tools when working on
                                                                                refrigerators and freezers with
                                                                                these refrigerants.
                                                                                Any recovery equipment used should
                                                                                be designed for flammable
                                                                                refrigerants.
                                                                                Any refrigerant releases should be
                                                                                in a well-ventilated area, such as
                                                                                outside of a building.
                                                                                Only technicians specifically
                                                                                trained in handling flammable
                                                                                refrigerants should service
                                                                                refrigerators and freezers
                                                                                containing these refrigerants.
                                                                                Technicians should gain an
                                                                                understanding of minimizing the
                                                                                risk of fire and the steps to use
                                                                                flammable refrigerants safely.

Household refrigerators, freezers,  Isobutane (R-600a)..  Acceptable subject    As provided in clauses SA6.1.1 and   Room occupants should evacuate the
 and combination refrigerators and  Propane.............   to use conditions.    SA6.1.2 of UL Standard 250, 10th     space immediately following the
 freezers (New equipment only).     (R-290).............                         edition, the following markings      accidental release of this
                                    R-441A..............                         must be attached at the locations    refrigerant.
                                                                                provided and must be permanent:     If a service port is added then
                                                                                (a) On or near any evaporators that   household refrigerators, freezers,
                                                                                can be contacted by the consumer:    and combination refrigerator and
                                                                                ``DANGER--Risk of Fire or            freezers using these refrigerants
                                                                                Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant     should have service aperture
                                                                                Used. Do Not Use Mechanical          fittings that differ from fittings
                                                                                Devices To Defrost Refrigerator.     used in equipment or containers
                                                                                Do Not Puncture Refrigerant          using non-flammable refrigerant.
                                                                                Tubing.''.                           ``Differ'' means that either the
                                                                                (b) Near the machine compartment:     diameter differs by at least \1/
                                                                                ``DANGER--Risk of Fire or            16\ inch or the thread direction
                                                                                Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant     is reversed (i.e., right-handed
                                                                                Used. To Be Repaired Only By         vs. left-handed). These different
                                                                                Trained Service Personnel. Do Not    fittings should be permanently
                                                                                Puncture Refrigerant Tubing.''.      affixed to the unit at the point
                                                                                (c) Near the machine compartment:     of service and maintained until
                                                                                ``CAUTION--Risk of Fire or           the end-of-life of the unit, and
                                                                                Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant     should not be accessed with an
                                                                                Used. Consult Repair Manual/         adaptor.
                                                                                Owner's Guide Before Attempting To
                                                                                Service This Product. All Safety
                                                                                Precautions Must Be Followed.''.
                                                                                (d) On the exterior of the
                                                                                refrigerator: ``CAUTION--Risk
                                                                                of Fire or Explosion. Dispose
                                                                                of Properly In Accordance With
                                                                                Federal Or Local Regulations.
                                                                                Flammable Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                (e) Near any and all exposed
                                                                                refrigerant tubing: ``CAUTION--
                                                                                Risk of Fire or Explosion Due
                                                                                To Puncture Of Refrigerant
                                                                                Tubing; Follow Handling
                                                                                Instructions Carefully.
                                                                                Flammable Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                All of these markings must be in
                                                                                letters no less than 6.4 mm (\1/4\
                                                                                inch) high.
                                                                                The refrigerator, freezer, or
                                                                                combination refrigerator and
                                                                                freezer must have red,
                                                                                Pantone[supreg] Matching System
                                                                                (PMS) 185 marked pipes,
                                                                                hoses, or other devices through
                                                                                which the refrigerant is serviced
                                                                                (typically known as the service
                                                                                port) to indicate the use of a
                                                                                flammable refrigerant. This color
                                                                                must be present at all service
                                                                                ports and where service puncturing
                                                                                or otherwise creating an opening
                                                                                from the refrigerant circuit to
                                                                                the atmosphere might be expected
                                                                                (e.g., process tubes). The color
                                                                                mark must extend at least 2.5
                                                                                centimeters (1 inch) from the
                                                                                compressor and must be replaced if
                                                                                removed.
Retail food refrigerators and       Isobutane (R-600a)..  Acceptable subject    As provided in clauses SB6.1.2 to    Room occupants should evacuate the
 freezers (stand-alone units only)  Propane.............   to use conditions.    SB6.1.5 of UL Standard 471, 10th     space immediately following the
 (New equipment only).              (R-290).............                         edition, the following markings      accidental release of this
                                    R-441A..............                         must be attached at the locations    refrigerant.
                                                                                provided and must be permanent:     If a service port is added then
                                                                                (a) Attach on or near any             retail food refrigerators and
                                                                                evaporators that can be contacted    freezers using these refrigerants
                                                                                by the consumer: ``DANGER--Risk of   should have service aperture
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         fittings that differ from fittings
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use         used in equipment or containers
                                                                                Mechanical Devices To Defrost        using non-flammable refrigerant.
                                                                                Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture        ``Differ'' means that either the
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing.''.               diameter differs by at least \1/
                                                                                (b) Attach near the machine           16\ inch or the thread direction
                                                                                compartment: ``DANGER--Risk of       is reversed (i.e., right-handed
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         vs. left-handed). These different
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired     fittings should be permanently
                                                                                Only By Trained Service Personnel.   affixed to the unit at the point
                                                                                Do Not Puncture Refrigerant          of service and maintained until
                                                                                Tubing.''.                           the end-of-life of the unit, and
                                                                                should not be accessed with an
                                                                                adaptor.

                                                                                (c) Attach near the machine
                                                                                compartment: ``CAUTION--Risk of
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Consult
                                                                                Repair Manual/Owner's Guide
                                                                                Before Attempting To Service
                                                                                This Product. All Safety
                                                                                Precautions Must be Followed.''.
                                                                                (d) Attach on the exterior of
                                                                                the refrigerator: ``CAUTION--
                                                                                Risk of Fire or Explosion.
                                                                                Dispose of Properly In
                                                                                Accordance With Federal Or
                                                                                Local Regulations. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                (e) Attach near any and all
                                                                                exposed refrigerant tubing:
                                                                                ``CAUTION--Risk of Fire or
                                                                                Explosion Due To Puncture Of
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing; Follow
                                                                                Handling Instructions
                                                                                Carefully. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                All of these markings must be in
                                                                                letters no less than 6.4 mm (\1/4\
                                                                                inch) high.
                                                                                The refrigerator or freezer must
                                                                                have red, Pantone[supreg] Matching
                                                                                System (PMS) 185 marked
                                                                                pipes, hoses, and other devices
                                                                                through which the refrigerant is
                                                                                serviced, typically known as the
                                                                                service port, to indicate the use
                                                                                of a flammable refrigerant. This
                                                                                color must be present at all
                                                                                service ports and where service
                                                                                puncturing or otherwise creating
                                                                                an opening from the refrigerant
                                                                                circuit to the atmosphere might be
                                                                                expected (e.g., process tubes).
                                                                                The color mark must extend at
                                                                                least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)
                                                                                from the compressor and must be
                                                                                replaced if removed.
Very low temperature refrigeration  Ethane (R-170)......  Acceptable subject    This refrigerant may be used only    Applicable OSHA requirements at 29
 Non-mechanical heat transfer (New                         to use conditions.    in new equipment specifically        CFR part 1910 must be followed,
 equipment only).                                                                designed and clearly identified      including those at 29 CFR 1910.94
                                                                                for the refrigerant (i.e., the       (ventilation) and 1910.106
                                                                                substitute may not be used as a      (flammable and combustible
                                                                                conversion or ``retrofit''           liquids), 1910.110 (storage and
                                                                                refrigerant for existing equipment   handling of liquefied petroleum
                                                                                designed for other refrigerants).    gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and
                                                                                These substitutes may only be used    hazardous substances).
                                                                                in equipment that meets all         Proper ventilation should be
                                                                                requirements in Supplement SB to     maintained at all times during the
                                                                                the 10th edition of the              manufacture and storage of
                                                                                Underwriters Laboratories (UL)       equipment containing hydrocarbon
                                                                                Standard for Commercial              refrigerants through adherence to
                                                                                Refrigerators and Freezers, UL       good manufacturing practices as
                                                                                471, dated November 24, 2010. In     per 29 CFR 1910.106. If
                                                                                cases where the final rule           refrigerant levels in the air
                                                                                includes requirements more           surrounding the equipment rise
                                                                                stringent than those of the 10th     above one-fourth of the lower
                                                                                edition of UL 471, the appliance     flammability limit, the space
                                                                                must meet the requirements of the    should be evacuated and re-entry
                                                                                final rule in place of the           should occur only after the space
                                                                                requirements in the UL Standard..    has been properly ventilated.
                                                                                The charge size for the retail food  Technicians and equipment
                                                                                refrigerator or freezer must not     manufacturers should wear
                                                                                exceed 150 grams (5.29 ounces) in    appropriate personal protective
                                                                                each circuit.                        equipment, including chemical
                                                                                goggles and protective gloves,
                                                                                when handling ethane. Special care
                                                                                should be taken to avoid contact
                                                                                with the skin since ethane, like
                                                                                many refrigerants, can cause
                                                                                freeze burns on the skin.
                                                                                A class B dry powder type fire
                                                                                extinguisher should be kept
                                                                                nearby.
                                                                                Technicians should only use spark-
                                                                                proof tools when working on
                                                                                refrigerators and freezers with
                                                                                flammable refrigerants.
                                                                                Any recovery equipment used should
                                                                                be designed for flammable
                                                                                refrigerants.
                                                                                Any refrigerant releases should be
                                                                                in a well-ventilated area, such as
                                                                                outside of a building.

                                                                                Only technicians specifically
                                                                                trained in handling flammable
                                                                                refrigerants should service
                                                                                refrigerators and freezers
                                                                                containing these refrigerants.
                                                                                Technicians should gain an
                                                                                understanding of minimizing the
                                                                                risk of fire and the steps to use
                                                                                flammable refrigerants safely.
Very low temperature refrigeration  Ethane (R-170)......  Acceptable subject     As provided in clauses SB6.1.2 to   Room occupants should evacuate the
 Non-mechanical heat transfer (New                         to use conditions.     SB6.1.5 of UL Standard 471, 10th    space immediately following the
 equipment only).                                                                  edition, the following markings    accidental release of this
                                                                                must be attached at the locations   refrigerant.
                                                                                provided and must be permanent:   If a service port is added then
                                                                                (a) Attach on or near any             refrigeration equipment using this
                                                                                evaporators that can be contacted    refrigerant should have service
                                                                                by the consumer: ``DANGER--Risk of   aperture fittings that differ from
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         fittings used in equipment or
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use         containers using non-flammable
                                                                                Mechanical Devices To Defrost        refrigerant. ``Differ'' means that
                                                                                Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture        either the diameter differs by at
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing.''.               least \1/16\ inch or the thread
                                                                                (b) Attach near the machine           direction is reversed (i.e., right-
                                                                                compartment: ``DANGER--Risk of       handed vs. left-handed). These
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         different fittings should be
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired     permanently affixed to the unit at
                                                                                Only By Trained Service Personnel.   the point of service and
                                                                                Do Not Puncture Refrigerant          maintained until the end-of-life
                                                                                Tubing.''.                           of the unit, and should not be
                                                                                (c) Attach near the machine           accessed with an adaptor.
                                                                                compartment: ``CAUTION--Risk of     Example of non-mechanical heat
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         transfer using this refrigerant
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair     would be use in a secondary loop
                                                                                Manual/Owner's Guide Before          of a thermosiphon.
                                                                                Attempting To Service This
                                                                                Product. All Safety Precautions
                                                                                Must be Followed.''.
                                                                                (d) Attach on the exterior of
                                                                                the refrigerator: ``CAUTION--
                                                                                Risk of Fire or Explosion.
                                                                                Dispose of Properly In
                                                                                Accordance With Federal or
                                                                                Local Regulations. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                (e) Attach near any and all
                                                                                exposed refrigerant tubing:
                                                                                ``CAUTION--Risk of Fire or
                                                                                Explosion Due To Puncture Of
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing; Follow
                                                                                Handling Instructions
                                                                                Carefully. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                All of these markings must be in
                                                                                letters no less than 6.4 mm (\1/4\
                                                                                inch) high.
                                                                                The refrigeration equipment must
                                                                                have red, Pantone[supreg] Matching
                                                                                System (PMS) 185 marked
                                                                                pipes, hoses, and other devices
                                                                                through which the refrigerant is
                                                                                serviced, typically known as the
                                                                                service port, to indicate the use
                                                                                of a flammable refrigerant. This
                                                                                color must be present at all
                                                                                service ports and where service
                                                                                puncturing or otherwise creating
                                                                                an opening from the refrigerant
                                                                                circuit to the atmosphere might be
                                                                                expected (e.g., process tubes).
                                                                                The color mark must extend at
                                                                                least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)
                                                                                from the compressor and must be
                                                                                replaced if removed.
Vending Machines (New equipment     Isobutane (R-600a)..  Acceptable subject    These refrigerants may be used only  Applicable OSHA requirements at 29
 only).                             Propane.............   to use conditions.    in new equipment specifically        CFR part 1910 must be followed,
                                    (R-290).............                         designed and clearly identified      including those at 29 CFR 1910.94
                                    R-441A..............                         for the refrigerants (i.e., none     (ventilation) and 1910.106
                                                                                of these substitutes may be used     (flammable and combustible
                                                                                as a conversion or ``retrofit''      liquids), 1910.110 (storage and
                                                                                refrigerant for existing equipment   handling of liquefied petroleum
                                                                                designed for other refrigerants).    gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and
                                                                                hazardous substances).

                                                                                Where it is possible to easily       Proper ventilation should be
                                                                                detach and replace the old           maintained at all times during the
                                                                                refrigeration circuit from the       manufacture and storage of
                                                                                outer casing of the equipment.       equipment containing hydrocarbon
                                                                                with a new one containing a new      refrigerants through adherence to
                                                                                evaporator, condenser and            good manufacturing practices as
                                                                                refrigerant tubing within the old    per 29 CFR 1910.106. If
                                                                                casing, this is considered ``new''   refrigerant levels in the air
                                                                                equipment and not a retrofit of      surrounding the equipment rise
                                                                                the old, existing equipment.         above one-fourth of the lower
                                                                                These substitutes may only be used    flammability limit, the space
                                                                                in equipment that meets all          should be evacuated and re-entry
                                                                                requirements in Supplement SA to     should occur only after the space
                                                                                the 7th edition of the               has been properly ventilated.
                                                                                Underwriters Laboratories (UL)      Technicians and equipment
                                                                                Standard for Refrigerated Vending    manufacturers should wear
                                                                                Machines, UL 541, dated December,    appropriate personal protective
                                                                                2011. In cases where the final       equipment, including chemical
                                                                                rule includes requirements more      goggles and protective gloves,
                                                                                stringent than those of the 7th      when handling propane. Special
                                                                                edition of UL 541, the appliance     care should be taken to avoid
                                                                                must meet the requirements of the    contact with the skin since
                                                                                final rule in place of the           ethane, like many refrigerants,
                                                                                requirements in the UL Standard.     can cause freeze burns on the
                                                                                The charge size for the               skin.
                                                                                refrigeration equipment must not    ...................................
                                                                                exceed 150 grams (5.29 ounces) in   Technicians should only use spark-
                                                                                each circuit.                        proof tools when working on
                                                                                refrigeration equipment with
                                                                                flammable refrigerants.
                                                                                Any recovery equipment used should
                                                                                be designed for flammable
                                                                                refrigerants.
                                                                                ...................................
                                                                                Any refrigerant releases should be
                                                                                in a well-ventilated area, such as
                                                                                outside of a building.
                                                                                Only technicians specifically
                                                                                trained in handling flammable
                                                                                refrigerants should service
                                                                                refrigeration equipment containing
                                                                                this refrigerant. Technicians
                                                                                should gain an understanding of
                                                                                minimizing the risk of fire and
                                                                                the steps to use flammable
                                                                                refrigerants safely.
Vending Machines (New equipment     Isobutane (R-600a)..  Acceptable subject     As provided in clauses SA6.1.2 to   Room occupants should evacuate the
 only).                             Propane.............   to use conditions.      SA6.1.5 of UL Standard 541, 7th    space immediately following the
                                    (R-290).............                           edition, the following markings    accidental release of this
                                    R-441A..............                          must be attached at the locations   refrigerant.
                                                                                provided and must be permanent:   If a service port is added then
                                                                                (a) Attach on or near any             refrigeration equipment using this
                                                                                evaporators that can be contacted    refrigerant should have service
                                                                                by the consumer: ``DANGER--Risk of   aperture fittings that differ from
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         fittings used in equipment or
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Do Not Use         containers using non-flammable
                                                                                Mechanical Devices To Defrost        refrigerant. ``Differ'' means that
                                                                                Refrigerator. Do Not Puncture        either the diameter differs by at
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing.''.               least \1/16\ inch or the thread
                                                                                (b) Attach near the machine           direction is reversed (i.e., right-
                                                                                compartment: ``DANGER--Risk of       handed vs. left-handed). These
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         different fittings should be
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired     permanently affixed to the unit at
                                                                                Only By Trained Service Personnel.   the point of service and
                                                                                Do Not Puncture Refrigerant          maintained until the end-of-life
                                                                                Tubing.''.                           of the unit, and should not be
                                                                                (c) Attach near the machine           accessed with an adaptor.
                                                                                compartment: ``CAUTION--Risk of
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. Consult Repair
                                                                                Manual/Owner's Guide Before
                                                                                Attempting To Service This
                                                                                Product. All Safety Precautions
                                                                                Must be Followed.''.

                                                                                (d) Attach on the exterior of
                                                                                the refrigerator: ``CAUTION--
                                                                                Risk of Fire or Explosion.
                                                                                Dispose of Properly In
                                                                                Accordance With Federal or
                                                                                Local Regulations. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                (e) Attach near any and all
                                                                                exposed refrigerant tubing:
                                                                                ``CAUTION--Risk of Fire or
                                                                                Explosion Due To Puncture Of
                                                                                Refrigerant Tubing; Follow
                                                                                Handling Instructions
                                                                                Carefully. Flammable
                                                                                Refrigerant Used.''.
                                                                                All of these markings must be in
                                                                                letters no less than 6.4 mm (\1/4\
                                                                                inch) high.
                                                                                The refrigeration equipment must
                                                                                have red, Pantone[supreg] Matching
                                                                                System (PMS) 185 marked
                                                                                pipes, hoses, and other devices
                                                                                through which the refrigerant is
                                                                                serviced, typically known as the
                                                                                service port, to indicate the use
                                                                                of a flammable refrigerant. This
                                                                                color must be present at all
                                                                                service ports and where service
                                                                                puncturing or otherwise creating
                                                                                an opening from the refrigerant
                                                                                circuit to the atmosphere might be
                                                                                expected (e.g., process tubes).
                                                                                The color mark must extend at
                                                                                least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)
                                                                                from the compressor and must be
                                                                                replaced if removed.
Residential and light-commercial    HFC-32..............  Acceptable subject    These refrigerants may be used only  Applicable OSHA requirements at 29
 air conditioning and heat pumps--  Propane.............   to use conditions.    in new equipment specifically        CFR part 1910 must be followed,
 self-contained room air            (R-290).............                         designed and clearly identified      including those at 29 CFR 1910.94
 conditioners only (New equipment   R-441A..............                         for the refrigerants (i.e., none     (ventilation) and 1910.106
 only).                                                                          of these substitutes may be used     (flammable and combustible
                                                                                as a conversion or ``retrofit''      liquids), 1910.110 (storage and
                                                                                refrigerant for existing equipment   handling of liquefied petroleum
                                                                                designed for other refrigerants).    gases), and 1910.1000 (toxic and
                                                                                These substitutes may only be used    hazardous substances).
                                                                                in equipment that meets all         Proper ventilation should be
                                                                                requirements in Supplement SA and    maintained at all times during the
                                                                                Appendixes B through F of the 8th    manufacture and storage of
                                                                                edition of the Underwriters          equipment containing hydrocarbon
                                                                                Laboratories (UL) Standard for       refrigerants through adherence to
                                                                                Room Air Conditioners, UL 484,       good manufacturing practices as
                                                                                dated August 3, 2012. In cases       per 29 CFR 1910.106. If
                                                                                where the final rule includes        refrigerant levels in the air
                                                                                requirements more stringent than     surrounding the equipment rise
                                                                                those of the 8th edition of UL       above one-fourth of the lower
                                                                                484, the appliance must meet the     flammability limit, the space
                                                                                requirements of the final rule in    should be evacuated and re-entry
                                                                                place of the requirements in the     should occur only after the space
                                                                                UL Standard.                         has been properly ventilated.
                                                                                The charge size for the entire air   Technicians and equipment
                                                                                conditioner must not exceed the      manufacturers should wear
                                                                                maximum refrigerant mass             appropriate personal protective
                                                                                determined according to Appendix F   equipment, including chemical
                                                                                of UL 484, 8th edition for the       goggles and protective gloves,
                                                                                room size where the air              when handling propane. Special
                                                                                conditioner is used. The charge      care should be taken to avoid
                                                                                size for these three refrigerants    contact with the skin since
                                                                                must in no case exceed 7960 g        propane, like many refrigerants,
                                                                                (280.8 oz or 17.55 lb) of HFC-32;    can cause freeze burns on the
                                                                                1000 g (35.3 oz or 2.21 lbs) of      skin.
                                                                                propane; or 1000 g (35.3 oz or      A class B dry powder type fire
                                                                                2.21 lb) of R-441A. The              extinguisher should be kept
                                                                                manufacturer must design a charge    nearby.
                                                                                size for the entire air             Technicians should only use spark-
                                                                                conditioner that does not exceed     proof tools when working on air
                                                                                the amount specified for the         conditioning equipment with
                                                                                unit's cooling capacity, as          flammable refrigerants.
                                                                                specified in Table A, B, C, or D    Any recovery equipment used should
                                                                                of this appendix.                    be designed for flammable
                                                                                refrigerants.
                                                                                Any refrigerant releases should be
                                                                                in a well-ventilated area, such as
                                                                                outside of a building.
                                                                                Only technicians specifically
                                                                                trained in handling flammable
                                                                                refrigerants should service
                                                                                refrigeration equipment containing
                                                                                this refrigerant. Technicians
                                                                                should gain an understanding of
                                                                                minimizing the risk of fire and
                                                                                the steps to use flammable
                                                                                refrigerants safely.

Residential and light-commercial    HFC-32..............  Acceptable subject    As provided in clauses SA6.1.2 to    Room occupants should evacuate the
 air conditioning and heat pumps--  Propane.............   to use conditions.    SA6.1.5 of UL 484, 8th edition,      space immediately following the
 self-contained room air            (R-290).............                         the following markings must be       accidental release of this
 conditioners only (New equipment   R-441A..............                         attached at the locations provided   refrigerant.
 only).                                                                          and must be permanent:              If a service port is added then air
                                                                                (a) On the outside of the air         conditioning equipment using this
                                                                                conditioner: ``DANGER--Risk of       refrigerant should have service
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Flammable         aperture fittings that differ from
                                                                                Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired     fittings used in equipment or
                                                                                Only By Trained Service Personnel.   containers using non-flammable
                                                                                Do Not Puncture Refrigerant          refrigerant. ``Differ'' means that
                                                                                Tubing.''.                           either the diameter differs by at
                                                                                (b) On the outside of the air         least \1/16\ inch or the thread
                                                                                conditioner: ``CAUTION--Risk of      direction is reversed (i.e., right-
                                                                                Fire or Explosion. Dispose of        handed vs. left-handed). These
                                                                                Properly In Accordance With          different fittings should be
                                                                                Federal Or Local Regulations.        permanently affixed to the unit at
                                                                                Flammable Refrigerant Used.''.       the point of service and
                                                                                (c) On the inside of the air          maintained until the end-of-life
                                                                                conditioner near the compressor:     of the unit, and should not be
                                                                                ``CAUTION--Risk of Fire or           accessed with an adaptor.
                                                                                Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant    Air conditioning equipment in this
                                                                                Used. Consult Repair Manual/         category includes:
                                                                                Owner's Guide Before Attempting To  Window air conditioning units.
                                                                                Service This Product. All Safety    Portable room air conditioners.
                                                                                Precautions Must be Followed.''.    Packaged terminal air conditioners
                                                                                and heat pumps.
                                                                                (d) On the outside of each
                                                                                portable air conditioner:
                                                                                ``WARNING: Appliance shall be
                                                                                installed, operated and stored
                                                                                in a room with a floor area
                                                                                larger the ``X'' m\2\ (Y
                                                                                ft\2\).'' The value ``X'' on
                                                                                the label must be determined
                                                                                using the minimum room size in
                                                                                m\2\ calculated using Appendix
                                                                                F of UL 484, 8th edition. For R-
                                                                                441A, use a lower flammability
                                                                                limit of 0.041 kg/m\3\ in
                                                                                calculations in Appendix F of
                                                                                UL 484, 8th edition.
                                                                                (e) All of these markings must
                                                                                be in letters no less than 6.4
                                                                                mm (\1/4\ inch) high.
                                                                                The air conditioning equipment must
                                                                                have red, Pantone[supreg] Matching
                                                                                System (PMS) 185 marked
                                                                                pipes, hoses, and other devices
                                                                                through which the refrigerant is
                                                                                serviced, typically known as the
                                                                                service port, to indicate the use
                                                                                of a flammable refrigerant. This
                                                                                color must be present at all
                                                                                service ports and where service
                                                                                puncturing or otherwise creating
                                                                                an opening from the refrigerant
                                                                                circuit to the atmosphere might be
                                                                                expected (e.g., process tubes).
                                                                                The color mark must extend at
                                                                                least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)
                                                                                from the compressor and must be
                                                                                replaced if removed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The use conditions in this appendix contain references to certain standards from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). The standards are
  incorporated by reference, and the referenced sections are made part of the regulations in part 82:
1. UL 250: Household Refrigerators and Freezers. 10th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers Employing a Flammable
  Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. August 25, 2000.
2. UL 471. Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers. 10th edition. Supplement SB: Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers Employing a Flammable
  Refrigerant in the Refrigerating System. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. November 24, 2010.
3. UL 541. Refrigerated Vending Machines. 7th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for Room Air Conditioners Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the
  Refrigerating System. December 30, 2011
4. UL 484. Room Air Conditioners. 8th edition. Supplement SA: Requirements for Refrigerated Venders Employing a Flammable Refrigerant in the
  Refrigerating System and Appendixes B through F. August 3, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of UL
  Standards 250, 471, 484 and 541 may be purchased by mail at: COMM 2000; 151 Eastern Avenue; Bensenville, IL 60106; Email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>  Telephone: 1-888-853-3503 in the U.S. or Canada (other countries dial +1-415-352-2168); Internet address: http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/ or
  www.comm-2000.com.
You may inspect a copy at U.S. EPA's Air and Radiation Docket; EPA West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC or at the
  National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For questions regarding access to these standards, the telephone number of EPA's Air and
  Radiation Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

                                            Table A--Maximum Design Charge Sizes for Window Air Conditioners
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Maximum design charge size (kg)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Refrigerant                                                      Associated cooling capacity (BTU/hr)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        5,000    6,000    7,000    8,000    9,000    10,000   12,000   14,000   18,000   21,000   23,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R-32.................................................     1.73     2.12     2.74     3.00     3.24     3.47     3.68     4.07     4.59     5.48     6.01
R-290................................................     0.13     0.16     0.20     0.22     0.24     0.26     0.27     0.30     0.34     0.40     0.44
R-441A...............................................     0.14     0.17     0.22     0.24     0.26     0.28     0.30     0.33     0.37     0.44     0.49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For use with self-contained air conditioning units or heat pumps with an evaporator at least 0.6 and no more than 1.0 m above the floor. Cooling
  capacities between those in the table are to be linearly interpolated between the next smaller and larger capacities listed in the table.

     Table B--Maximum Design Charge Sizes for Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners, Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps, and Portable Air Conditioning Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Maximum design charge size (kg)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Refrigerant                                                      Associated cooling capacity (BTU/hr)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        5,000    6,000    7,000    8,000    9,000    10,000   12,000   14,000   18,000   21,000   23,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R-32.................................................     1.04     1.27     1.65     1.80     1.95     2.08     2.21     2.44     2.75     3.29     3.60
R-290................................................     0.08     0.09     0.12     0.13     0.14     0.15     0.16     0.18     0.20     0.24     0.27
R-441A...............................................     0.08     0.10     0.13     0.15     0.16     0.17     0.18     0.20     0.22     0.27     0.29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For use with self-contained air conditioning units or heat pumps with an evaporator no more than 0.6 m above the floor. Cooling capacities between
  those in the table are to be linearly interpolated between the next smaller and larger capacities listed in the table.

                                             Table C--Maximum Design Charge Sizes for Wall-Mounted AC Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Maximum design charge size (kg)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Refrigerant                                                      Associated cooling capacity (BTU/hr)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        5,000    6,000    7,000    8,000    9,000    10,000   12,000   14,000   18,000   21,000   23,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R-32.................................................     3.12     3.82     4.94     5.41     5.84     6.24     6.62     7.32     7.96     7.96     7.96
R-290................................................     0.23     0.28     0.36     0.40     0.43     0.46     0.49     0.54     0.61     0.73     0.80
R-441A...............................................     0.25     0.31     0.40     0.44     0.47     0.51     0.54     0.59     0.67     0.80     0.88
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For use with self-contained air conditioners or heat pumps with an evaporator at least 1.0 and no more than 1.8 m above the floor. Cooling
  capacities between those in the table are to be linearly interpolated between the next smaller and larger capacities listed in the table.

                                            Table D--Maximum Design Charge Sizes for Ceiling-Mounted AC Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Maximum design charge size (kg)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Refrigerant                                                      Associated cooling capacity (BTU/hr)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        5,000    6,000    7,000    8,000    9,000    10,000   12,000   14,000   18,000   21,000   23,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R-32.................................................     3.82     4.67     6.03     6.61     7.14     7.63     7.96     7.96     7.96     7.96     7.96
R-290................................................     0.28     0.34     0.44     0.49     0.53     0.56     0.60     0.66     0.74     0.89     0.97
R-441A...............................................     0.31     0.38     0.49     0.54     0.58     0.62     0.66     0.73     0.82     0.98     1.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: For use with self-contained air conditioners or heat pumps with an evaporator more than 1.8 m above the floor. Cooling capacities between those in
  the table are to be linearly interpolated between the next smaller and larger capacities listed in the table.

[FR Doc. 2014-15889 Filed 7-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P