As the HVACR industry continues to move forward and innovate, the refrigerants that were once so commonplace are now being phased out. Replacing them are more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier refrigerants, known as Low GWP refrigerants. Many of these new refrigerants are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, or slightly flammable. The industry is also seeing expanded use of some hydrocarbon (A3) refrigerants, such as propane and isobutane. Students and technicians will require additional training for the safe handling and transportation of these refrigerants. The Low GWP refrigerant program manual covers: Refrigerant safety Introduction to Low GWP refrigerants Refrigerant properties and characteristics The refrigeration cycle Working with refrigerant blends Proper installation and service guidelines Flammable refrigerant considerations Explanation of the associated codes and standards for A2L refrigerants

This handbook was designed for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them with their phase out efforts under the Montreal Protocol. It provides ways to eliminate or at least substantially reduce ODS use through illustration of case studies of specific SMEs who have succeeded using alternatives. It presents both technical and policy options that an SME can consider and eventually adopt for the long term, including resources and contacts that they can easily get in touch with. This publication is ideal for enterprises involved in refrigeration and air conditioning, foams, aerosols and solvents.