Flammable Refrigerant Course

Name: Flammable Refrigerant Course
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)

Safety Procedures for New Refrigerants

Created byJulio Herrera

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Master refrigeration fundamentals, PT chart interpretation, and flammable refrigerant properties for safe system operation.
Interpret safety documentation, apply DOT regulations, implement safety protocols, and calculate flammability limits for safe working conditions.
Select specialized tools and equipment, use proper connections, and calculate safe refrigerant quantities for flammable refrigerant applications.
Execute proper vacuum procedures, perform leak testing, apply correct charging techniques, and implement safe service protocols.
Compare traditional methods with new requirements, troubleshoot system issues, and demonstrate competency through practical application.

Course content

5 sections • 5 lectures • 2h 46m total length

Understanding Dewpoint, Bubble Point, and the Evolution to Flammable Refrigerant30:11
This video is the beginning of the course for the new and flammable refrigerant course. In this section, we begin with a basic review of refrigeration and proceed to superheating and subcooling. We discover why the PT charts are set up the way they are, meaning that they include the dewpoint and bubble point, which we must know how to use today with blends in the new refrigerant. We also discuss when the refrigerant changes started and why.

Safety: Vacuum Procedures, Leak Detection, and Charging Protocols30:25
This video is the beginning of the course for the new and flammable refrigerant course. In this section, we begin with a basic review of refrigeration and proceed to superheating and subcooling. We discover why the PT charts are set up the way they are, meaning that they include the dewpoint and bubble point, which we must know how to use today with blends in the new refrigerant. We also discuss when the refrigerant changes started and why.

Understanding Flammable Refrigerant Properties and Historical Hazards30:33
In this video, we begin with the Department of Transportation's requirements for the new refrigerant and review important information from a safety data sheet (SDS). We investigate what the hazardous triangle numbers and colors represent. We discussed the properties of the new refrigerant, meaning that some of them are hydrogen-based, some precautions to take when using this refrigerant, and how hydrogen has caused accidents in history. We look into accidents that have happened in the industry to ensure the attendees of this course will stay focused on their and coworkers' safety. We also look at the temperatures and pressures of refrigerants that are used or will be used out in the field.

Recovery Bottles, Leak Testing, and Proper Charging Methods30:19
In this part, we cover whether or not you need new tools for the new refrigerant, what to look for engages, and leak detectors. We move onto special connections for the refrigerant bottles and gauges, and we go over procedures to accurately figure out how much refrigerant should go into a recovery bottle to keep the bottle from rupturing due to hydrostatic pressure. We also discuss proper procedures for leak testing, triple evacuation, and installation procedures, including properly flushing the refrigerant lines. I will also explain the only proper ways of charging a system to clear up some misconceptions that attendees may have learned in the past. In this video, I also show the students how water can be made to boil at room temperature.

Lower Flammability Limits, Electrical Safety, and Final Assessment44:53
In this last video, we discussed why we pull a vacuum down to 500 µm and explained how refrigerants and liquids can be made to boil at different temperatures. We also discuss proper procedures and things to look for when doing install installations with the new refrigerant, including many split installations; we discuss the items that must be done when servicing a unit and compare that to how things were done in the past. We also discussed lower flammability limits, which are very important with a new refrigerant because of the concentration of the refrigerant in a space. We discussed mitigation. Also, we cover the new electrical components in a flammable refrigerant unit and how to stay safe while working on the units, including testing and discharging a capacitor. At the end of the video, we review with A several questions where the student is reminded to take their time and pause the video to answer the questions to make sure they know the correct answer.

Requirements

Basic HVAC Fundamentals - Understanding of refrigeration cycle, system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device), and basic thermodynamic principles. EPA Certification - Valid EPA Section 608 certification demonstrating knowledge of refrigerant handling, recovery, and environmental regulations. Electrical Safety - Basic understanding of electrical circuits, components, and safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices. Hand Tools and Gauges - Experience using manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, leak detectors, and standard HVAC service tools. Refrigerant Handling - Previous experience with traditional refrigerants (R-22, R-410A) including recovery, evacuation, and charging procedures. Safety Protocols - General workplace safety awareness and experience with personal protective equipment (PPE) in industrial/commercial environments.

Description

This comprehensive course provides HVAC technicians and service professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills for safely working with new flammable refrigerants. As the industry transitions to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, many of which are flammable , technicians must understand the unique safety requirements, handling procedures, and installation techniques required for these systems. The course covers fundamental refrigeration principles, safety protocols, proper equipment usage, and regulatory compliance requirements specific to flammable refrigerants. Through detailed explanations, real-world examples, and safety case studies, participants will gain the confidence and expertise needed to work safely and effectively with these new refrigerant technologies.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Technical Knowledge and Theory

Explain the fundamental principles of refrigeration, including superheating and subcooling concepts, as they apply to new refrigerant blends.
Interpret pressure-temperature (PT) charts correctly, including understanding dewpoint and bubble point relationships for refrigerant blends.
Identify the properties and characteristics of hydrogen-based and other flammable refrigerants currently used in the field.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Analyze Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and interpret hazardous material triangle symbols, numbers, and color codes for flammable refrigerants.
Apply Department of Transportation requirements and regulations for handling and transporting flammable refrigerants.
Implement proper safety precautions and mitigation strategies when working with flammable refrigerants in various environments.
Calculate and apply lower flammability limits to ensure safe working conditions.

Equipment and Tools

Evaluate and select appropriate tools, gauges, and leak detectors for use with flammable refrigerants.
Demonstrate proper use of specialized connections and fittings required for flammable refrigerant systems.
Calculate safe refrigerant quantities for recovery bottles to prevent hydrostatic pressure rupture.

Installation and Service Procedures

Execute proper vacuum procedures, achieving and maintaining 500 microns or better.
Perform triple evacuation procedures and verify system integrity through appropriate leak testing methods.
Apply correct refrigerant charging techniques and system flushing procedures for new installations.
Implement safe service and maintenance procedures for flammable refrigerant systems, including proper handling of electrical components and capacitor testing/discharge procedures.

Problem-Solving and Application

Compare traditional refrigerant handling methods with new requirements for flammable refrigerants.
Troubleshoot common issues that may arise during the installation and service of flammable refrigerant systems.
Demonstrate understanding through practical application exercises and assessment questions.

Who this course is for:

HVAC Technicians - Service and installation technicians who need certification to work with A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants in residential and commercial systems. Refrigeration Mechanics - Commercial and industrial refrigeration professionals transitioning to equipment using flammable refrigerant blends. HVAC Contractors and Business Owners - Company owners and supervisors responsible for ensuring their teams are properly trained and compliant with new refrigerant regulations. Equipment Installers - Technicians installing new heat pumps, air conditioners, and refrigeration equipment that use flammable refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B. Maintenance Personnel - Building maintenance staff and facility managers who service HVAC equipment containing flammable refrigerants. HVAC Students and Apprentices - Trade school students and apprentices preparing to enter the field as flammable refrigerants become industry standard. Safety Managers - Environmental health and safety professionals overseeing HVAC operations in commercial and industrial facilities. Equipment Distributors and Sales - Supply house personnel and equipment sales representatives who need technical knowledge to properly advise customers. Code Officials and Inspectors - Building inspectors and code enforcement officials who need to understand flammable refrigerant safety requirements and installation standards. Existing Certified Technicians - EPA-certified professionals updating their skills to meet new industry requirements and expand their service capabilities.

Flammable Refrigerant Course

What you'll learn

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Course content

Intro: Refrigeration Fundamentals and PT Chart Analysis1 lecture • 30min

Refrigeration Fundamentals and New Refrigerant Introduction Description1 lecture • 30min

Safety and Regulatory Compliance1 lecture • 31min

Tools, Equipment, and Installation Procedures Description1 lecture • 30min

Advanced Installation and Safety Protocols1 lecture • 45min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: