[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 173 (Friday, September 8, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61977-61984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19340]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118; FRL-11349-01-OAR]
RIN 2060-AG12
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 38 for
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Determination of acceptability.
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SUMMARY: This determination of acceptability expands the list of
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Significant New Alternatives Policy program. This action lists
as acceptable additional substitutes for use in the refrigeration and
air conditioning and fire suppression sectors.
DATES: This determination is applicable on September 8, 2023.
ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID No.
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All
electronic documents in the docket are listed in the index at
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (Nos. A-
91-42 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), William J.
Clinton West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20460. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-
1744, and the telephone number for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742.
For further information on EPA Docket Center services and the current
status, please visit us online at www.epa.gov/dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Sheppard by telephone at
(202) 343-9163, by email at [email protected], or by mail at
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6205A, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes
I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
This action is listing as acceptable additional substitutes for use
in the refrigeration and air conditioning and fire suppression sectors.
This action presents EPA's most recent decisions under the Significant
New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to list as acceptable several
substitutes in different end-uses. New substitutes are:
R-471A in retail food refrigeration, industrial process
refrigeration, and cold storage warehouses (new equipment only);
R-515B in retail food refrigeration (refrigerated food
processing and dispensing equipment, remote condensing units, and
supermarket systems), commercial ice machines, and cold storage
warehouses (new equipment only);
Powdered Aerosol I in total flooding fire suppression
(both occupied and normally unoccupied areas).
EPA's review of certain substitutes listed in this document is
pending for other end-uses. Listing decisions in the end-uses in this
document do not prejudge EPA's listings of these substitutes for other
end-uses. While certain substitutes being added through this action to
the acceptable lists for specific end-uses may have a higher risk in
one or more SNAP criteria than certain other substitutes already listed
as acceptable or acceptable subject to restrictions, they have a
similar or lower overall risk than other acceptable substitutes in
those end-uses.
For additional information on SNAP, visit the SNAP portion of EPA's
Ozone Layer Protection website at: www.epa.gov/snap. Copies of the full
lists of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in
the industrial sectors covered by the SNAP program are available at
www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector. For more information on the
Agency's process for administering the SNAP program or criteria for
evaluation of substitutes, refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking
published March 18, 1994 (59 FR 13044), and the regulations codified at
40 CFR part 82, subpart G. SNAP decisions and the appropriate Federal
Register citations are found at: www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations.
Under the SNAP program, EPA may list a substitute as acceptable for
specified end-uses where the Agency has reviewed the substitute and
found no reason to restrict or prohibit its use. Substitutes listed as
unacceptable; acceptable, subject to narrowed use limits; or
acceptable, subject to use conditions are also listed in the appendices
to 40 CFR part 82, subpart G.
The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail and
summarize the results of EPA's assessment of the human health and
environmental risks posed by each substitute. EPA's evaluation
considers the criteria at 40 CFR 82.180(a)(7), including: atmospheric
effects and related health and environmental effects, ecosystem risks,
consumer risks, flammability, and cost and availability of the
substitute. When evaluating potential substitutes, EPA evaluates these
criteria in risk screens, which are technical documents that evaluate
risks to human health and the environment from substitutes in specific
end-uses, including comparisons to other available substitutes and
evaluations against relevant thresholds of risk starting with
protective assumptions.
[[Page 61978]]
The risk screens cited in this document include evaluation of
atmospheric effects, exposure assessments, toxicity data, flammability,
and other environmental impacts such as ecotoxicity and local air
quality impacts. Each of these analyses is described in more detail at
www.epa.gov/snap/overview-snap. In this document, the global warming
potentials (GWPs) for the substitutes are determined using the 100-year
GWP values from the International Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC)
Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) \1\ for all substances or components of
blends.\2\ For substances for which no GWP is provided in AR4, the 100-
year GWP listed in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 2022 \3\ is
used. Where a GWP value in the source document is preceded with a less
than (<), very less than (<<), greater than (>), approximately (~), or
similar symbol, the numerical value from the source document is cited
in this document. For blends of chemicals, such as the listed
refrigerant blends, this document weights the GWPs of each component of
the blend by their mass percentage in the blend.
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\1\ 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., Qin, D.,
Manning, M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt, K.B., Tignor M., and
Miller, H.L. (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.
\2\ The AR4 100-year GWP values are consistent with the exchange
values for the regulated hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) listed in
subsection (c) of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM)
Act and with Annexes A, C, and F of the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol).
\3\ WMO (World Meteorological Organization), Scientific
Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2022, GAW Report No. 278, 509 pp.;
WMO: Geneva, 2022. Available at: https://ozone.unep.org/system/files/documents/Scientific-Assessment-of-Ozone-Depletion-2022.pdf.
(WMO, 2022). In this action, the 100-year GWP values are used.
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Appendix A contains tables summarizing each listing decision in
this action. The statements in the ``Further Information'' column in
the tables provide additional information but these are not legally
binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Although you are
not required to follow recommendations in the ``Further Information''
column of the table under section 612 of the CAA, some of these
statements may refer to obligations that are enforceable or binding
under Federal or State programs other than the SNAP program. The
identification of other enforceable or binding requirements should not
be construed as a comprehensive list of such obligations. In many
instances, the information simply refers to standard operating
practices in existing industry standards and/or building codes. When
using these substitutes in the identified end-use, EPA strongly
encourages you to apply the information in the ``Further Information''
column. Many of these recommendations, if adopted, would not require
significant changes to existing operating practices.
Under separate authority of subsection (i) of the American
Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, EPA has proposed
restrictions on higher-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in specific
sectors and subsectors (December 15, 2022; 87 FR 76738). The Agency
notes that once that rule is finalized, it may restrict certain
substitutes that are listed as acceptable under the SNAP program for
some uses. Thus, an acceptable listing of a substitute under the SNAP
program should not be considered full permission to use that substitute
in all circumstances. Any restrictions under subsection (i) of the AIM
Act, as well as other relevant authorities, must also be considered.\4\
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\4\ For example, there may be restrictions or prohibitions in
regulations issued under section 610 of the CAA at 40 CFR part 82
subpart C for nonessential products containing ODS, under the Toxic
Substances Control Act, under the Occupation Safety and Health Act,
and under State or local laws and regulations that warrant
consideration.
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You can find submissions to EPA for the substitutes listed in this
document, as well as other materials supporting the decisions in this
action, in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1. R-471A
EPA's decision: EPA finds R-471A acceptable as a substitute for use
in:
Retail food refrigeration--stand-alone equipment (new
equipment only)
Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and
dispensing equipment (new equipment only)
Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new
equipment only)
Retail food refrigeration--supermarket systems (new equipment
only)
Industrial process refrigeration (new equipment only)
Cold storage warehouses (new equipment only)
R-471A, marketed under the trade name Solstice[supreg] 471A, is a
weighted blend of 78.7 percent hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-1234ze(E), which
is also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene; (Chemical
Abstracts Service Registry Number [CAS Reg. No.] 29118-24-9); 17.0
percent HFO-1336mzz(E), also known as trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-
butene (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and 4.3 percent HFC-227ea, which is
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3- heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0)
.
You may find a copy of the applicant's submission, with CBI
redacted, providing the required health and environmental information
for this substitute in this end-use in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at
www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Materials for Notice
38 Listing of R-471A in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP
Submission Received December 8, 2021.'' EPA performed assessments to
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute and the
results are summarized below. These assessments are available in Docket
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-471A (Solstice[supreg] N71).''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process
Refrigeration and Cold Storage Warehouses (New Equipment). Substitute:
R-471A (Solstice[supreg] N71).''
Environmental information: R-471A has an ozone depletion potential
(ODP) of zero. Its components, HFO-1234ze(E), HFO-1336mzz(E), and HFC-
227ea, have GWPs of one, \5\ 26,\6\ and 3,220, respectively.\7\ If
these values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-471A has a GWP of
about 144. The components of R-471A are excluded from the EPA's
regulatory definition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) under CAA
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of State
implementation plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain the National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Knowingly venting or releasing this
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified in EPA's regulations at 40 CFR
82.154(a).
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\5\ WMO, 2022.
\6\ Ibid.
\7\ Unless otherwise stated, all GWPs in this document for
individual chemicals are 100-year values from IPCC's Fourth
Assessment Report (AR4), based upon the 100-year GWPs in IPCC, 2007,
if available, in that document.
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Flammability information: R-471A is not flammable. The American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) has assigned R-471A a flammability class of
[[Page 61979]]
``1,'' meaning it does not propagate a flame under standard test
conditions.\8\
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\8\ ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety
Classification of Refrigerants.
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Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. The substitute could
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a confined space.
These potential health effects are common to many refrigerants.
ASHRAE has established an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the
blend of 710 ppm on an eight-hour time-weighted average (8-hr TWA).\9\
For the components of R-471A, the Workplace Environmental Exposure
Limit (WEEL) Committee of the Occupational Alliance for Risk Science
(OARS) has established a WEEL of 400 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E) and ASHRAE has established OELs of 800 ppm and 1,000 ppm on
an 8-hr TWA for HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, respectively. EPA
anticipates that users will be able to meet these workplace guidance
limits and address potential health risks by following recommendations
in the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS), ASHRAE Standard 15, and
other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air
conditioning industry.
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\9\ Ibid.
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Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-471A has an
ODP of zero, comparable to or less than other listed substitutes in
these end-uses with ODPs ranging from zero to less than 0.0004.
For new remote condensing units and supermarket systems, R-471A's
GWP of about 144 is lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), R-407A
(GWP of 2,110), and R-421A (GWP of 2,630). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such
as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and
carbon dioxide (CO2) (GWP of one). There may be situations
in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for new remote
condensing units and supermarket systems or are restricted by local
laws and building codes and standards, particularly for smaller
equipment used in a public area.
For stand-alone equipment, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is lower than
that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A
(GWP of 601) and R-513A (GWP of 630). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such
as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero),
CO2 (GWP of one), and propane (GWP of three). There may be
situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop, CO2, or
larger charges of propane may not be feasible or are restricted by
local laws and building codes and standards because of flammability or
toxicity.
For refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment, R-471A's
GWP of about 144 is comparable to or lower than that of other
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601),
R-513A (GWP of 630), HFC-134a (GWP of 1,430), and R-426A (GWP of
1,510). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is higher than that of other
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor
compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP
of one). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop
or CO2 may not be feasible for new refrigerated food
processing and dispensing equipment or are restricted by local laws and
building codes and standards, due to flammability and toxicity.
For industrial process refrigeration, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), R-404A
(GWP of 3,920) and R-508B (GWP of 13,400). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is
higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such
as ammonia absorption (GWP of zero), CO2 (GWP of one), and
propane (GWP of three). There may be situations in which ammonia,
CO2, or propane may not be feasible for new industrial
process refrigeration equipment, e.g., because of temperature range, or
are restricted by local laws and building codes and standards, due to
flammability and toxicity.
For cold storage warehouses, R-471A's GWP of about 144 is
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), and R-
407F (GWP of 1,820). R-471A's GWP of about 144 is higher than that of
other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia
absorption (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be
situations in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for
new cold storage warehouses or are restricted by local laws and
building codes and standards, particularly for smaller equipment.
Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with
the OARS WEEL and ASHRAE OELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards,
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
EPA finds R-471A acceptable in the retail food refrigeration (new
equipment only)--refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment,
remote condensing units, stand-alone units, and supermarket systems;
industrial process refrigeration (new equipment only); and cold storage
warehouses (new equipment only) end-uses because it does not pose
greater overall environmental and human health risk than other
available substitutes in the same end-uses.
2. R-515B
EPA's decision: EPA finds R-515B acceptable as a substitute for use
in:
Retail food refrigeration--refrigerated food processing and
dispensing equipment (new equipment only)
Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new
equipment only)
Retail food refrigeration--supermarket systems (new equipment
only)
Commercial ice machines (new equipment only)
Cold storage warehouses (new equipment only)
R-515B is a weighted blend of 91.1 percent HFO-1234ze(E), which is
also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 29118-
24-9), and 8.9 percent HFC-227ea, also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0).
You may find a copy of the applicant's submissions, with CBI
redacted, providing the required health and environmental information
for this substitute in these end-uses in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at
www.regulations.gov under the names, ``Supporting Materials for Notice
38 Listing of R-515B in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP
Submission Received May 28, 2020'' and ``Supporting Materials for
Notice 38 Listing of R-515B in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. SNAP
Submission Received December 10, 2021.'' EPA performed assessments to
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute and the
results are summarized below. These assessments are available in Docket
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food
Refrigeration--Refrigerated
[[Page 61980]]
Food Processing and Dispensing Equipment (New Equipment). Substitute:
R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Retail Food
Refrigeration--Supermarket Systems and Remote Condensing Units (New
Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Commercial Ice Machines
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses
(New Equipment). Substitute: R-515B (Solstice[supreg] N15).''
Environmental information: R-515B has an ODP of zero. Its
components, HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, have a GWP of one \10\ and
3,220, respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage,
then R-515B has a GWP of about 287. The components of R-515B are
excluded from the EPA's regulatory definition of VOC under CAA
regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs
to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this
refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section
608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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\10\ WMO, 2022.
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Flammability information: R-515B is not flammable. ASHRAE has
assigned R-515B a flammability class of ``1.'' \11\
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\11\ ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety
Classification of Refrigerants.
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Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. The substitute could
cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a confined space.
These potential health effects are common to many refrigerants.
ASHRAE has established OELs of 800 ppm and 1000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA
for HFO-1234ze(E) and HFC-227ea, respectively. For the R-515B blend
itself, ASHRAE recommends an OEL of 810 ppm.\12\ EPA anticipates that
users will be able to meet each of the OELs and address potential
health risks by following recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in
ASHRAE Standard 15, and other safety precautions common to the
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
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\12\ Ibid.
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Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-515B has an
ODP of zero, comparable to or less than other listed substitutes in
these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to less than 0.0004.
For refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment, R-515B's
GWP of about 287 is comparable to or lower than that of other
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601),
R-513A (GWP of 630), HFC-134a (GWP of 1,430), and R-426A (GWP of
1,510). R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of other
acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor
compression in a secondary loop (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP
of one). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary loop
or CO2 may not be feasible for new refrigerated food
processing and dispensing equipment or are restricted by local laws and
building codes and standards, due to flammability and toxicity.
For remote condensing units and supermarket systems, R-515B's GWP
of about 287 is comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP
of 630), R-407A (GWP of 2,110), and R-421A (GWP of 2,630). R-515B's GWP
of about 287 is higher than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment such as ammonia vapor compression in a secondary loop
(GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be situations
in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for new remote
condensing units and supermarket systems or are restricted by local
laws and building codes and standards, particularly for smaller
equipment used in a public area.
For commercial ice machines, R-515B's GWP of about 287 is
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment, such as R-513A (GWP of 630), R-449B (GWP of 1,410), R-
410A (GWP of 2,090), R-404A (GWP of 3,920), and R-507A (GWP of 3,990).
R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of other acceptable
substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia vapor compression in a
secondary loop (GWP of zero), CO2 (GWP of one), and propane
(GWP of three). There may be situations in which ammonia in a secondary
loop, CO2, or larger charges of propane may not be feasible
or are restricted by local laws and building codes and standards
because of flammability or toxicity.
For cold storage warehouses, R-515B's GWP of about 287 is
comparable to or lower than that of other acceptable substitutes for
new equipment such as R-450A (GWP of 601), R-513A (GWP of 630), and R-
407F (GWP of 1,820). R-515B's GWP of about 287 is higher than that of
other acceptable substitutes for new equipment such as ammonia
absorption (GWP of zero) and CO2 (GWP of one). There may be
situations in which ammonia or CO2 may not be feasible for
new cold storage warehouses or are restricted by local laws and
building codes and standards, particularly for smaller equipment.
Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with
the ASHRAE OELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards,
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
EPA finds R-515B acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
B. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
1. Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol)
EPA's decision: EPA finds Powdered Aerosol I acceptable as a
substitute for:
Total flooding uses, both occupied and normally unoccupied
spaces
Powdered Aerosol I is prepared as a solid material that generates,
by a combustion process, a powdered aerosol that acts chemically and
physically to extinguish fires. Based on review of information from the
submitter that supports the safe use of the powdered aerosol in
normally occupied spaces, EPA determines that Powdered Aerosol I is
acceptable for use in total flooding systems for both occupied and
normally unoccupied spaces. In the ``Further Information'' column of
the tables summarizing today's listing decisions and found at the end
of this document, we state that use of this agent should be used in
accordance with the safety guidelines in the latest edition of the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2010 Standard for Aerosol
Extinguishing Systems. Although EPA is not requiring use conditions on
the use of Powdered Aerosol I, we believe that the fire suppression
industry will use this agent safely because the NFPA 2010 Standard
establishes health and safety requirements for its use \13\ and because
of the acceptable level of toxicity of this substitute (see below under
``Toxicity and exposure data).''
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\13\ EPA is a member of NFPA's standard-setting committee in
developing NFPA 2010 and provides relevant health information for
that document.
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You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118
at www.regulations.gov
[[Page 61981]]
under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for Notice 38 Listing of
Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol) in Fire Suppression. SNAP Submission
Received December 1, 2020.'' EPA performed an assessment to examine the
health and environmental risks of this substitute and the results are
summarized below. This assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0118:
``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Total Flooding Systems in
Normally Occupied Spaces. Substitute: Powdered Aerosol I (GreenSol).''
Environmental information: The active ingredients of Powdered
Aerosol I are solids both before and after use; thus, their ODP and GWP
are both zero. The gaseous post-activation products for Powdered
Aerosol I also have zero ODP and those released with GWPs are carbon
monoxide (CO) and CO2 with GWPs of three or less. The
remaining gaseous post-activation products either have no GWP or are
present only in trace amounts. Further, the remaining gaseous post-
activation products are not organic, and thus are excluded from the
EPA's regulatory definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR
51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and maintain
the NAAQS. The solid active ingredients and particulate post-activation
products have no ODP or GWP, do not participate in atmospheric
photochemical reactions, and are inorganic compounds that are not VOC.
Flammability information: Powdered Aerosol I's post-activation
products are nonflammable.
Toxicity and exposure data: Because the fire suppressant precursors
are prepared as solids that are not reactive and do not crumble or
flake, inhalation or ingestion of the pre-activation compounds is not
likely. Exposure to Powdered Aerosol I after activation may cause
temporary, mild irritation of the mucous membrane. If eye or skin
contact occurs, end users should flush eyes with water or wash skin
with soap and water. If inhaled, end users should be removed and
exposed to fresh air. Exposure to the post-discharge products is
expected to be below the relevant workplace exposure limits for those
compounds. Because it is housed in a hermetically sealed container,
exposure should not occur unless the system is activated.
The post-activation components of the proposed substitute are
common compounds that are not expected to exceed immediately dangerous
to life or health (IDLH) levels from the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that apply to occupational and
end-use exposure.
Information on additional safety recommendations: The discharge of
the aerosol results in a reduction of visibility in the protected space
due to the uniform distribution of the particulate generated. EPA
recommends use in accordance with the NFPA 2010 standard to reduce any
safety risks due to reduced visibility. In addition, EPA recommends
that cross-zone detection systems and abort switches located near an
exit from the protected space be employed; improved detection systems
within the protected space and manual abort switches outside of the
space could help avoid inadvertent discharge. The use of appropriate
safety and protective equipment (e.g., protective gloves, tightly
sealed goggles, protective work clothing, and particulate-removing
respirators using NIOSH type N95 or better filters) consistent with
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines
minimizes personnel exposure from inhalation of the substitute.
EPA provides additional information on safe use of this substitute
for establishments manufacturing, installing and maintaining equipment
using this agent in the ``Further Information'' column of the tables
summarizing the listing decisions in this document. EPA encourages
users of substitutes to apply all statements in the ``Further
Information'' column in their use of this substitute as best practices
for safer use. In many instances, the information simply refers to
standard operating practices in existing industry standards and/or
building codes, which if adopted, would not require significant changes
to existing operating practices.
EPA expects that procedures identified in the SDS for Powdered
Aerosol I and good manufacturing practices will be adhered to, and that
the appropriate safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)
consistent with OSHA guidelines will be used during installation,
servicing, post-discharge clean-up and disposal of total flooding
systems using Powdered Aerosol I. The manufacturer should provide
guidance upon installation of the system regarding the appropriate time
after which workers may re-enter the area for disposal to allow the
maximum settling of all particulates.
Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: Powdered Aerosol I
has an ODP of zero, comparable to other listed substitutes in this end-
use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.048.
For total flooding agents, Powdered Aerosol I's GWP of zero (and
one to three for certain post-activation products) is lower than that
of other acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-227ea (GWP of 2,220) and
other substitutes with GWPs up to 22,800.\14\ Other acceptable
substitutes in this end-use have comparable GWPs ranging from zero to
one, such as water, inert gases, and a number of other powdered aerosol
fire suppressants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ For SF6, the substitute with the highest GWP,
the SNAP listing finds SF6 as ``acceptable subject to
narrowed use limits.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with the NFPA
2010 standard, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety precautions
common in the fire suppression industry. The potential toxicity risks
due to inhalation exposure are common to many total flooding agents,
including those already listed as acceptable under SNAP for this same
end-use. Powdered Aerosol I's post-activation products are
nonflammable, as are all other available total flooding agents.
EPA finds Powdered Aerosol I acceptable in the end-use listed above
because it does not pose greater overall environmental and human health
risk than other available substitutes in the same end-use.
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Paul M. Gunning,
Director, Office of Atmospheric Protection, Office of Air and
Radiation.
Appendix A--Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes
[[Page 61982]]
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail food refrigeration-- R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
stand-alone equipment (new HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
equipment only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (Chemical
Abstracts Service Registry
Number [CAS Reg. No.] 29118-24-
9); HFO-1336mzz(E), also known
as trans-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-
2-butene (CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-
2); and HFC-227ea, also known
as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a 100-year global
warming potential (GWP) of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
The American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
has established an occupational
exposure limit (OEL) of 710 ppm
on an 8-hr TWA for R-471A, as
well as OELs of 800 ppm for HFO-
1234ze(E) and 1,000 ppm for HFC-
227ea on an eight-hour time-
weighted average (8-hr TWA).
The Occupational Alliance for
Risk Science (OARS) has
established a Workplace
Environmental Exposure Limit
(WEEL) of 400 ppm on an 8-hr
TWA for HFO-1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration-- R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
refrigerated food processing HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
and dispensing equipment (new known as trans-1,3,3,3-
equipment only). tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
(CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
HFC-227ea, also known as
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a GWP of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
471A, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
TWA.
OARS has established a WEEL of
400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration-- R-515B................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
refrigerated food processing HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
and dispensing equipment (new known as trans-1,3,3,3-
equipment only). tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-515B has a GWP of 287.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
515B, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Retail food refrigeration-- R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
remote condensing units (new HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
equipment only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
(CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
HFC-227ea, also known as
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a GWP of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
471A, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
TWA.
OARS has established a WEEL of
400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E).
Retail food refrigeration-- R-515B................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
remote condensing units (new HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
equipment only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-515B has a GWP of 287.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
515B, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Retail food refrigeration-- R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
supermarket systems (new HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
equipment only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
(CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
HFC-227ea, also known as
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a GWP of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
471A, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
TWA.
OARS has established a WEEL of
400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E).
[[Page 61983]]
Retail food refrigeration-- R-515B................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
supermarket systems (new HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
equipment only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-515B has a GWP of 287.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
515B, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Industrial process R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
refrigeration (new equipment HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
only). known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
(CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
HFC-227ea, also known as
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a GWP of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
471A, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
TWA.
OARS has established a WEEL of
400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E).
Commercial ice machines (new R-515B................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
equipment only). HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-515B has a GWP of 287.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
515B, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
Cold storage warehouses (new R-471A................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
equipment only). HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9); HFO-
1336mzz(E), also known as trans-
1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene
(CAS Reg. No. 66711-86-2); and
HFC-227ea, also known as
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-471A has a GWP of 144.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
710 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
471A, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm for HFC-227ea on an 8-hr
TWA.
OARS has established a WEEL of
400 ppm on an 8-hr-TWA for HFO-
1336mzz(E).
Cold storage warehouses (new R-515B................ Acceptable............ This substitute is a blend of
equipment only). HFO-1234ze(E), which is also
known as trans-1,3,3,3-
tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg.
No. 29118-24-9) and HFC-227ea,
also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg.
No. 431-89-0).
R-515B has a GWP of 287.
The blend is not flammable.
ASHRAE has established an OEL of
810 ppm on an 8-hr TWA for R-
515B, as well as OELs of 800
ppm for HFO-1234ze(E) and 1,000
ppm HFC-227ea on an 8-hr TWA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See recommendations in the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS) and guidance for all listed refrigerants.
Fire Suppression
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-use Substitute Decision Further information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total flooding................ Powdered Aerosol I.... Acceptable............ EPA recommends the use of this
agent in accordance with the
safety guidelines in the latest
edition of the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA)
2010 standard for Aerosol
Extinguishing Systems.
For establishments manufacturing
the agent or filling,
installing, or servicing
containers or systems to be
used in total flooding
applications, EPA recommends
the following:
--the appropriate safety and
personal protective equipment
(PPE) (e.g., protective gloves,
tightly sealed goggles,
protective work clothing, and
particulate-removing
respirators with National
Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) type
N95 or better filters)
consistent with Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
guidelines and requirements
must be used during
manufacture, installation,
servicing, and disposal of
total flooding systems using
the agent;
[[Page 61984]]
--adequate ventilation should be
in place to reduce airborne
exposure to constituents of
agent;
--an eye wash fountain and quick
drench facility should be close
to the production area;
--training for safe handling
procedures should be provided
to all employees that would be
likely to handle containers of
the agent or extinguishing
units filled with the agent;
--workers responsible for clean-
up should allow for maximum
settling of all particulates
before reentering area and wear
appropriate personal protective
equipment; and
--all spills should be cleaned
up immediately in accordance
with good industrial hygiene
practices.
As required by the manufacturer,
units installed in normally
occupied spaces will be
equipped with features such as
a system-isolate switch and
cross-zone detection system to
reduce risk of accidental
activation of an agent
generator while persons are
present in the protected space.
Also, the manufacturer requires
warning of pending discharge
and delay in release to ensure
egress prior to activation of
the agent to reduce risk of
exposure.
See additional notes 1, 2, 3, 4,
5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ EPA recommends that users consult Section VIII of the OSHA Technical Manual for information on selecting the
appropriate types of personal protective equipment for all listed fire suppression agents. EPA has no
intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective equipment
(e.g., respiratory protection), fire suppression, hazard communication, worker training or any other
occupational safety and health standard with respect to halon substitutes.
\2\ Use of all listed fire suppression agents should conform to relevant OSHA requirements, including 29 CFR
part 1910, subpart L, Sec. Sec. 1910.160 and 1910.162.
\3\ Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) should be available in the event personnel should reenter the
area.
\4\ Discharge testing should be strictly limited to that which is essential to meet safety or performance
requirements.
\5\ The agent should be recovered from the fire suppression system in conjunction with testing or servicing and
recycled for later use or destroyed.
[FR Doc. 2023-19340 Filed 9-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P