Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 38 for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program, 61977-61984 [2023-19340]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 173 / Friday, September 8, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
EPA APPROVED NONREGULATORY PROVISIONS AND QUASI-REGULATORY MEASURES IN THE TEXAS SIP
Applicable geographic or nonattainment
area
Name of SIP provision
*
*
Enhanced Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Requirement for the
2008 Ozone NAAQS Serious Nonattainment Areas.
*
*
Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Ozone Nonattainment Areas.
[FR Doc. 2023–19377 Filed 9–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
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
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Determination of acceptability.
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
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5/13/2020
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
Sheppard.Margaret@epa.gov, or by mail
at U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Mail Code 6205A, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20460.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
State submittal/effective
date
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
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Comments
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citation].
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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 ozonedepleting 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.
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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.
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
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-OzoneDepletion-2022.pdf. (WMO, 2022). In this action,
the 100-year GWP values are used.
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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
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.
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-2butene (CAS Reg. No. 66711–86–2); and
4.3 percent HFC–227ea, which is also
known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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® N71).’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in
Industrial Process Refrigeration and
Cold Storage Warehouses (New
Equipment). Substitute: R–471A
(Solstice® N71).’’
Environmental information: R–471A
has an ozone depletion potential (ODP)
of zero. Its components, HFO–
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
1234ze(E), HFO–1336mzz(E), and HFC–
1. R–471A
227ea, have GWPs of one, 5 26,6 and
3,220, respectively.7 If these values are
EPA’s decision: EPA finds R–471A
weighted by mass percentage, then R–
acceptable as a substitute for use in:
• Retail food refrigeration—stand-alone 471A has a GWP of about 144. The
components of R–471A are excluded
equipment (new equipment only)
• Retail food refrigeration—refrigerated from the EPA’s regulatory definition of
volatile organic compounds (VOC)
food processing and dispensing
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR
equipment (new equipment only)
51.100(s)) addressing the development
• Retail food refrigeration—remote
of State implementation plans (SIPs) to
condensing units (new equipment
attain and maintain the National
only)
• Retail food refrigeration—supermarket Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS). Knowingly venting or
systems (new equipment only)
releasing this refrigerant blend is
• Industrial process refrigeration (new
limited by the venting prohibition under
equipment only)
section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified in
• Cold storage warehouses (new
EPA’s regulations at 40 CFR 82.154(a).
equipment only)
Flammability information: R–471A is
R–471A, marketed under the trade
not flammable. The American Society of
name Solstice® 471A, is a weighted
Heating, Refrigerating, and Airblend of 78.7 percent hydrofluoroolefin
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has
(HFO)–1234ze(E), which is also known
assigned R–471A a flammability class of
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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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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‘‘1,’’ meaning it does not propagate a
flame under standard test conditions.8
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.
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–
8 ASHRAE Standard 34–2022, Designation and
Safety Classification of Refrigerants.
9 Ibid.
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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
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61979
flammability and toxicity risks of other
available substitutes in the same enduses. 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-tetrafluoroprop1-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
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Food Processing and Dispensing
Equipment (New Equipment).
Substitute: R–515B (Solstice® N15).’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in
Retail Food Refrigeration—Supermarket
Systems and Remote Condensing Units
(New Equipment). Substitute: R–515B
(Solstice® N15).’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in
Commercial Ice Machines (New
Equipment). Substitute: R–515B
(Solstice® N15).’’
• ‘‘Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold
Storage Warehouses (New Equipment).
Substitute: R–515B (Solstice® 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).
Flammability information: R–515B is
not flammable. ASHRAE has assigned
R–515B a flammability class of ‘‘1.’’ 11
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.
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.
10 WMO,
2022.
Standard 34–2022, Designation and
Safety Classification of Refrigerants.
12 Ibid.
11 ASHRAE
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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
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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 enduses. 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 enduses.
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).’’
You may find the redacted
submission in Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–
2003–0118 at www.regulations.gov
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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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
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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-
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61981
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 enduse have comparable GWPs ranging
from zero to one, such as water, inert
gases, and a number of other powdered
aerosol fire suppressants.
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
14 For SF , the substitute with the highest GWP,
6
the SNAP listing finds SF6 as ‘‘acceptable subject
to narrowed use limits.’’
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REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
End-use
Substitute
Decision
Further information 1
Retail food refrigeration—
stand-alone equipment
(new equipment only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
Retail food refrigeration—
refrigerated food processing and dispensing
equipment (new equipment only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
Retail food refrigeration—
refrigerated food processing and dispensing
equipment (new equipment only).
R–515B ............
Acceptable ........
Retail food refrigeration—
remote condensing units
(new equipment only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
Retail food refrigeration—
remote condensing units
(new equipment only).
R–515B ............
Acceptable ........
Retail food refrigeration—
supermarket systems
(new equipment only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
[CAS Reg. No.] 29118–24–9); HFO–1336mzz(E), also known as trans1,1,1,4,4,4-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 timeweighted 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).
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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).
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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.
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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).
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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.
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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).
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61983
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING—Continued
End-use
Substitute
Decision
Further information 1
Retail food refrigeration—
supermarket systems
(new equipment only).
R–515B ............
Acceptable ........
Industrial process refrigeration (new equipment
only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
Commercial ice machines
(new equipment only).
R–515B ............
Acceptable ........
Cold storage warehouses
(new equipment only).
R–471A ............
Acceptable ........
Cold storage warehouses
(new equipment only).
R–515B ............
Acceptable ........
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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.
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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).
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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.
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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 1,1,1,2,3,3,3heptafluoropropane (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).
This substitute is a blend of HFO–1234ze(E), which is also known as trans1,3,3,3-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
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Total flooding ....................
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Substitute
Powdered Aerosol I.
16:01 Sep 07, 2023
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Decision
Further information
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;
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61984
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 173 / Friday, September 8, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
FIRE SUPPRESSION—Continued
End-use
Substitute
Decision
Further information
—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 crosszone 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, §§ 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
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 140501394–5279–02; RTID
0648–XD317]
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of
Mexico, and South Atlantic; ReOpening of the Commercial Sector for
Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; re-opening.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces the reopening of the commercial sector for
blueline tilefish in the exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) of the South
Atlantic through this temporary rule.
The most recent data for commercial
landings of blueline tilefish indicate the
commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for
the 2023 fishing year has not yet been
reached. Therefore, NMFS re-opens the
commercial sector to harvest blueline
tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ for 6
days. The purpose of this temporary
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SUMMARY:
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rule is to allow for the commercial ACL
of blueline tilefish to be harvested while
minimizing the risk of exceeding the
commercial ACL.
DATES: This temporary rule is effective
from 12:01 a.m. eastern time on
September 11, 2023, through September
16, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mary Vara, NMFS Southeast Regional
Office, telephone: 727–824–5305, email:
mary.vara@noaa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
snapper-grouper fishery of the South
Atlantic includes blueline tilefish and is
managed under the Fishery
Management Plan for the SnapperGrouper Fishery of the South Atlantic
Region (FMP). The FMP was prepared
by the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council (Council) and is
implemented by NMFS under the
authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management
Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by
regulations at 50 CFR part 622. All
weights in this temporary rule are given
in round weight.
Regulations at 50 CFR 622.193(z)(1)(i)
specify the commercial ACL for blueline
tilefish of 117,148 lb (53,137 kg), and
the commercial accountability measure
for blueline tilefish. NMFS is required
to close the commercial sector when its
ACL is reached, or is projected to be
reached, by filing a notification to that
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effect with the Office of the Federal
Register. Recently in this 2023 fishing
year, NMFS projected that commercial
landings of blueline tilefish would reach
the commercial ACL on August 2, 2023,
and therefore closed commercial harvest
for the rest of the year on that date (88
FR 50806, August 2, 2023). However, a
recent update of commercial landings
data indicates that the commercial ACL
for blueline tilefish was not reached on
August 2, 2023.
In accordance with 50 CFR 622.8(c),
NMFS temporarily re-opens the
commercial sector for blueline tilefish
on September 11, 2023. The commercial
sector will be open for 6 days or through
September 16, 2023, to allow for the
commercial ACL to be reached. The
commercial sector will close again on
September 17, 2023, and remain closed
until January 1, 2024, the start of the
next fishing year. NMFS has determined
that this re-opening will allow for an
additional opportunity to commercially
harvest blueline tilefish while reducing
the risk of exceeding the commercial
ACL.
The operator of a vessel with a valid
Federal commercial vessel permit for
South Atlantic snapper-grouper with
blueline tilefish on the vessel must have
landed and bartered, traded, or sold
such blueline tilefish before September
17, 2023. During the subsequent
commercial closure from September 17
through the rest of 2023, all sale or
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]]>Agencies
[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]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ WMO, 2022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flammability information: R-515B is not flammable. ASHRAE has
assigned R-515B a flammability class of ``1.'' \11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ ASHRAE Standard 34-2022, Designation and Safety
Classification of Refrigerants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ EPA is a member of NFPA's standard-setting committee in
developing NFPA 2010 and provides relevant health information for
that document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
