International.
AHRI recently published revisions to Guideline N, Refrigerant Container Color Assignment. The revisions now specify that all refrigerant containers must have a uniform paint color, a light-green gray (RAL type 7044) and that individually assigned container paint colors must be transferred to the new standard color by 2020.
AHRI Guideline N previously stipulated that specific paint colors would be used for refrigerant containers as an additional means of identifying the refrigerant. However, with the increasing number of refrigerants approved for use, there was concern about the potential for misidentification of similar colored vessels. More than half of ahRI's respondents on refrigerant handling found that container colors had caused confusion. AHRI says this confusion is likely to increase as new refrigerants are added to the market.
Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for hazardous materials transportation regulations and Title 29 cfr for occupational safety and health regulations require that all containers of hazardous materials, including refrigerant cylinders and drums, be properly labeled to clearly identify the contents.
These labels and packaging marks should always be used as a primary means to identify the type of refrigerant in a container. "Although ahRI's guidelines serve as recommendations for the industry and are not required by law, most industry members use Guideline N and all refrigerant users should be aware that the label will now serve as the primary means of positively identifying the type of refrigerant in a cylinder or drum. Flammable refrigerants should continue to include a red band on top of the container," the statement said.
