When released into the air, refrigerants can harm the environment. The following refrigerant-containing equipment and appliances at USPS® sites must be managed in accordance with Postal Service™ and regulatory requirements:
n Chillers and air conditioners,
n Fire suppression systems,
n Drinking fountains,
n Refrigerators, and
n Freezers.
The Postal Service recently issued an updated Maintenance Management Order (MMO-056-20) for handling refrigerants. Updated MMO-056-20 replaces MMO-019-17, and contains very minor changes. The updated MMO acknowledges a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule and maintains a standardized approach to refrigerant management.
Employees performing maintenance on refrigerant- containing systems must continue to manage non-ozone-depleting substance (non-ODS) substitute refrigerants or blends in the same manner that they handle ozone-depleting substance (ODS) refrigerants (see table). This includes requirements for training, handling, recordkeeping, and disposal. Requirements apply to both Postal Service employees and contractors performing maintenance on USPS equipment.
For more information, check out the following websites:
n For a full description of all refrigerant management requirements, including forms necessary to comply with recordkeeping requirements, review the National Refrigerant Management Policies and Procedures Maintenance Management Order (MMO) at mtsc.usps.gov/pdf/MMO/2020/MMO05620.pdf.
n For standalone versions of refrigerant management forms, visit the Environmental Forms page at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/forms.htm.
n States may have stricter requirements. Contact your designated USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm for details.
— Office of Sustainability,
Deputy Postmaster General, 7-30-20
