When released, refrigerants can harm the environment. That is why refrigerant-containing equipment (i.e., chillers, air conditioners, fire suppression systems, drinking fountains, refrigerators, and freezers) at Postal Service™ sites must be managed in accordance with USPS® and regulatory requirements. This includes requirements for training, handling, recordkeeping, and disposal, which apply to both Postal Service employees and contractors performing maintenance on USPS equipment.
Follow these requirements for safe refrigerant management:
n Never vent or otherwise release refrigerants into the atmosphere for any reason.
n Maintain required documentation:
n Records of system maintenance, service, and repair, particularly those documenting refrigerant addition or removal. Note: Sites must obtain and maintain records from contractors who service refrigerant-containing equipment. The contractor records need to show the work that was done, including any refrigerant removals and additions, not just contractor hours onsite.
n Individual service logs and leak rate calculations whenever refrigerant is added for systems containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerants.
n Training records.
n Investigate refrigerant leaks and repair leaking equipment as quickly as possible.
n Complete required training, as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technician Certification, as applicable:
n Employees who maintain, service, or repair refrigerant-containing equipment must be certified, including employees who service motor vehicle air conditioning systems.
n Employees who purchase refrigerants may also require certification.
n Manage refrigerant storage cylinders properly:
n Store in a centralized, secure location that is restricted to authorized employees.
n Purchase and use cylinders that are certified by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
n Clearly label refrigerant cylinders to identify their contents.
n Document each cylinder purchase and refrigerant use.
n Only use recovery cylinders that are within 5 years of their last certification.
n Dispose of refrigerants, refrigerant-containing equipment, and cylinders properly:
n For refrigerant equipment, evacuate refrigerants and tag equipment as “Empty.” For disposal, use a local waste management/scrap vendor. Keep accurate disposal records.
n For refrigerants/refrigerant-containing cylinders, recycle waste refrigerants using an EPA-approved reclaimer. Keep records of off-site shipments. Never send refrigerants for disposal and never mix refrigerant types in the same cylinder.
n For empty refrigerant cylinders, label them as “Empty” and recycle with other steel recyclables at the local steel recycling center. Never reuse non-refillable cylinders.
For more information, review the following guidance documents or consult your designated USPS environmental contact (blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm):
n Refrigerant Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-refrigerant-management.pdf.
n National Refrigerant Management Policies and Procedures Maintenance Management Order (MMO-056-20) at mtsc.usps.gov/pdf/MMO/2020/MMO05620.pdf.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 9-22-22
