Transportation R290

Transportation of

R290 Transportation

Transporting R290

There are many laws and regulations covering the tranportation of refrigerant gases in the UK and Europe. The main legislation in the UK is "The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009". R290 refrigerant comes under more stringent regulations due to its flammability levels. The following slides show more detail of the main considerations that must be considered whilst transporting R290 refrigerant gas.

Please click here for more information on 'The carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009'

Vehicle requirements

Vehicles transporting R290 gas must be mechanically ventilated bringing fresh outside air into the vehicle. If you are relying on the in-built ventilation system, factory fitted to the vehicle, the fan speed must be set to its highest speed and not in recirculation mode. Simply opening a window in the vehicle will not be sufficient to eliminate the risk of incident in the event of a R290 refrigerant leak.

Refrigerant gas detector

During transportation of R290 gas, you should always use a gas leak detector whenever possible. This will alert the driver in the event of a R290 refrigerant gas leak and the driver can take immediate action to minimise the detrimental effects of the leak. Please note: you still need mechanical ventilation in the transportation vehicle when a gas leak detector is being used.

Warning signs

All transport vehicles must display warning signs to show the vehicle is carrying flammable compressed gases. Additional warning signs such as 'No smoking' and 'No Electrical devices' should also be displayed in the drivers cabin area.

Type "C" Fire extinguisher

Vehicle requirements

The products inside the vehicle must also have clear badges showing the product inside of the packaging contains R290 gas. The vehicle must also carry a suitable fire extinguisher with a capacity of least 2 Litres in case of incident of fire. This should be secured, but have easy access No electrical devices to be used in the vehicle which could cause an ignition point. This includes E-Cigarettes, electric heaters, lights.

Click here for information on carriage of dangerous goods by road act

In summary....

Separate cab for driver and R290 products

Mechanical ventilation must be used

Use leak detection whenever possible

No points of ignition to be used including E-cigarettes

R290 products and vehicles must be clearly labelled