Transporting R290 4

Transporting R290

Transporting Hydrocarbons

• The Road Traffic Regulations apply to the transportation of cylinders containing hydrocarbons as well as other refrigerants.
• When transporting HC refrigerants in a vehicle, a ‘red flammable gas diamond’ must be displayed.
• A dry powder fire extinguisher must be carried of at least 2 kg capacity. The driver should be trained in its safe use.

• IF transporting cylinders - Cylinders must be in an upright position and be properly secured.
• The driver of the vehicle is responsible for the safety of their vehicle.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the vehicle. (The vehicle may require modification- more details on the next slide)
• The driver of the vehicle must always have a working leak detector.

Vehicle Requirements For Transporting Hydrocarbons

• Vehicles transporting R290 gas must be mechanically ventilated bringing fresh outside air into the vehicle.

• The drivers cab must be separated from the storage area.

• 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.

• Drivers must always have a properly operating gas leak detector in the cab of the vehicle.

• Warning signs such as 'No smoking' and 'No Electrical devices' should also be displayed in the drivers cabin area.

• 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 IS NOT sufficient to eliminate the risk of incident in the event of a R290 refrigerant leak.

• During transportation of R290 gas, you should always use a gas leak detector.

• 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.

• Driver responsibly
• Safe driving
• Products/ gas properly secured
• No Smoking

Fire Extinguisher –2kg Dry Powder

Mechanical ventilation –Switched ON

Separate cab and transport area

Safety stickers on van exterior

Audible leak detection unit- Switched ON

Summary of Transportation Guidelines

• Follow all local legislation requirements

• Ensure there is a separate cab and transport area
• Easily accessible 2kG Fire extinguisher in all vehicles (Dry Powder)
• Safety labels on the exterior of the vehicle
• Safety labels inside the cab of the vehicle
• Leak Detection system must be present at all times
• Mechanical ventilation is required in all vehicles – opening windows is insufficient
• Driver is responsible for safe transportation of products containing R290
• No smoking or e-cigarettes inside the vehicle