EPA 609 Safety & Environmental Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling refrigerants?
- No PPE is required for small amounts
- Safety glasses and gloves rated for refrigerant exposure (Correct answer)
- Full hazmat suit and supplied air respirator
- Only a face shield is needed
Correct answer: Safety glasses and gloves rated for refrigerant exposure
At minimum, safety glasses and gloves should be worn to protect against refrigerant splashes, which can cause frostbite and eye damage.
Question 2: What should be done immediately if liquid refrigerant splashes in your eyes?
- Rub the eyes to remove the refrigerant
- Flush immediately with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention (Correct answer)
- Apply eye drops and wait to see if symptoms resolve
- Cover the eye and continue working
Correct answer: Flush immediately with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention
Refrigerant in the eyes requires immediate flushing with water for at least 15 minutes followed by prompt medical evaluation.
Question 3: Refrigerant stored in a hot environment (above 125°F/52°C) poses what risk?
- The refrigerant becomes less effective
- Cylinder pressure increases and may cause rupture or pressure relief valve activation (Correct answer)
- The refrigerant converts to a different chemical compound
- No significant risk at these temperatures
Correct answer: Cylinder pressure increases and may cause rupture or pressure relief valve activation
High temperatures increase cylinder pressure dramatically; cylinders must be stored below 125°F to prevent relief valve discharge or catastrophic failure.
Question 4: What hazardous gas can form when refrigerant contacts an open flame or very hot surface?
- Carbon monoxide
- Phosgene or hydrofluoric acid gas (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Ozone
Correct answer: Phosgene or hydrofluoric acid gas
When refrigerants decompose in flames, they can produce phosgene (from CFCs) or hydrofluoric acid (from HFCs), both of which are extremely toxic.
Question 5: Refrigerant work areas should have:
- Sealed windows to prevent refrigerant from escaping outside
- Adequate ventilation to prevent refrigerant accumulation at floor level (Correct answer)
- Heating to keep refrigerant in vapor form
- Negative air pressure to prevent refrigerant release
Correct answer: Adequate ventilation to prevent refrigerant accumulation at floor level
Refrigerant vapors are heavier than air and accumulate at floor level, where they can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.
Question 6: What symptom indicates possible refrigerant overexposure?
- Increased energy and alertness
- Dizziness, headache, or irregular heartbeat (Correct answer)
- Skin redness only
- Improved vision and hearing
Correct answer: Dizziness, headache, or irregular heartbeat
High refrigerant concentrations displace oxygen and can cause dizziness, headache, and cardiac sensitization (irregular heartbeat) that can be fatal.
EPA 609 Safety & Environmental Practices 1
What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling refrigerants?