SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Indoor Air Quality and Hazards

Topic

Refrigerants

Question #

I5.2 – Refrigerant Inspections

Question

Have leak checks and inspections been conducted on refrigerant systems?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building – systems managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = 2 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Tenant occupied building: No systems managed by the owner/landlord OR No systems in the building require refrigerants = 0/0

Max of 2 points

Requirements

  1. Identify the third-party consultant or service contractor responsible for conducting the required refrigeration leak tests. The service contractor should have an ozone depleting substance (ODS) certification card or equivalent
  2. Conduct inspections and tests at regular intervals as outlined in the respective refrigeration standards and detail:
    • The date of service and time since previous service
    • The nature of the service
    • Whether a leak was discovered
    • Corrective action taken, such as the amount of refrigerant lost or added to the system

Inspections are required annually in Federal sites in Canada. For provincially regulated sites the leak check inspection is required when equipment needs to be charged or topped up.

Documentation

  • Credentials of third-party delivering the refrigerant management service
  • Record of most recent refrigeration inspections and leak tests conducted

Suggested Lead

This question requires a third-party

Value

  • Refrigerant leaks can pose significant risks to occupants and can emit harmful gases into the environment. These gases can negatively contribute to ozone depletion and global warming
  • Building off I5.1 – Refrigerant Safety program, perform regular inspections of refrigerant using equipment looking for leaks to manage potential risks

Description

Refrigerants are fluids used by heating and cooling equipment (e.g., air conditioners, heat pumps, commercial chillers, and variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) systems) to transfer heat. Some refrigerants present both a health and environmental hazard. Safety measures should be employed to reduce the potential for releases. A Refrigerant Safety Program can help prevent leaks or occupant exposure to refrigerants and halocarbons. Regular leak checks and inspections safeguard occupants from potential risks.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0