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FAQ

Q1. How do the public know which air-conditioners are using flammable refrigerants?

The air-conditioners concerned will be labeled with flame label for identification.

Q2. What are the precautions for using household air-conditioners adopting flammable refrigerant?

• A flame symbol shall be provided at air-conditioner；
• Installation should fulfill the minimum room area and minimum installation height as recommended by manufacturer；
• Installation, inspection and maintenance should be conducted by trained practitioners

Q3. What is a professionally trained technician?

All suppliers of household air-conditioners will provide training to qualified technicians on the installation, repair and maintenance of air-conditioners using mildly flammable refrigerants. Technician who have completed the training and acquired with qualified level will be issued with a course certification card.

Q4. How should the public dispose their air-conditioner using mildly flammable properly?

The Waste Electrical Appliances Program implemented by the Environmental Protection Department has been implemented on 1 August 2018. This program covers all types of air-conditioner. When consumers purchase air-conditioners, they can request a free statutory removal service from the seller. If necessary, the public can also call the Environmental Protection Department’s recycling hotline 2676 8888 to make an appointment with the government operator for recycling.

Q5. Is it safe to use household air-conditioner using mildly flammable refrigerants?

According to the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, all household electrical products must comply with the applicable safety requirements such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. These safety standards also regulate the use of mildly flammable refrigerants or flammable refrigerants by setting out requirements on refrigerant level restriction, minimum room area, minimum installation height, etc. Under normal circumstances, there is no difference between the use of mildly flammable refrigerant electrical appliance and ordinary appliance in terms of safety.

Q6. Are there any laws in Hong Kong that regulate the safety of refrigerant?

The relevant regulation on the safety issues of refrigerants are mainly implemented by three relevant government departments: -

• Refrigerants are generally compressed gas and are regulated by the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Chapter295 of the Laws of Hong Kong) enforced by the Fire Services Department.
• If the composition of refrigerant falls under the definition of “gas” under the Gas Safety Ordinance (Chapter 51 of the Laws of Hong Kong), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department may regulate by the relevant regulation.
• In addition, the Labour Department will use the Factory and Industrial Undertaking Ordinance (Chapter 59 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Chapter 509 of the Laws of Hong Kong) to regulate the contractor and employer to conduct a risk assessment before maintenance and repair of any air-conditioning equipment. This is to identify the related hazards and provide appropriate safety measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of accidents. Workers should also be provided with relevant information, guidance, training and supervision.