Refrigerant Gas Leak Detection

Chillers and HVAC Systems pose the greatest risk of hazardous release of refrigerant.  Many of Longwood’s buildings have chillers that are located in ground floor mechanical rooms.

Areas with potential for significant release of refrigerants (e.g., mechanical rooms with a chiller) must be constructed and maintained in accord with the International Building Codes. The following are clarifications:

• Alarms will be audible and visible both inside and outside these spaces.
• A leak detection system for refrigerants must be installed. Detectors should monitor the refrigerant concentration in ppm output that will be displayed locally.
• When the building is equipped with a building automation system (BAS), the leak detection system must be monitored by the BAS and send a refrigerant alarm to the Facilities Management
• Any door must have an exterior sign that reads:

“DANGER: Refrigerant Gas (Asphyxiation Hazard)”

“When alarm sounds, Do Not Enter Room. Vacate Area At Once”

• Door must have the appropriate NFPA 704 sign.
• Refrigerant Horn/Strobe must be labeled “Refrigerant Gas Alarm”

Leak detection systems are maintained by Facilities Management.

For more information on Pesticide Management email Environmental Health and Safety at safety@longwood.edu.