§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety standards are in p1ace to regulate the use of hydrocarbon gases in refrigeration systems; when they were introduced; and what the safety record has been since their introduction. [122858]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 25 May 2000]There is no safety legislation that applies exclusively to the safety of hydrocarbon gases in refrigeration systems. Employers using such a system would have duties under general legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 to ensure the health and safety of anyone who may be affected by their undertaking. In addition, employers and others may have duties specifically in respect of risks from equipment or dangerous substances in other legislation including
195Wthe Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999the Pressure Systems (Safety) Regulations 2000the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.A British Standard 4434:1995 "Specification for safety and environmental aspects in the design, construction and installation of refrigerating appliances and systems" is intended to minimise possible hazards from all types of refrigerating appliances, systems and ancillary equipment. The first part of a European Standard (PREN 378) "Refrigerating systems and heat pumps: Safety and environmental requirements" has come into force and partially replaces BS:4434.
British Standard BS EN60335–2–24 "Safety of household and similar electrical appliances" published in November 1999 covers all safety aspects of refrigerators, freezers and certain ice-makers intended for use in domestic and similar applications, including camping, touring caravans and boats for leisure purposes.
Statistical information is not sufficiently detailed to determine whether any reported incidents in the home or at work involved hydrocarbon gases in refrigeration systems.