Ideal launches R290 heat pump safety CPD

UK – Ideal Commercial Heating has launched a CIBSE-approved CPD course looking at R290 heat pump safety.

The course, Safety considerations for R290 commercial air source heat pumps: Understanding the practical application of flammable refrigerants in commercial heating, is aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers, contractors and engineers working with commercial heat pump systems.

Addressing R290 safety requirements

R290, commonly known as propane, is increasingly used in heat pumps as the heating sector moves towards refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP). It has a GWP of three and zero ozone depletion potential, while supporting the high operating temperatures required by many commercial heating applications.

However, R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant, indicating low toxicity and high flammability. Its use therefore requires appropriate risk assessment and consideration of safety throughout system design, specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

The new CPD is intended to address these requirements and build understanding of the practical measures needed when working with R290 systems.

Regulations and risk assessment

The course provides an overview of refrigerant classifications and the regulatory framework governing flammable refrigerants, including the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). It also covers relevant technical standards and guidance, including BS EN 378 and EN 60079-10-1.

Participants are taken through the DSEAR risk assessment process, including identifying hazardous substances, assessing possible refrigerant releases, defining hazardous zones, identifying ignition sources and implementing appropriate control measures.

Exclusion and safety zones

A major part of the CPD focuses on applying exclusion and safety zones around commercial R290 heat pumps.

The course examines how factors including refrigerant charge, potential leak scenarios, ventilation and installation geometry can influence the required zones.

R290 is denser than air, meaning leaked refrigerant can collect in low-lying areas such as drains, pits, manholes, cellars and other depressions. The course consequently considers the positioning of heat pumps in relation to building openings, ventilation intakes and possible ignition sources.

Practical examples include free-field ground installations, units installed in front of walls or within corners, cascade installations and flat-roof applications.

Maintenance and leak detection

Other topics covered include minimum service and efficiency clearances, leak detection, hydraulic circuit safety and the use of deaerators.

The CPD also addresses maintenance requirements over the operational life of an R290 heat pump, including establishing safe working zones, using R290-compatible leak-detection equipment, inspecting exclusion areas and regularly calibrating propane detectors.

The course forms part of Ideal Commercial Heating’s wider CPD programme and is delivered by the company’s specification team, either online or in person across the UK.

Further information and booking details are available through the Ideal Commercial Heating CPD programme.