The release of refrigerants to the atmosphere has been linked to stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming. To meet the industry's need to control releases, ASHRAE has published ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 147-2002, Reducing Release of Halogenated Refrigerants from Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Equipment and Systems.

The standard establishes practices and procedures that will reduce inadvertent release of chlorine containing and other halogen containing refrigerants, such as halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerants. "The standard provides industry design and practice standards that reduce the likelihood of refrigerant emissions and help assure that losses can be recognized and repaired in a timely fashion," Bob Roth, a member of the Standard 147 committee, said.

Conformance to ASHRAE Standard 147 is recommended to anyone involved in the design, laboratory testing, equipment manufacturing, field assembly, service, operation or disposal of systems containing halogenated refrigerants, Roth said. Many of the practices found in Standard 147 are familiar because they were previously published in ASHRAE Guideline 3-1996, Reducing Emission of Halogenated Refrigerants in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Equipment and Systems, which is superseded by the new standard, according to Roth.