CPD seminar covers R290 heat pump safety

UK: Ideal Commercial Heating has launched a new CIBSE-approved CPD seminar designed to help heating professionals understand the safety considerations associated with commercial R290 air-source heat pumps.

This one-hour CPD seminar provides an overview of R290 as an A3 refrigerant in commercial heating and explaining its environmental benefits.

The session explores the UK regulatory framework governing R290 installations, including DSEAR, ATEX, EN 378 and related legislation, before examining the principles of hazardous area classification, exclusion and safety zones, and risk assessment. It explains how the required zones are influenced by factors including refrigerant charge, possible leak scenarios, ventilation conditions and the geometry of the installation.

The CPD also considers the way propane behaves in the event of a leak. As R290 is denser than air, it can accumulate in low-lying areas such as drains, pits, manholes, cellars and other depressions. The CPD therefore examines how the positioning of heat pumps, building openings, ventilation intakes and possible ignition sources can affect installation safety.  

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

Further information on the Ideal Heating website.