New book on safe use of flammables
9th February 2026
AUSTRIA: Just published is a new book offering a complete overview of regulations, standards, and best practices regarding fire and explosion hazards in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems.
The 78-page book, authored by seasoned HVACR professionals, has been written to support the safe operation of systems using flammable refrigerants, with a particular focus on propane (R290).
The book, Propane, Naturally Safe!, looks at European regulations, standards, and directives but does not cover special national regulations. It provides practical safety knowledge from risk analysis and explosion protection documents to typical protective measures in everyday service.
There are checklists, examples and tips for operators, consultants, manufacturers, project managers, specialist companies and installation contractors.
The book is authored by Stig Rath and Harald Erös. Rath is the author of several books and a trained refrigeration and heat pump engineer. He serves as chair of Standard Norge Committee 033 for heating and cooling systems in buildings and was appointed by Small Business Standards, an EU-funded organisation, to represent small and medium sized refrigeration and heat pump companies in European standardisation work.
Harald Erös holds master craftsman qualifications in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration engineering, and has also completed studies in energy and environmental management and in building technology. He teaches at the Austrian Refrigeration Technology Academy and in master classes throughout Austria as well as at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland.
A founding member and the chairman of the Austrian Association of Refrigeration (ÖGKT), Erös is also chair of the Austrian standards committee for refrigeration systems and heat pumps.
The book is available, priced €68 plus shipping, via the online shop of the Austrian Association of Refrigeration (ÖGKT).
