ODS-FREE DRINKING FOUNTAINS

Revision Date: 9/00
Process Code: Navy/Marines: SR-04-99; Air Force: FA02; Army: N/A
Usage: Navy: Medium; Marines: Medium; Army: Medium; Air Force: Medium
Compliance Impact: Low
Alternative for: CFC containing drinking fountains
Applicable EPCRA Targeted Constituents: Dichlorodifluoromethane (CAS: 75-71-8)
Overview:

The refrigerants used in drinking fountains to chill the water are typically chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). However, there are several companies that have developed CFC-free refrigeration units for their drinking fountains. At least two companies offer CFC-free refrigeration units as part of their drinking fountain products. Both use a non-ozone-depleting chemical called HFC-134a (also known as R-134a), which is a hydrofluorocarbon. While R-134a is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, it is a greenhouse gas and has a global warming potential. Thus, these units must be serviced by certified refrigeration technicians and are subject to the "non-venting rule" for Class I and Class II ODS replacements per the Clean Air Act Amendments as stated in 58 FR 92, Section 608(c)(2) page 28,664, that took effect as of 15 Nov 95. For more details about the venting of refrigerants view the Internet address:

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/subrecsm.html


Compliance Benefit:

Use of non-ozone depleting chemicals as refrigerants in drinking fountains (such as HFC-134a) will help facilities meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 12843 requiring federal agencies to maximize the use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone depleting substances, to the maximum extent practicable. It should be noted that while R-134a is a non-ozone depleting refrigerant, these units are subject to the "non-venting rule" for Class I and Class II ODS replacements per Section 608 of the Clean Air Act Amendments.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.


Materials Compatibility:

No materials compatibility issues identified.


Safety and Health:

Consult your local Industrial Health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing any of these technologies.

Benefits:
  • Facilitates compliance with the Clean Air Act.
  • Reduce the amount of ozone-depleting substances and EPCRA-targeted chemicals going into the environment.
  • Reduce the exposure to constituents that have adverse effects to human health.


Disadvantages: None identified.


Economic Analysis: Water fountains are typically only replaced on an "as needed" basis. The installation costs for both CFC-12 and ODS-free fountains are the same. Water fountains do not typically require special periodic maintenance. Any service would require personnel trained in the handling of R-134a. ODS free water fountains range in price from $250 to $350 from GSA depending on size.


Approving Authority:

Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.


NSN/MSDS:
Product NSN Unit Size Cost MSDS*
Water Cooler 4110-01-280-0178 19x36x20in $319.65  
Water Cooler 4110-00-203-2706 251/2x251/2x44in. $350.93  
Water Cooler 4110-00-255-8760 12x12x411/2in $255.97  
Water Cooler 4110-00-782-5125 19x19x33in $336.42  

*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs.
The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example.


Points of Contact:

EPA:
Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 6205J
401 M St., SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (800)-296-1996 or (301)-614-3396


Vendors:

Haws Company
1435 Fourth St.
Berkeley,  CA   94710
Phone: (510) 525-5801 
FAX: (510) 528-2812
Contact: Ms. Kris Arnold

Oasis Corporation
265 N. Hamilton Road
Columbus,  OH   43213
Phone: (800) 950-3226 7231
or (614) 861-1350
FAX: (614) 861-0831


Sources:

None listed

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