Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners
Contractors must minimize the use and release of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons in federal refrigeration and air conditioning work by following Clean Air Act requirements and EPA SNAP guidance.
Overview
FAR 52.223-12 requires contractors performing maintenance, service, repair, or disposal of refrigeration equipment and air conditioners to minimize the use and release of high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The clause mandates compliance with specific Clean Air Act sections and encourages transitioning to environmentally preferable alternatives as identified by the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. Contractors must also implement leak prevention, recovery, recycling, and responsible disposal practices, and use reclaimed HFCs when feasible. The regulation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices in federal contracts involving refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Key Rules
- Compliance with Clean Air Act
- Contractors must adhere to Sections 608 and 609 of the Clean Air Act as applicable to the contract.
- Transition to Lower GWP Alternatives
- Contractors are required to transition to EPA SNAP-approved alternatives with lower global warming potential where available.
- Leak Prevention and Repair
- Contractors must prevent and repair refrigerant leaks during contract performance.
- Recovery, Recycling, and Disposal
- Contractors must implement programs to recover, recycle, and responsibly dispose of refrigerants to avoid emissions.
- Use of Reclaimed HFCs
- Where feasible, contractors should use reclaimed HFCs for servicing and repairing equipment.
- Reference to EPA SNAP Program
- Contractors must consult the EPA SNAP program to identify acceptable alternatives.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of this clause in applicable contracts and monitor contractor compliance.
- Contractors: Comply with Clean Air Act requirements, minimize use and emissions of high GWP HFCs, transition to SNAP-approved alternatives, and implement best practices for leak prevention and refrigerant management.
- Agencies: Oversee contractor adherence and provide guidance on environmental compliance.
Practical Implications
- This clause exists to reduce the environmental impact of federal operations by limiting greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
- Contractors must stay informed about EPA SNAP-approved alternatives and maintain robust refrigerant management practices.
- Common pitfalls include failure to transition to lower GWP alternatives, inadequate leak prevention, and improper disposal of refrigerants.