PHMSA refrigerating machine exception leaves out air and barge to rural Alaska

Shippers moving refrigeration units to Alaska communities off the road system will still need a case-by-case federal special permit. Qualifying ground shipments, including those within Alaska's road system, get a streamlined exception instead.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued the final rule July 31. It was signed by Administrator Paul J. Roberti.

The rule allows highway and rail transport of refrigerating machines containing up to 20 kilograms of flammable, non-toxic refrigerant gases without a special permit. Eligible gases are those classified as Category 1B under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or as Group A2L refrigerants under ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34.

The rule takes effect 15 days after publication in the Federal Register. PHMSA said it responds to wider use of these refrigerants since the AIM Act required manufacturers to transition away from certain hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants.

The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles was among the commenters supporting the amendment. The group said limiting the exception to highway and rail does not help remote areas, including parts of Alaska, "where air service is the only practical means of transportation."

PHMSA cited "limited experience authorizing these items for vessel and air transportation." The agency said it will keep approving those shipments one permit at a time, and may revisit the approach later.

For communities reached only by plane or barge, the permit-by-permit process remains the only path.