Which ASHRAE refrigerant classification is FDNY most concerned with?

The classification of refrigerants by ASHRAE is crucial for understanding safety, toxicity, and flammability concerns. The FDNY's primary concern is with refrigerants that have higher flammability risks. A3 refrigerants are categorized as highly flammable. This classification indicates that these refrigerants can ignite easily and pose significant risks in fire scenarios. Therefore, when dealing with A3 refrigerants, awareness and response strategies are critical for minimizing hazards during emergencies.

In contrast, refrigerants classified as A2 and C1 denote lower flammability or non-flammable characteristics. While B1 refrigerants present moderate safety concerns, they do not carry the same high risk associated with flammability that A3 refrigerants do. Understanding this helps the FDNY prioritize training, resource allocation, and response strategies effectively for scenarios involving refrigerants, particularly those classified as A3.