Refrigerant Toxicity & Exposure Limits
R-123, the most common HCFC low-pressure refrigerant, has an ASHRAE safety classification of B1, meaning it has higher toxicity but is non-flammable. Its OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 ppm. By contrast, R-11 (CFC) is classified A1 (lower toxicity, non-flammable) with a much higher PEL of 1,000 ppm. The lower PEL for R-123 means stricter precautions are required to protect technicians and building occupants.
R-123 is classified B1 (higher toxicity) with a 50 ppm PEL; R-11 is A1 (lower toxicity) with a 1,000 ppm PEL.
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