Excerpt:
Propane, naturally safe!
This book aims to help professionals safely operate heat pumps and refrigerating systems with flammable refrigerants. The focus is on propane (R-290) - representative of all hydrocarbons - because it is currently the most widely used natural refrigerant for refrigeration, air conditioning and heating technology. Moving away from fluorinated synthetic refrigerants requires a clear technological shift. Propane provides excellent thermodynamic properties and is environmentally friendly, but it also presents serious fire and explosion hazards. The purpose of this book is to explain how to protect people and property from the dangers of explosive atmospheres – from system design and construction through to everyday operation.
What this book offers:
• focus on European regulations: only EU-wide regulations, standards and directives are discussed;
• special national regulations are not covered
• practical safety knowledge: from risk analysis and explosion protection documents to typical protective
• measures in everyday service
• practical guidance: checklists, examples and tips for operators, manufacturers, project managers,
• specialist companies and installation companies
• current status 2025: reflecting the latest regulations, standards, and market developments
For €68 gross + shipping
How to use the book:
You do not need to read every page. Depending on your role, the chapters will direct you to the most relevant topics:
• Operators: obligations, risk assessment, explosion protection documents
• Manufacturers: risk assessment, conformity, CE marking
• Contractors (installers): assembly, hazard analysis
• Refrigeration technicians: maintenance, inspection, repair, leak detection
At the same time, you can also find specific information on system types:
• Heat pumps and refrigeration systems in ventilated enclosures
• Separate machinery rooms
• Air-to-water heat pumps and air-cooled chillers
• Air-to-air heat pumps and split air conditioners
• Brine-to-water heat pump
• Exhaust air heat pumps
To make sure each chapter contains all the information relevant for its target audience, some content is deliberately repeated.
Which questions are answered:
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Is there a difference between heat pumps for commercial use and those for residential use?
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Are small charge quantities exempt from risk assessment?
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Is it unnecessary to prepare an explosion protection document for heat pumps?
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Does a hermetically sealed refrigerant circuit mean that no Ex-certified equipment is required?
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Does ventilation mean that Ex-certified equipment is not required?
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Why is it problematic to use semi-hermetic compressors without Ex certification – even if they are “tight”?
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Are “possible” and “potential” ignition sources exactly the same?
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Is there a legal requirement for ventilation of cargo compartments in service vehicles.
Best of luck with your projects – and remember to stay safe.
Stig Rath and Harald Erös
January 2026
About the authors:
In 2018, Stig Rath and Harald Eros happened to meet in Vienna after both had left a presentation in which natural refrigerants were described as dangerous.
They quickly realized that they shared the same conviction. The future must be safe and it must also be climate friendly.
The first edition of Flammable Refrigerants was published in 2020. After five years of intensive
collaboration they have now combined all their experience and knowledge in Propane, naturally safe! This is the first book that provides a complete overview of regulations, standards, and best practices regarding fire and explosion hazards in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems.
Stig Rath is a trained refrigeration and heat pump engineer. He is the author of several books. He has decades of international experience with all types of systems and refrigerants.
He serves as chair of Standard Norge Committee 033 for heating and cooling systems in buildings. He was appointed by Small Business Standards, an EU funded organisation, to represent small and medium sized refrigeration and heat pump companies in European standardization work.
Harald Eros combines practical experience and theoretical knowledge:
He holds master craftsman qualifications in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration engineering. He has also completed studies in energy and environmental management and in building technology. He has been active in the refrigeration industry since 2002. He also teaches at the Austrian Refrigeration Technology Academy and in master classes throughout Austria as well as at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland.
He serves as chair of the Austrian standards committee for refrigeration systems and heat pumps. He is active in international standardization work. He is a founding member and the chairman of the Austrian Association of Refrigeration {OGKT).