Excerpt:
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Propane, naturally safe!
This book supports professionals in the safe operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems using flammable refrigerants, with a particular focus on propane (R-290). Propane is the most widely used natural refrigerant in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating, and is representative of hydrocarbons in general.
What this book offers:
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Focus on European regulations: only EU-wide regulations, standards, and directives are discussed; special national regulations are not covered
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Practical safety knowledge: from risk analysis and explosion protection documents to typical protective measures in everyday service
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Practical guidance: checklists, examples and tips for operators, manufacturers, project managers, specialist companies and installation companies
This book is also available in german and norwegian:
How to use the book:
You do not need to read the whole book. Each chapter highlights what is most relevant to your role:
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Operators: obligations, risk assessment, and explosion protection documents
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Manufacturers: risk assessment, conformity, CE marking
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Contractors (installers): installation, assembly, hazard analysis
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Refrigeration technicians: maintenance, inspection, repair, leak detection
At the same time, you can also find specific information on system types:
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Heat pumps and refrigeration systems in ventilated enclosures
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Separate machinery rooms
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Air-to-water heat pumps and air-cooled chillers
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Air-to-air heat pumps and split air conditioners
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Brine-to-water heat pump
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Exhaust air heat pumps
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 any 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 Erös 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 Erös 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 (ÖGKT).
Propane, naturally safe! is an essential tool for professionals who want to ensure that their systems meet the highest safety standards and who want to contribute to a more sustainable future.