Safety Information for Labconco Refrigerated Products

At Labconco, safety and regulatory compliance are paramount in the design and manufacture of our refrigerated equipment. This page provides essential safety information regarding the refrigerants used in our products.

This document applies to Labconco FreeZone Freeze Dryers, FreeZone Shell Freezers, CentriVap Vacuum Concentrators, CentriVap Cold Traps, and CT-Series Freeze Dryers that utilize specific refrigerant blends and hydrocarbons. All refrigerated Labconco products have been tested and are compliant with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards governing the production of refrigeration systems. This testing has deemed the associated products to be free of leaks and safe under UL certification requirements.

Proper identification, handling, and adherence to safety protocols are critical for the safe operation and maintenance of your equipment.

Refrigerant Classification and Properties

Depending on the model and its manufacturing date, your Labconco equipment may contain one of the following refrigerants. Each has specific safety classifications based on ASHRAE Standard 34.

Note: The specific refrigerant charge weight for your unit is listed inside the unit’s removable panel

Important Safety Warnings

Flammable Refrigerants (R170, R1150, R290) Units containing hydrocarbon refrigerants (R170, R1150, R290) use flammable refrigerants. Failure to follow these safety warnings can result in serious personal injury, death, or property damage.

• Ignition Sources:

  All potential ignition sources, including but not limited to open flames, operating electrical heaters, sparking electrical contacts, and unguarded electrical switches, must be kept at a safe distance from the refrigeration system and any areas where refrigerant could potentially be released.

• Ventilation:

  The equipment must be installed, operated, and serviced in a well-ventilated area. In the event of a refrigerant leak, ventilate the area immediately.

• No Open Flames:

  Do not use open flames or other ignition sources near the equipment.

General Refrigerant Safety (All Units)

• System Integrity:

  Do not tamper with or bypass any safety devices or switches within the refrigeration system.

• Refrigerant Handling:

  Service and maintenance of the refrigeration system must be performed only by qualified and certified technicians who are trained in the safe handling of the specific refrigerant type used in the unit.

• Storage:

  Store unused service refrigerant cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and ignition sources.

Service and Maintenance Protocols

Technicians servicing this equipment must:

• Have access to and use a leak detector specifically rated for the refrigerant type (e.g., hydrocarbon-compatible detectors for R170, R1150, and R290).

• Use recovery equipment designed for flammable refrigerants to prevent ignition during system evacuation or repair.

• Replace components only with manufacturer-approved parts to ensure continued safety and compliance.

Emergency Response

In the event of a major refrigerant leak:

1. Evacuate all personnel from the area.

2. Eliminate all potential ignition sources.

3. Thoroughly ventilate the area.

4. Contact emergency services and a qualified service technician.

For specific information regarding your Labconco instrument, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) associated with your unit’s refrigeration gas or contact Labconco Technical Support.

This webpage is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for reading the product manual or complying with all local regulations and codes.