News & Views, July 2017

HFO-1234yf REFRIGERANT IS A FLAMMABLE GAS

Automobiles have been using refrigerant gases in their AC systems for decades.  The refrigerant gases have generally been inert gases, such as Freon-12 and R-134.  Recently, many auto manufacturers have started to use HFO-1234yf as the refrigerant gas in their AC systems.  This gas is expensive, about $80/lb., and the recycling machine costs another $5000.  The bigger issue is that it is a flammable gas.  Flammable gases pose special hazards and dealers should take steps to address this concern.

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California Exemption to Log 300 & First Aid Kit, January 2016

CALIFORNIA LAW ON LOG 300

As of the start of 2016, the California Occupation Health & Safety Standards Board has not approved of the changes to the recordkeeping guidelines. This process can take up to six months, essentially pushing the compliance date to January 1, 2017.

In summary, auto dealers in California are currently exempt from Log 300 requirements.  See https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/DoshReg/FinalEmpRec.html.  Cal/OSHA has inspected dealers for regulatory violations and has not requested to see the Log 300 as they are exempt per state regulations.

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