EPA Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP)

Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the SNAP program to review alternatives to ozone depleting refrigerants. Under the authority of the 1990 Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA examines alternative refrigerants for the following characteristics:
- Ozone depletion.
- Global warming.
- Flammability.
- Toxicity.

NOTE: Under the SNAP program the EPA does not test alternatives for their effectiveness as a refrigerant.

Use Conditions
Alternative refrigerants which the EPA has deemed acceptable are subject to the following "Use Conditions". When used in accordance with these conditions the EPA believes approved alternatives are safer for human health and the environment than CFC-12.

Remove Original Refrigerant
The original CFC-12 must be removed from the system prior to charging with the new refrigerant.

NOTE: This requirement means that no alternative can be used as a "drop-in".

Unique Fittings
Each new refrigerant must be used with a unique set of fittings to prevent the accidental mixing of different refrigerants. These fittings are attachement points on the car itself, on all recovery/recycling equipment, on can taps and other charging equipment, and on all refrigerant containers. If the car is being retrofitted, any service fittings not converted to the new refrigerant must be permanently disabled.

Labels
Whether a car is originally designed to use a new refrigerant or is retrofitted, the technician must apply a detailed label giving specific information about the alternative. The labels's color is chosen by the manufacturer to be unique, and it contains:
- The name and address of the technician and the company performing the retrofit.
- The date of the retrofit.
- The trade name, charge amount, and when applicable the ASHRAE numerical designation of the refrigerant.
- The type, manufacturer, and amount of lubricant used.
- If the refrigerant is or contains an ozone-depleting substance, the phrase "ozone depleter" must be indicated.
This label covers up information about the old refrigerant, and provides details on the alternative and how it was used. It also tells the owner who performed the retrofit.

Barrier Hoses
HCFC-22, a component used in some blends, can seep out through traditional non-barrier type hoses. When using a blend which contains HCFC-22 the technician must replace the old hoses with new, less permeable barrier hoses.

NOTE: Additional information concerning the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) policies on "Drop-in" refrigerants may be found on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ or call the EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline, at 800-296-1996.