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Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)

Substitutes for Total Flooding Agents

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.Substitutes are reviewed on the basis of environmental and health risks, including factors such as ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, toxicity, flammability, and exposure potential. Lists of acceptableHelpacceptableThis designation means that a substitute may be used, without restriction, to replace the relevant ODS within the end-use specified. For example, HCFC-22 is an acceptable substitute for R-502 in industrial process refrigeration. Note that all SNAP determinations apply to the use of a specific product as a substitute for a specific ODS in a specific end-use. and unacceptableHelpUnacceptableThis designation means that it is illegal to use a product as a substitute for an ODS in a specific end-use. For example, HCFC-141b is an unacceptable substitute for CFC-11 in building chillers. Note that all SNAP determinations apply to the use of a specific product as a substitute for a specific ODS in a specific end-use. substitutes are updated several times each year. The list of acceptable substitutes are shown below.

Note: SNAP-related information published in the Federal Register takes precedence over all information on this page.

Additional Comments

  1. Must conform with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L Sections 1910.160 and 1910.162.
  2. Per OSHA requirements, protective gear (SCBA) must be available in the event personnel must reenter the area.
  3. Discharge testing should be strictly limited only to that which is essential to meet safety or performance requirements.
  4. The agent should be recovered from the fire protection system in conjunction with testing or servicing, and recycled for later use or destroyed.
  5. EPA recommends that users consult Section VIII of the OSHA Technical Manual for information on selecting the appropriate types of personal protective equipment for all listed fire suppression agents. EPA has no intention of duplicating or displacing OSHA coverage related to the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respiratory protection), fire protection, hazard communication, worker training or any other occupational safety and health standard with respect to EPAs regulation of halon substitutes.
  6. The NFPA 2001 Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems gives guidelines for blends that contain HFC-134a or HCFC-22 and other acceptable total flooding agents, rather than referring to HFC-134a or HCFC-22 alone.