Circular No. 50/2015/TT-BLDTBXH Issuing National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety for Refrigeration Systems

CIRCULAR
Issuing National Technical Regulations on Occupational Safety
for Refrigeration Systemsh

___________________________ 

Pursuant to Decree No. 106/2012/ND-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs;

Based on Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions

Pursuant to Decree No. 132/2008/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2008 of the Government detailing implementation of certain provisions of the Product Quality Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate;

The Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs issues this Circular prescribing the National Technical Regulation on Safety in Work for Refrigeration Systems.

Clause 4 of Article 6This Circular promulgates the National Technical Regulation on Safety in Work for Refrigeration Systems.

Designation: QCVN 21:2015/MOLISA.

12/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and EnvironmentThis Circular takes effect from January 25, 2016.

Article 3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, and relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementation.

QCVN 21: 2015/MOLISA

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFETY IN WORK FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

National technical regulation on safe work of refrigerating system

Foreword

QCVN 21: 2015/MOLISA - National technical regulation on safety in work for refrigeration systems compiled by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs pursuant to Circular No. 50/2015/TT-LAB dated December 8, 2015, following the review comments of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON SAFETY IN WORK FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

National technical regulation on safe work of refrigerating system

1. General Provisions

1.1. Scope of Application

1.1.1. This regulation sets out requirements for safety for people and equipment during production, import, circulation, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems.

1.1.2. This regulation applies to refrigeration systems in which the refrigerant evaporates and condenses within a closed loop cycle, including heat pumps and absorption systems, except those using water or air as the refrigerant.

1.1.3. This regulation applies to newly installed air conditioning systems, air conditioning systems moved from one operating location to another, excluding air conditioning systems designed for mobile units such as refrigerated trucks or refrigeration systems on ships.

This regulation also applies to cases where refrigeration systems switch from one refrigerant to another.

1.2. Applicability

This Regulation applies to:

1.2.1. Organizations and individuals producing, importing, circulating, installing, and using refrigeration systems;

1.2.2. Agencies and other organizations and individuals related to the matter.

1.3. Definitions

1.3.1. Machine room: A space containing parts of the refrigeration system (for safety reasons) but not including rooms containing evaporators, condensers, or pipes.

1.3.2. Pipe: Pipes connecting different parts of the refrigeration system.

1.3.3. Safety device: A valve or bursting disc designed to automatically reduce pressure when pressure exceeds a certain level.

1.3.4. Refrigerant: A medium used in the reverse thermodynamic cycle to absorb heat from the environment to be cooled and transfer it to a higher temperature environment.

1.3.5. Weld joint: A sealed connection made by joining metal parts together in a plastic or molten state.

In addition to the terms mentioned above, this regulation also applies the definitions provided in TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993) Refrigeration and air conditioning systems for cooling and heating - Safety requirements.

2. Technical Provisions

2.1. General provisions:

Refrigeration systems falling within the scope of Article 1 must meet the minimum technical characteristics according to the technical requirements of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

2.2. Specific provisions:

2.2.1. Classification:

Requirements and measures for safety of refrigeration systems are established based on factors such as cooling space, cooling method, and refrigerant.

Apply classification of refrigeration systems according to Chapter 2 - Classification of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

The classification according to refrigerant does not apply to: R11, R12, R13, R502 which have been banned from use.

2.2.2. Design and Construction Requirements

Apply Chapter 3 of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

2.2.3. Usage Requirements:

2.2.3.1. Machine Room:

- The machine room for installation of air conditioning equipment must be of sufficient size to allow easy access to all parts of the equipment, with adequate space for servicing, maintenance, and operation.

- The clear height under horizontally placed equipment over walkways shall not be less than 2 meters.

- The air conditioning machine room must have doors opening outward (self-closing from the outside), with a sufficient number of doors to ensure that people can freely exit in emergency situations. There shall be no openings allowing refrigerant to escape into other parts of the building.

- The machine rooms must be ventilated with the outdoors. If mechanical ventilation is not required, natural ventilation through regularly open windows or grilles may be used. However, natural ventilation shall not be used if it cannot be arranged without affecting the concentration of refrigerant vapor.

- The total area of openings used for natural ventilation must correspond to the quantity of refrigerant in the entire installed cooling system within the machine room, and comply with formula (4.1) of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

- The area for natural ventilation airflow shall not have obstacles such as walls, columns around the building or similar obstructions.

- Mechanical ventilation suitable for use with electric fans capable of extracting the minimum amount of air from the machine room as given in formula (4.2) of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

- Air intake ducts or pipes must be located close to the machine and properly shielded. Exhaust air must be discharged outside the building in a manner that does not cause danger.. Openings for clean air intake must be arranged so that exhaust air does not recirculate.

- In machine rooms without natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation must be continuously operated to ensure the health of operators.

- Adjacent rooms used for different purposes must only be connected to the machine room via self-closing, tightly sealed doors with fire resistance capability for at least one hour.

- All pipes passing through walls, ceilings, and floors must be tightly sealed.

- Ventilation openings facing outside shall not be located below emergency exit routes or staircases.

- There must be at least one emergency exit route.

- Remote control switches to stop the machine must be placed outside and near the entrance door of the machine room.

- A separate ventilation unit and an emergency condition check unit must be placed outside, near the machine room.

- Equipment that could produce flames shall not be used in the machine room.

2.2.3.2. Other Special Precautions:

a) Protection of Fans and Moving Parts:

Fans and all moving parts of the machinery must be shielded and protected.

b) Refrigerants in the Machine Room:

- Only refrigerants classified as Group 1 in Section 2.3.1 of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993) may be stored.

- Separate storage facilities must be provided for refrigerants classified as Group 2, Group 3 in Section 2.3.1 of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

- Direct discharge of refrigerant into the environment is prohibited.

- Containers must not be filled beyond their permitted capacity for each type of refrigerant.

c) Warning Signs:

Cold rooms, rooms with hazardous gases, machine rooms... must be clearly marked on the entrance doors with the notice "No Entry Without Task". Additionally, there must be notices stating "Do Not Operate Equipment Without Permission".

d) Safety for People in Cold Rooms:

- Emergency exit lights must be installed using an independent power source or luminous paint in case of failure of lighting or power outage.

- After work stops, a check must be made to ensure that no one remains inside the cold room before locking the door.

- Cold rooms must be designed to ensure that people inside can exit on their own or report to those outside at any time. Cold rooms must meet the following conditions:

+ Doors must be operable from both inside and outside;

+ Installation of signal lights, alarms, or bells controlled from inside near the door and visible and audible from outside.

+ Provision of an axe near the door inside;

+ Provision of an external communication telephone in each cold room;

+ In cases where doors are opened and closed by electricity or compressed air, there must be a manual mechanism to open the door from inside;

+ Emergency exits must be insulated and operable from inside.

e) Water spray devices must be available for ammonia leaks.

g) Water Pipes:

Connection of water pipes to water supply sources or drainage points must comply with current national or international standards.

h) Disposal of Refrigerants:

When disposing of refrigerants, appropriate collection equipment must be used as required by technical specifications; direct disposal of refrigerants into the environment is prohibited.

i) Labeling for assembled and installed refrigeration systems: Apply Section 4.2.7 of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

2.2.3.3. Requirements for Using Refrigeration Systems and Corresponding Refrigerants According to Cooling Space:

Apply Section 4.3 of TCVN 6104:1996 (ISO 5149:1993).

2.2.4. Operation Requirements:

2.2.4.1. Training:

a) Operator Training:

- Operators must be fully trained and possess the necessary skills, expertise, and knowledge about related equipment. Operators must be trained in occupational safety and health and issued certificates as prescribed.

- Before putting a new refrigeration system into operation, operators must be instructed on the construction, operation, and necessary safety measures; they must understand the dangers posed by the special properties of refrigerants to human health.

b) Operation:

A unit using a refrigeration system containing more than 25 kg of refrigerant must place a clearly visible sign near the refrigeration compressor, on which instructions for actions to be taken in case of malfunction and leakage shall be recorded as follows:

- Instructions for shutting down the entire refrigeration system in emergency situations;

- The name and address of the fire station, police, and hospital;

- The name, address, and telephone number of repair services. The sign must include a schematic diagram of the equipment with identification numbers or other notes for shut-off valves.

c) Guidance materials:

- The manufacturer or installer must provide guidance materials accompanying the refrigeration system, consisting of one or more copies, and must provide comprehensive safety instructions.

- The guidance materials must include at least the following contents:

+ Detailed information about the items listed on the sign mentioned above in Part b, Section 2.2.4.1;

+ Description of the purpose of the refrigeration system;

+ Description of machines and equipment along with cooling circuit diagrams and electrical diagrams;

+ Detailed information about starting and stopping the machine;

+ Description of common causes and methods of repairing malfunctions;

+ Mentioning maintenance measures together with a maintenance schedule.

+ Accurate information about the refrigerant used and necessary warnings regarding this type of refrigerant.

d) Charging refrigerants:

- It is not allowed to charge unsuitable refrigerants into the refrigeration system that could lead to explosions or other accidents.

- The amount of refrigerant contained in the cylinder must not exceed the permitted value. The permissible quantity of refrigerant contained in the cylinder is marked on the cylinder.

e) Maintenance:

- All parts of the equipment must be carefully maintained to prevent damage to the machine and danger to people. Any defects found must be repaired immediately.

- All safety inspection tools installed must be maintained and must be rechecked each time repairs are carried out on the system.

g) Repairs:

- If arc-producing and flame-producing tools such as arc welding equipment and brazing equipment are used during repairs and improvements, this work can only be performed in fully ventilated rooms. During repairs, ventilation equipment must operate continuously and all windows and doors must be open.

- When repairing components of the refrigerant circulation loop, in addition to the repair person, another supervisor must be arranged to observe and assist. Necessary protective equipment and firefighting tools must be ready.

- Electric arc welding and brazing work must be performed by qualified welders.

2.2.4.2. Protective Equipment:

To protect people and equipment, appropriate protective equipment must be provided based on the size of the refrigeration system and the type of refrigerant; specifically as follows:

- Fire extinguishers with suitable liquid media must be selected to avoid dangerous reactions between the liquid media in the fire extinguisher and the refrigerant.

- Personal protective equipment such as protective clothing, gas masks, and protective gloves must be carefully stored safely in a warehouse; the warehouse must be close to the refrigeration system. The provision of respirators or gas masks depends on the nature of the refrigerant.

3. Regulations on labor safety management in production, import, circulation, installation, and use of refrigeration systems.

3.1. Technical documentation of the refrigeration system includes:

3.1.1. General description; selection calculation drawings of component equipment;

3.1.2. Overall refrigeration system drawings indicating dimensions and main parameters;

3.1.3. Diagrams of operating principles and main technical features of the refrigeration system;

3.1.4. Inspection and hydraulic testing procedures;

3.1.5. Installation and safe operation guidelines.

3.2. Safety assurance conditions for domestically produced refrigeration systems:

Refrigeration systems within the scope of this Standard must:

3.2.1. Have complete technical documentation;

3.2.2. Be certified and announced as compliant (according to conformity assessment method 8 stipulated in Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 of the Ministry of Science and Technology);

3.2.3. Already have compliance marks affixed before being put into circulation on the market;

3.2.4. Be subject to quality product inspection supervision by the Quality Product Inspection Agency under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

3.3. Safety assurance conditions for imported refrigeration systems:

3.3.1. Imported refrigeration systems meeting the provisions of Section 3.1, certified and announced as compliant (according to conformity assessment method 8 stipulated in Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 of the Ministry of Science and Technology) by a designated certification organization in Vietnam or a foreign certification organization recognized according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party or international agreements concluded by the competent authority of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.3.2. In cases where imported refrigeration systems are exempted from quality inspection upon importation according to bilateral or multilateral agreements between the competent authority of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and exporting countries, these systems are exempted from import inspection.

3.3.3. Imported refrigeration systems not meeting the provisions of Section 3.1 must be inspected at the port of entry by a designated inspection organization or an organization recognized according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party or international agreements concluded by the competent authority of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam when imported.

3.3.4. Imported refrigeration systems must be inspected for quality according to prescribed procedures and will be dealt with if there are violations according to the law.

3.3.5. Refrigeration systems may only be installed if the following conditions are met:

- Complete technical documentation;

- Certified and announced as compliant according to regulations. Imported refrigeration systems must have completed customs procedures.

- The accompanying machine parts must be synchronized or manufactured in the form of a combination from multiple manufacturers and countries, and it is the responsibility of the refrigeration system manufacturer named to ensure technical characteristics.

3.3.6. The installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair units for refrigeration systems must meet the following conditions:

- Having legal entity status, registered by the competent authority to operate in this field;

- Having sufficient technical staff trained in specialized fields. There must be a skilled workforce with training and occupational safety and health certificates as prescribed;

- Possessing adequate technical conditions and technological capabilities for installation, calibration, and repair work;

- Adhering to the installation, operation, and usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer and ensuring the technical parameters of the refrigeration system according to the technical documentation;

Based on the technical documentation, the installation unit must prepare the following documents for handover to the user unit:

+ Operation and safe usage instructions for the refrigeration system before commissioning;

+ Maintenance and regular inspection schedules;

4. Technical Safety Inspection and Registration of Refrigeration Systems

4.1. Before being put into use, refrigeration systems must undergo initial inspection, periodic inspections during use, and irregular inspections according to the inspection procedures issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

The technical safety inspection of refrigeration systems must be conducted by inspection organizations designated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, in accordance with legal procedures.

4.2. During the inspection process, inspection organizations and refrigeration system management and usage units must strictly adhere to the technical safety inspection procedures for refrigeration systems issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

4.3. Refrigeration systems that pass the inspection requirements must be labeled as prescribed.

4.4. The inspection cycle for refrigeration systems is once every six years.

5. Supervision, inspection, and handling of violations

5.1. Supervision and handling of violations in implementing this Standard shall be carried out by the State Labor Inspectorate.

5.2. Quality control of production, import, circulation, and use of refrigeration systems shall be conducted in accordance with the Law on Product Quality.

6. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals

6.1. Organizations and individuals responsible for manufacturing, importing, circulating, repairing, installing, managing, and using refrigeration systems have the obligation to comply with the provisions of this Standard.

6.2. This Standard serves as the basis for quality inspection agencies to conduct inspections and also as the basis for conformity assessment organizations to issue conformity certification.

7. Implementation

7.1. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the implementation of this Standard.

7.2. Local state management agencies on labor shall be responsible for guiding, supervising, and inspecting the implementation of the provisions of this Standard.

7.3. This Standard shall take effect six months from the date of signature.

7.4. During implementation, if there are any issues, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall promptly report them to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for consideration and resolution./.