Europe highlights revision of EN378

February 16, 2022

The European Commission has pinpointed a revision of EN 378 and the risk analysis process for flammable refrigerants as a priority for this year.

A revision of EN 378-1, EN 378-2 and EN 378-3 and the creation of a completely new part 5 on safety classification and information about refrigerants is included within the EC’s 2022 Union work programme for European standardisation.

European Standard EN 378 covers safety and environmental requirements for the design, manufacture, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair and disposal of refrigerating, air conditioning and heat pump systems and appliances.

In addition, the EC’s work programme seeks a new standard on the requirements and risk analysis process for refrigerating systems operated with flammable refrigerants that are used in road transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

The objective, it says, is to enable an easier and bigger uptake of “natural” refrigerants in the RAC sector.

The 2022 work programme is part of the EC’s new Standardisation Strategy which, it claims, aims to strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness, to enable a resilient, green and digital economy and to enshrine democratic values in technology applications.

The Standardisation Strategy seeks to “anticipate, prioritise and address” standardisation needs in strategic areas. As part of this, the EC will establish the function of a chief standardisation officer to ensure high-level guidance across the Commission on standardisation activities. It will be supported by an EU excellence hub on standards composed of Commission services.