Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - Refrigerant R512A

1.1 Product identifier

1.2 Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet

1.3 Emergency telephone number

National Chemical Emergency Hotline (China): +86-532-83889090 (24 hours)

Supplier Emergency Contact: +86-571-87024025

2.1 GHS classification

2.2 GHS label elements

Signal word: Warning

2.3 Other hazards

• Vapor is heavier than air and may spread long distances along the ground, creating an oxygen-deficient environment in low-lying areas.
• A2L mildly flammable gas: can ignite under specific concentration and ignition source conditions, but burning velocity is low and flammability limits are narrow.
• Decomposes at high temperatures (>500°C) producing toxic and corrosive gases (hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbonyl fluoride, etc.).
• Cylinders may rupture or burst when heated due to increased internal pressure.
• High-concentration exposure may cause cardiac sensitization to catecholamines, potentially leading to arrhythmia.

3.1 Substance/mixture

This product is a mixture of HFO and HFC refrigerants. The exact composition ratio and mixture type (azeotropic or near-azeotropic) are subject to manufacturer confirmation.

3.2 Composition information

Note: Composition is estimated based on GWP value back-calculation. For exact composition, please refer to the latest manufacturer data.

3.3 Impurity information

4.1 Description of necessary first aid measures

General advice: Remove victim from contaminated area immediately. Keep warm and at rest. Show this SDS to attending physician.

Inhalation:

• Move victim to fresh air immediately. Keep airway clear.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
• If not breathing, give artificial respiration (preferably with bag-valve-mask or pocket mask; avoid mouth-to-mouth).
• If no pulse, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
• Keep victim warm and at rest. Monitor condition closely.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Skin contact (frostbite):

• Immediately flush affected area with large amounts of lukewarm water (37–40°C) to promote rewarming.
• Do NOT use hot water (>40°C) or direct heat (e.g., electric heaters).
• Do NOT rub or massage frostbitten area; this may worsen tissue damage.
• Carefully remove frozen clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, do NOT pull it off; cut around it.
• Cover with sterile dressing.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Eye contact:

• Immediately hold eyelids open and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes.
• Ensure complete irrigation of all eye surfaces by lifting upper and lower lids.
• Remove contact lenses if present and easily removable.
• Seek medical attention immediately, preferably from an ophthalmologist.

Ingestion:

Not applicable. This substance is a gas at ambient temperature; ingestion exposure is not expected.

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

• Acute inhalation: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, ataxia, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrhythmia.
• Skin contact (liquid): frostbite (pale, hard skin, pain, blistering).
• Eye contact (liquid): severe frostbite, corneal damage, visual impairment.

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

5.1 Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media: Water fog, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam. For A2L mildly flammable gas, prioritize cutting off gas source before extinguishing.

Unsuitable extinguishing media: No specific contraindications.

5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

• A2L mildly flammable gas: flammable within specific concentration range in air (narrow limits); low burning velocity (≤10 cm/s).
• Actual fire risk is low, but avoid contact with strong ignition sources in confined spaces.
• Thermal decomposition at high temperatures (>500°C) produces toxic and corrosive gases: hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbonyl fluoride, etc.
• Cylinders may rupture or burst when heated due to increased internal pressure.
• May react with alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and aluminum powder under certain conditions.

5.3 Hazardous combustion products

Hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl fluoride (COF₂), and other fluorinated compounds.

5.4 Advice for firefighters

• Firefighters must wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective fire-resistant clothing.
• If possible, move containers from fire area to a safe location.
• Cool containers with water spray from a safe distance until fire is extinguished.
• Immediately evacuate if containers show discoloration or if pressure relief devices begin to vent.
• Isolate the area; keep unauthorized personnel out.
• Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish unless leak can be stopped safely (P377); otherwise, flammable gas may re-accumulate causing re-ignition or explosion.
• Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so (P381).

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures

• Evacuate personnel from the leak area to upwind locations immediately. Establish a perimeter and restrict access.
• Emergency responders should wear SCBA, standard work clothing, cryogenic gloves, and eye protection.
• Enter from upwind direction.
• Stop leak if it can be done safely.
• Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
• Eliminate all ignition sources (open flames, electrical sparks, static electricity). Use non-sparking tools only.
• Maintain emergency contact personnel for external support.

6.2 Environmental precautions

• Prevent gas from entering sewers, basements, or confined spaces.
• Ventilate the area to accelerate dispersion.
• Minimize releases to control greenhouse gas emissions; recover whenever possible.
• Avoid release to atmosphere, waterways, or soil.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

• Small leak: Increase ventilation to accelerate gas dispersion. Monitor oxygen levels and combustible gas concentration to prevent asphyxiation and ignition.
• Large leak:
  • Close source valve if safe to do so.
  • Recover using dedicated gas recovery equipment.
  • If recovery is not possible, use water fog/mist to dilute and dissolve gas (prevent water pollution).
  • If cylinder valve cannot be closed, immerse cylinder in alkaline water solution for absorption.
• Cylinder leak: Move cylinder to a well-ventilated safe area and vent slowly. If valve cannot be closed, contact supplier for professional handling.

6.4 Reference

See Section 8 (Exposure controls/personal protection) and Section 13 (Disposal considerations).

7.1 Precautions for safe handling

• Handle in closed systems with adequate natural ventilation or local exhaust.
• Personnel must be specially trained and strictly follow operating procedures. Certified personnel only.
• Prevent gas leakage into workplace atmosphere.
• Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. No smoking.
• Avoid contact with reactive metals and strong oxidizing agents.
• Handle cylinders carefully; do not drop, slide, roll, or bump cylinders.
• Equip area with leak emergency response equipment.
• No smoking, eating, or drinking in work areas.
• Wear insulated gloves and eye/face protection when handling liquid to prevent frostbite.
• Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment.
• Periodically inspect cylinders, valves, and piping for leaks.
• Use non-sparking tools and equipment.
• Maintain good workplace ventilation to prevent gas accumulation to flammable concentrations.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable gas warehouse.
• Storage temperature should not exceed 45°C. Keep away from fire, heat sources, and direct sunlight.
• Store separately from oxidizers and reactive metals.
• Storage area should be equipped with leak emergency response equipment.
• Cylinders must be stored upright with valve caps and safety rings in place, properly secured.
• Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation systems.
• Prohibit use of equipment and tools that can generate sparks.
• Filling coefficient must not exceed 1.0 kg/L.
• Post clear safety warning signs and install combustible gas detection alarms in storage areas.
• Implement two-person receiving/issuing and two-person custody system.

7.3 Specific end uses

For industrial and light commercial refrigeration use only. Personnel must be professionally trained. R512A is suitable for light commercial refrigeration and automotive air conditioning systems. Do not use for direct food contact, medical inhalation, or other unapproved applications.

8.1 Control parameters

Note: Per GBZ 2.1-2019, this substance is not currently listed in the Chinese OEL table. International standards are recommended as reference.

8.2 Exposure monitoring methods

Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) or mass spectrometry (GC-MS); portable halogen/combustible gas detector.

8.3 Appropriate engineering controls

• Enclosed process design with general ventilation or local exhaust.
• Provide safety shower and eyewash station.
• Install combustible gas detection alarms (20% of LEL) in areas where large leaks may occur.
• Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
• Ensure adequate workplace ventilation to prevent gas accumulation.

8.4 Individual protection measures

Respiratory protection:

• Normal conditions (below exposure limit): no special protection required.
• Elevated concentrations: half-face respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge is recommended.
• High concentration or emergency rescue/evacuation: positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be worn.

Eye/face protection:

• General handling: safety glasses.
• When handling liquid or potential liquid exposure: chemical safety goggles or face shield must be worn to prevent frostbite.

Skin protection:

• Hand protection: anti-static protective gloves for normal handling; cryogenic-insulated gloves for liquid contact.
• Body protection: anti-static work clothing; cold-resistant clothing for liquid contact.
• Other: no smoking in work areas; avoid high-concentration inhalation; use a buddy system when entering tanks, confined spaces, or other high-concentration areas.

8.5 Hygiene measures

• Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly after work.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Ensure eyewash and emergency shower are available in the workplace.

9.1 Basic physical and chemical properties

9.2 Thermodynamic properties

9.3 Other safety data

10.1 Reactivity

Chemically stable under normal temperature and pressure conditions; not readily reactive.

10.2 Chemical stability

Stable under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. The R1234yf component contains a carbon-carbon double bond and degrades relatively quickly in the atmosphere, but is stable under normal storage and use conditions.

10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions

• Thermal decomposition at high temperatures (>500°C) produces toxic hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and carbonyl fluoride.
• May react with alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and aluminum powder under high temperature or specific conditions.
• May undergo oxidation-reduction reactions with strong oxidizing agents.
• R1234yf component may form flammable mixtures with air under specific conditions (A2L mildly flammable).

10.4 Conditions to avoid

High temperature, open flame, direct heat sources, cylinder overpressure, strong ignition sources

10.5 Incompatible materials

Reactive metals (sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminum powder, magnesium powder, etc.), strong oxidizing agents

10.6 Hazardous decomposition products

Hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl fluoride (COF₂), and other fluorinated compounds

10.7 Hazardous polymerization

Will not occur.

11.1 Information on toxicological effects

Acute toxicity:

11.2 Skin irritation/corrosion

Liquid contact can cause frostbite (physical injury), but is not a chemical corrosive. GHS classification: no skin corrosion/irritation classification (physical frostbite only).

11.3 Eye irritation/corrosion

Liquid contact can cause severe frostbite and corneal damage. GHS classification: no eye irritation classification (physical frostbite only).

11.4 Respiratory or skin sensitization

No sensitization reported. Available animal test data and human epidemiology data show no sensitization effect.

11.5 Germ cell mutagenicity

In vitro and in vivo tests (Ames test, chromosome aberration test, mouse micronucleus test, etc.) show no mutagenic effect. All components are non-mutagenic.

11.6 Carcinogenicity

Insufficient evidence for carcinogenicity. None of the components are listed as carcinogens by IARC, ACGIH, or other agencies.

• IARC: Not listed
• ACGIH: Category A4 (Not classifiable as a human carcinogen)
• EPA: Group D (Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity)

11.7 Reproductive toxicity

Animal studies show no significant reproductive or developmental toxicity at high concentrations (>50,000 ppm). No human reproductive toxicity data available.

11.8 STOT-single exposure

• Narcotic effect (Category 3): Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system depression, manifested as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and impaired consciousness.
• Cardiac effects: High-concentration exposure may cause cardiac arrhythmia, especially under stress or exercise (catecholamine sensitization).

11.9 STOT-repeated exposure

Repeated low-concentration exposure shows no significant target organ toxicity. Long-term animal inhalation studies (high concentrations) have not shown clear organ damage.

11.10 Aspiration hazard

Not expected to cause aspiration pneumonia in gaseous form. However, high-concentration inhalation can cause CNS depression and cardiac sensitization.

12.1 Ecotoxicity

12.2 Persistence and degradability

• Atmospheric degradation: R1234yf degrades rapidly via hydroxyl radical reaction (atmospheric lifetime ~11 days); R134a degrades more slowly (lifetime ~14 years). Mixture overall atmospheric lifetime ~2 years.
• Biodegradability: Poorly biodegradable.
• Hydrolysis: Not readily hydrolyzed at ambient temperature.
• Photodegradation: Can be photochemically degraded in the atmosphere.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential

All component log P values are low; low bioaccumulation potential.

12.4 Mobility in soil

Highly volatile in gaseous form. Low water solubility. High mobility. Volatilizes readily to atmosphere when released to soil.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment

Does not meet PBT / vPvB criteria.

12.6 Other adverse effects

• Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0 (does not deplete the ozone layer; HFO/HFC-class non-ODS substance)
• Global Warming Potential (GWP, 100-year time horizon): 196 (relative to CO₂ = 1; low-GWP refrigerant)
• R1234yf component has a short atmospheric lifetime (~11 days), resulting in very low greenhouse effect.
• Large releases may contribute to global warming; emissions should be controlled with priority on recovery and reuse.
• Not a controlled substance under the Montreal Protocol; low GWP, not subject to Kigali Amendment HFC phase-down.

13.1 Waste treatment methods

Product/residues:

• Do NOT release directly to atmosphere (greenhouse gas).
• Recovery and recycling (purification and reuse) is the preferred approach.
• If recovery is not feasible, dispose of through a licensed hazardous waste treatment facility.
• High-temperature incineration with alkaline scrubber for fluoride removal is an acceptable method.
• Do not discharge to sewers, waterways, or soil.

Contaminated packaging:

• Empty cylinders must be returned to supplier or a qualified facility for disposal.
• Empty cylinders with residual pressure are managed as hazardous waste.

13.2 Special precautions for disposal

• Refer to national and local regulations before disposal.
• Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent asphyxiation and combustible gas accumulation.
• Disposal must be performed by a qualified and licensed facility.
• Disposal records should be maintained.
• Eliminate all ignition sources.

14.1 UN number

3161 (Liquefied gas, flammable, tentative)

14.2 UN proper shipping name

LIQUEFIED GAS, FLAMMABLE, N.O.S. (Refrigerant Gas R512A)

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)

Class 2.1 Flammable gas (tentative, based on A2L mildly flammable classification)

14.4 Packing group

Not applicable (Class 2 gases are not assigned a packing group)

14.5 Packing mark / Hazard label

• Primary hazard label: Flammable gas (red, Class 2.1)
• Subsidiary hazard label: None

14.6 Methods and materials for containment and packaging

• Seamless steel cylinders. Cylinders must comply with applicable national standards (e.g., GB 5099).
• Common package sizes: 11.4 kg, 13.6 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg cylinders.
• Filling coefficient must not exceed 1.0 kg/L.
• Cylinder valve outlet thread direction: left-hand thread for flammable gases.

14.7 Special requirements for different modes of transport

Road transport (GB/T 12268 / ADR):

• Vehicles must have hazardous cargo transport license.
• Cylinders must have valve caps and safety rings in place.
• Cylinders generally laid flat with valves pointing in same direction; do not stack crosswise.
• Transport during early morning/evening in summer to avoid direct sunlight.
• Follow designated routes; do not stop in residential or densely populated areas.
• Vehicle exhaust pipes must be fitted with spark arrestors.

Rail transport (RID):

• Prohibit hump shunting.
• Transport in boxcars; cylinders upright or laid flat and secured.

Marine transport (IMDG Code):

• UN 3161, Class 2.1
• Marine pollutant: No
• Stowage category: D (deck stowage only)

Air transport (ICAO/IATA DGR):

• UN 3161, Class 2.1
• Flammable liquefied gas
• Forbidden on passenger aircraft; cargo aircraft only (subject to quantity limits)

14.8 Special precautions for user

• Do not co-transport with oxidizers, reactive metals, or food/feed products.
• Vehicles must be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment and leak emergency response gear.
• Transport personnel must be specially trained and certified.
• Protect from sunlight, rain, and high temperature during transit.
• When stopping en route, stay away from fire, heat sources, and high-temperature areas.
• Vehicle exhaust pipes must be fitted with spark arrestors.
• Load and unload carefully to prevent damage to cylinders and fittings.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture

International regulations:

• UN GHS: 8th revised edition
• Montreal Protocol: Not a controlled ozone-depleting substance (ODP = 0)
• Kigali Amendment: GWP = 196, below control threshold; not subject to mandatory HFC phase-down
• Kyoto Protocol / Paris Agreement: Listed as greenhouse gas (low GWP)
• EU F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014): Low GWP, complies with EU quota requirements
• EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006): All components are registered substances
• EU CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008): Classification, labelling and packaging regulation
• US EPA SNAP Program: Approved for various refrigeration applications
• US OSHA HCS 2012: Hazard Communication Standard
• US DOT 49 CFR: Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations
• ADR/RID: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road/Rail
• IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
• IATA DGR: International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations

15.2 Chemical safety assessment

Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out for this mixture in the context of this SDS. Users should conduct their own assessment based on specific use conditions.

16.1 References

• ASHRAE Standard 34-2024: Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants
• UNEP RTOC Assessment Report 2022
• GHG Protocol Emissions Calculation Tool (R-512A GWP data)
• UK BEIS Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors 2025
• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
• GB/T 16483-2008 (Content and order of sections in safety data sheet for chemical products)
• GB 30000 series (Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals)
• United Nations GHS, 8th revised edition

16.2 Abbreviations

16.3 Disclaimer

This Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has been prepared in accordance with the UN GHS standard and applicable regulatory requirements. Some physical/chemical parameters of R512A are estimated values based on publicly available data sources. The exact composition has not been publicly confirmed in ASHRAE Standard 34 tables. Data is for reference only; please refer to the latest manufacturer data. The information is provided as a safety operation guide only and does not constitute a guarantee of product specifications or performance. Users should verify the applicability of the information for their specific use conditions and take necessary safety precautions. The issuer assumes no legal liability for any direct or indirect losses resulting from the use of information in this document. Data may be updated as new research findings and regulatory changes become available; periodic review of the latest version is recommended.