A WA parliamentary question investigates the use of R410a refrigerant in government vehicles and explores alternatives like hydrocarbons due to environmental and health concerns. The answer reveals R134a is used instead.

AnsweredQoN 1648Legislative Assembly
Asked
23 November 2006
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

(1) How many State Government vehicles in Western Australia have refrigerative air conditioning?
(2) How many of those vehicles’ air conditioning units use R410a refrigerant?
(3) What volume of R410a refrigerant has been lost to the atmosphere through these vehicles’ air conditioning units leaking or through vehicle accident in 2005 and 2006?
(4) What health risks are associated with exposure to R410a refrigerant?
(5) What greenhouse gas rating is given to R410a refrigerant, and how does this compare to other available refrigerants?
(6) How many of these units have failed in temperatures over forty five degrees Celsius and how often?
(7) What is the Government’s policy on the use of hydrocarbons as a refrigerant instead of R410a?
(8) Will the Government consider the use of alternative hydrocarbons as refrigerants in Government vehicle air conditioning units?
(9) What might inhibit the Government’s use of hydrocarbon as a refrigerant in Government vehicles?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
11 December 2006
Response time
18 days
(2) None. R134a is the industry standard refrigerant used in vehicle air-conditioners. R134a does not deplete the Ozone Layer, and has a Global warming Potential 30% lower than R410a. (3)-(9) N/A.
(3)-(9) N/A.

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