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The Australian Fluorocarbon Council said the flammable refrigerants being marketed are a mixture of propane and isobutene (essentially LPG) – which have limited use in coal mines due to their flammability.

DPI said attempts to sell flammable refrigerants to an underground mine operator in Queensland were prevented during 2006 through the intervention of the chief gas examiner from the Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy.

“However, further reports indicate these products are now being marketed to other mine operators across Australia,” DPI said.

Only non-flammable refrigerants which comply with the equipment manufacturer’s specification and recommendations should be used unless a competent person has made an assessment in writing that the change does not present an increased risk to health or safety, DPI said.