Compliance · Industrial refrigeration · Buyer guide
Refrigeration safety standards for cold storage projects: EN 378, ISO 5149, ASHRAE 15 and IIAR
The standard that applies depends on where the plant is built and which refrigerant it uses. In Europe and the UK, EN 378 (Parts 1–4) is the main safety and environmental standard for refrigerating systems; ISO 5149 covers the same ground internationally. In the United States, ASHRAE 15 covers refrigeration system safety, ASHRAE 34 classifies refrigerants, and IIAR standards apply to ammonia systems. National law decides what is mandatory, so the RFQ should ask suppliers to name the standards and editions they design to, and the buyer's engineer should confirm local requirements.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026 · ColdMatch Group editorial team · This guide explains scope only; it is not legal or engineering advice and ColdMatch does not certify compliance.
Main standards and rules compared
| Standard or rule | Publisher | What it covers | Where it is typically referenced |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 378-1 to -4 | CEN (BS EN 378 in the UK) | Safety and environmental requirements: basic requirements and classification (1); design, construction, testing, marking and documentation (2); installation site and personal protection (3); operation, maintenance, repair and recovery (4) | EU/EEA, UK and many international tenders |
| ISO 5149-1 to -4 | ISO/TC 86/SC 1 | Same four-part scope at international level | International reference; national adoption varies |
| ASHRAE 15 | ASHRAE | Safety of refrigeration system design, construction, installation and operation | United States, mainly through mechanical codes |
| ASHRAE 34 | ASHRAE | Refrigerant designations and safety classes (ammonia R-717 is B2L; CO₂ R-744 is A1) | Global reference for refrigerant classes |
| ANSI/IIAR 2 and related IIAR standards | IIAR | Ammonia systems: design (2), installation (4), start-up (5), inspection, testing and maintenance (6), operating procedures (7), minimum safety criteria for existing systems (9) | US ammonia plants; often referenced elsewhere |
| OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119) and EPA RMP (40 CFR 68) | US OSHA / US EPA | Process safety and risk management for ammonia above the 10,000 lb threshold quantity | United States |
| Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU | European Union | Conformity of pressure equipment placed on the EU market | European Union |
| SANS 10147 under Driven Machinery Regulation 16 | SABS / Department of Employment and Labour | Construction, installation, operation and inspection of refrigeration installations, certified by a competent person | South Africa |
Standards are revised periodically. Name the edition in the RFQ and check which edition your authority enforces.
Why the standard matters before you request quotes
The design standard drives machinery-room layout, ventilation, gas detection, refrigerant charge limits, pressure relief and documentation, and therefore cost. Two quotes designed to different standards are not comparable, so fix the basis in the RFQ.
What to ask every supplier to state
Request these items in writing with each proposal:
- Standards and editions used for design, installation and testing
- Refrigerant, its safety class and the total system charge
- Machinery room, ventilation, gas detection and emergency shutdown concept
- Pressure equipment conformity documents for the installation country
- Commissioning tests, test records and handover documentation
- Operating and maintenance manuals, training and recommended inspection intervals
- Who signs off locally (competent person, notified body or authority)
National law comes first
Standards are usually voluntary unless law, a building code or the contract references them. Examples: South Africa's Driven Machinery Regulation 16 points to SANS 10147; US jurisdictions adopt ASHRAE 15 through mechanical codes; the EU Pressure Equipment Directive is law in the EU. Refrigerant rules such as the EU F-gas Regulation sit alongside the safety standards.
Where ColdMatch fits
ColdMatch is a buyer-first procurement service. For projects of USD 250,000 and above, the team includes your chosen design basis in the request, contacts suitable suppliers on your behalf and presents organized responses with their stated standards side by side. ColdMatch does not certify, inspect or guarantee compliance; your engineer and the local authority do.
How to set the safety basis in your RFQ
- Confirm with your engineer which law, code and standard editions apply at the site.
- Choose the refrigerant shortlist and state it with the design standard.
- Submit the RFQ. Projects of USD 250,000 and above are reviewed by the ColdMatch team; smaller projects are pointed to the free tools.
- Compare organized responses, including each supplier's stated standards and documents, then contract directly.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is EN 378 mandatory?
Standards are generally voluntary unless law, a code or the contract references them. Many European authorities and tenders expect EN 378; confirm with your engineer and local authority which requirements are enforced.
What is the difference between EN 378 and ISO 5149?
Both cover safety and environmental requirements for refrigerating systems in four parts. EN 378 is the European standard and ISO 5149 the international one; details differ, so the RFQ should name one as the design basis.
Which standards apply to ammonia plants?
In the United States, ANSI/IIAR 2 and related IIAR standards, plus OSHA PSM and EPA RMP above the 10,000 lb threshold. In Europe, EN 378 covers ammonia systems alongside national rules. Ask suppliers for the gas detection, ventilation and machinery-room concept.
What safety class are ammonia and CO₂?
Under ASHRAE 34, ammonia (R-717) is classed B2L and carbon dioxide (R-744) A1.
Does ColdMatch certify compliance?
No. ColdMatch organizes supplier responses for projects of USD 250,000 and above. Compliance is confirmed by your engineer, competent persons and the local authority.