The Postal Service is reminding employees to properly manage equipment containing refrigerants to comply with regulatory requirements.
This equipment includes chillers, air conditioners, fire suppression systems, drinking fountains, refrigerators and freezers.
Requirements include keeping updated maintenance records, investigating leaks, performing repairs, securely storing and properly disposing of refrigerant cylinders, and ensuring only certified employees handle refrigerant.
As of 2026, recordkeeping and annual leak calculations are now required for all equipment with a capacity of 15 or more pounds of refrigerant. The threshold has been lowered from 50 pounds.
Postal Service employees and contractors are strictly prohibited from venting or intentionally releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere.
The Refrigerant Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin has more information.
Employees with questions can contact a USPS environmental specialist.
