ASTM D6268-21

Standard Practice for Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HFC-125, Pentafluoroethane (C<inf>2</inf>HF<inf>5</inf>)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of HFC-125 encountered in distribution through both commercial and military channels. It is intended to insure that HFC-125 is handled, transported, and stored in such a way its physical properties are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to, highway, rail, water, and air.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and storage of HFC-125, pentafluoroethane (C2HF5).  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
FIG. 1 Effect of Temperature on Storage Cylinder Pressure (HFC-125 Mixed with Nitrogen)
Note 1: Applicable to a container fill density of 57.5 lb/ft3 only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2021
• ICS: 71.080.20 - Halogenated hydrocarbons
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.09 - Fire Extinguishing Agents

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D6231-11 - Standard Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane, C₂HF₅)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D6231-98(2003) - Standard Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane, C₂HF₅)
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1998
• Refers: ASTM D6231-98 - Standard Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane, C₂HF₅)
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1998

Overview

ASTM D6268-21 is the international standard practice for the handling, transportation, and storage of HFC-125, also known as pentafluoroethane (C₂HF₅). Developed by ASTM, this standard provides comprehensive requirements and guidance for suppliers, purchasers, and users involved in distributing HFC-125 across both commercial and military applications. Its main objective is to ensure that HFC-125 maintains its specified physical properties throughout distribution, storage, and use, minimizing the risks of product degradation or contamination.

The document outlines procedures to help organizations comply with regulatory and safety requirements, focusing on various modes of transportation such as highway, rail, water, and air. This standard supports compliance with U.S. federal regulations, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standards, and international best practices.

Key Topics

• Personnel Training: Emphasizes proper training for staff handling, transferring, or storing HFC-125, including knowledge of product characteristics and safety measures.
• Handling Procedures: Requires adherence to CGA P-1 guidelines and manufacturer specifications to avoid risks such as contamination or overfilling. Handling must occur in nonsmoking, heater-free, ventilated areas to prevent dangerous gas accumulation.
• Transport Requirements: Stipulates compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations (49 CFR) for shipping, packaging, and documentation. Vehicles and transport methods must protect cylinders from mechanical damage and thermal extremes.
• Storage Guidance: Details requirements for storage in qualified cylinders, including protection against physical, environmental damage, and unauthorized access. Storage areas must fulfill safety standards and prevent cross-contamination.
• Cylinder Inspection and Marking: Calls for routine hydrostatic testing, clear labeling, and regular inspections to maintain conformity and traceability.
• Product Integrity: Stresses that only HFC-125 meeting specification ASTM D6231 should be distributed, reused, or recycled.

Applications

The ASTM D6268-21 standard is critical across a variety of sectors where HFC-125 is used. Key applications include:

• Fire Suppression Systems: HFC-125 is widely employed as a clean agent in fire extinguishing systems for commercial, industrial, and military facilities, where rapid suppression is essential with minimal environmental impact.
• Explosion Suppression: Used in settings where containment of explosion hazards is needed, such as in chemical manufacturing or storage.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensures organizations stay compliant with environmental protection and hazardous material transport regulations.
• Supply Chain Integrity: Helps distributors and logistics companies maintain product quality and meet regulatory safety requirements.

Proper use of this standard helps organizations prevent safety incidents, meet legal obligations, and ensure the effectiveness of HFC-125 as a fire and explosion suppressant.

Related Standards

Organizations implementing ASTM D6268-21 often reference associated documents for holistic compliance and operational guidance:

• ASTM D6231: Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane, C₂HF₅) - defines the quality and purity requirements for HFC-125.
• CGA C-1, C-6, C-7, P-1, SB-1, SB-5, SB-18: Compressed Gas Association standards covering hydrostatic pressure testing, visual inspection, labeling, and safe handling of compressed gas cylinders.
• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR, 40 CFR): Federal regulations governing hazardous materials transportation, package requirements, labeling, emergency response information, and environmental protection.
• Other ISO and national standards: For organizations operating globally, further harmonization with ISO and local standards may be required.

By adhering to ASTM D6268-21 and its referenced standards, companies ensure that HFC-125 is handled, transported, and stored safely, maintaining quality throughout the product lifecycle.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6268 −21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HFC-125,
Pentafluoroethane (C HF )
2 5
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Containers
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers,
SB-1 Hazards of Refilling Compressed Refrigerant (Haloge-
purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and
nated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
storage of HFC-125, pentafluoroethane (C HF ).
2 5
SB-5 Hazards of Reusing Disposable Refrigerant (Haloge-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
nated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
SB-18 Use of Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbons) Re-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
covery Cylinders
and are not considered standard. 4
2.3 U.S. Government Standards:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 49 CFR Part 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emer-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- gency Response Information, Training Requirements, and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Security Plans
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 49 CFR Part 172.101 Purpose and Use of Hazardous Mate-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
rials Table
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 49 CFR Part 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Ship-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ments and Packagings
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 49 CFR Part 178 Specifications for Packagings
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of Packagings
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standard:
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D6231 Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane,
3.1.1 containers, n—storage vessels for HFC-125.
C HF )
2 5
3.1.2 cylinders, n—containers of HFC-125.
2.2 CGA Standards:
3.1.3 HFC-125, n—pentafluoroethane, a compound used to
C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylin-
inert, extinguish or suppress a fire or explosion hazard.
ders
3.1.4 insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to pro-
C-6 Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed
tect and prevent the transfer of damage.
Gas Cylinders
C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed
4. Significance and Use
Gases
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling,
transportation, and storage of HFC-125 encountered in distri-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Haloge-
bution through both commercial and military channels. It is
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
bility of Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
intended to insure that HFC-125 is handled, transported, and
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
stored in such a way its physical properties are not degraded.
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6268 – 15. DOI:
Transportmaybebyvariousmeans,suchas,butnotlimitedto,
10.1520/D6268-21.
highway, rail, water, and air.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S.
Available from the Compressed GasAssociation (CGA), 8484Westpark Drive, Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC
Suite 220, M,cLean, VA 22102, http://www.cganet.com. 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6268 − 21
NOTE 1—Applicable to a container fill density of 57.5 lb/ft only.
FIG. 1 Effect of Temperature on Storage Cylinder Pressure (HFC-125 Mixed with Nitrogen)
5. Practice including 130 °F (54 °C). Filling density requirements are
specified in 49 CFR 173.304 and 49 CFR 173.305.
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing,
5.2.6 Handling of materials should be done in a manner that
and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the
prevents contamination or comingling of materials other than
CGApublications and CFR regulations as listed in 2.2 and 2.3,
HFC-125.
respectively.
5.2.7 Cylinders shall be free of dirt and contamination that
5.2 Handling:
wouldcontributetoorwouldcausedeteriorationoftheproduct
5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA Publica-
during shipment or storage. Precautions should be taken to
tion P-1 and as specified by the manufacturer.
prevent the entry of oil, water, or any other foreign matter into
5.2.1.1 Personnel who han
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6268 − 15 D6268 − 21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HFC-125,
Pentafluoroethane (C HF )
2 5
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and storage of
HFC-125, pentafluoroethane (C HF ).
2 5
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:Standard:
D6231 Specification for HFC-125 (Pentafluoroethane, C HF )
2 5
2.2 CGA Standards:
C-1 Methods for HydrostaticPressure Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6 Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-7 Guide to Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas ContainersClassification and Labeling of
Compressed Gases
P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers
SB-1 Hazards of Refilling Compressed Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
SB-5 Safety Bulletin: Hazards of Reusing Disposable Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
SB-18 Safety Bulletin: Use of Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbons) Recovery Cylinders
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015June 1, 2021. Published April 2015June 2021. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as D6268
– 09.15. DOI: 10.1520/D6268-15.10.1520/D6268-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 14501 George Carter Way, Suite 103, Chantilly, VA 20151,8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 220, M,cLean, VA 22102,
http://www.cganet.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6268 − 21
NOTE 1—Applicable to a container fill density of 57.5 lb/ft only.
FIG. 1 Effect of Temperature on Storage Cylinder Pressure (HFC-125 Mixed with Nitrogen)
2.3 U.S. Government Standards:
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, Part 82.106, Environmental Protection Agency, Warning Statement Requirements
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172, U.S. DOTPart 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials
Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training RequirementsTraining Requirements, and Security Plans
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172.101, U.S. DOTPart 172.101 Tables Purpose and Use of Hazardous Materials and Special
ProvisionsTable
49 CFR Title 49, Part 173, U.S. DOTPart 173 Shippers-GeneralShippers—General Requirements for ShippingShipments and
PackagingPackagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 178, U.S. DOT Part 178 SpecificationSpecifications for Packagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 180, U.S. DOTPart 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of Packagings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 containers—containers, n—storage vessels for HFC-125.
3.1.2 cylinders—cylinders, n—containers of HFC-125.
3.1.3 HFC-125—HFC-125, n—pentafluoroethane, a compound used to inert, extinguish or suppress a fire or explosion hazard.
3.1.4 insulated—insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to protect and prevent the transfer of damage.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of HFC-125 encountered in distribution
Available Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S. Government Publishing Office, Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington,
DC 20401–0001,20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
D6268 − 21
through both commercial and military channels. It is intended to insure that HFC-125 is handled, transported, and stored in such
a way its physical properties are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to, highway, rail, water,
and air.
5. Practice
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing, and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the CGA
publications and Title 49 CFR regulations as listed in 2.2 and 2.3, respectively.
5.2 Handling:
5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers, Publication P-1 and as
specified by the manufacturer.
5.2.1.1 Personnel who handle or store, or both, cylinders of HFC-125 shall be trained properly to recognize and identify the
characteristics of the product and the proper methods of safely handling full, partly full, and empty cylinders.
5.2.2 All HFC-125 transfers between storage cont
...