Are you ready for a Fire Code Inspection? Why Fire Code Compliance Matters with A2Ls

You probably have a fire code nightmare in your warehouse and don’t even know it. Imagine this: The fire marshal inspects your facility and determines that your pallet of A2L refrigerants violates the 300-pound flammable gas limit allowed. At the minimum, you’re facing a write-up and re-inspection, or at the worst, a facility shutdown.  

Luckily, this nightmare can be prevented. All wholesale distributors need to understand the fire code and how to prepare your business to comply. 

I thought the Fire Code had changed to allow for increased storage. 

Yes and no, the 2024 model fire code has updates to allow for storage of A2Ls, but your building and jurisdiction follow older codes that still limit storage capacity.  

The 2024 fire code revisions introduced a major shift: flammable gases are no longer treated as one-size-fits-all. Instead, they’re split into two categories: 

• Category 1A gases (like propane and natural gas) are highly flammable and chemically unstable. 

• Category 1B gases, including A2L refrigerants, are mildly flammable and far less volatile and have increased storage limits. 

How can you legally store A2L refrigerants? 

You don’t have to overhaul your building or hire a code consultant. You just need to request a modification—and HARDI has created a course to help you do exactly that. 

HARDI’s Storing A2L Refrigerants course is available to help distributors align with the 2024 fire code changes. HARDI members who already subscribe to HEAT.U already have access, and HARDI’s A2L coursework is available to purchase. 

In this course, you’ll learn how to: 

• Understand the difference between the new category 1A and 1B gas classifications 

• Explain control areas and how they affect storage limits 

• Identify your state’s adopted fire code (IFC or NFPA) 

• Determine the maximum allowable quantity under your code 

• Modify your storage strategy to create new control areas or “buildings” 

• Access pre-filled forms you can submit directly to your AHJ 

This isn’t theoretical. The course includes all the documentation you need to take action now—and avoid penalties later. 

What HVACR Distributors Can Do Today 

• Take the Storing A2L Refrigerants course to learn what applies to your facility 

• Use our fire code breakdown to identify which version your state has adopted 

• Download the pre-filled forms for IFC or NFPA and submit them with the provided justification materials 

• Review your storage setup to see if you’re exceeding your current MAQ (Maximum Allowable Quantity) 

• Engage your AHJ early—before storage becomes a compliance issue 

A2L Storage Resources for HVACR Professionals

The 2024 fire code revisions are a turning point for how HVACR distributors handle A2L refrigerants. The good news? The codes are becoming more flexible. But to benefit, you must be informed and proactive. 

With the right tools you don’t just react to code enforcement; you lead the compliance conversation. And that protects your people, your business, and your ability to serve your customers. 

Change doesn’t have to be hard. It just takes the right resources—and we’ve already got them ready for you. Reach out to HARDI’s Talent Development Team to learn more about enrolling in Storing A2L Refrigerants.