Refrigerant Detection System Information

Why is there a refrigerant detector in my room?

• This college uses an energy-efficient VRF heating and cooling system that contains R410a refrigerant.
• Refrigerant lines run throughout the building.
• Detectors are installed in student rooms as a safety feature that provides early notification of unusual conditions.

What happens if the alarm sounds?

• Leave the room and close the door.
• Report the alarm to RUPD.
• Trained personnel will evaluate the room and HVAC system.

Does an alarm mean there is a refrigerant leak?

• Not necessarily.
• Like smoke detectors and other monitoring devices, alarms can occasionally occur for reasons other than an actual leak.
• Every alarm is investigated.

Is the building safe?

• The building was designed with multiple layers of protection, including room detectors, system monitoring, and maintenance response procedures.
• The presence of the detector indicates proactive safety design, not an expectation that an incident will occur.

Who can I contact with questions?

• Campus Police: (713) 348-6000
• Facilities Management: (713) 348-2485 or fsc@rice.edu
• Environmental Health & Safety: (713) 348-4444 or safety@rice.edu