North Texas HVAC Safety: Ultra-Short Overview (Read Before You Bid)

What this is: A plain-English snapshot of the NCTCOG 2024 IMC regional edits that affect safety. Status: These are recommendations, not law by themselves. They apply only if your city adopts them. NCTCOG says the “2024 Final Recommended Regional Amendments” were approved for distribution on Mar 27, 2025. Always verify with your city/AHJ. NCTCOG

The 6 safety points (just the headlines)

1. Attic access: real walkway/flooring + 30×30 in service pad; limits on path length.

2. Sloped-roof work: 16-in walkway with cleats, level platform, and guards.

3. Exhaust: send air outdoors; a few local exceptions exist (use carefully and document).

4. A2L indoors: follow ASHRAE 15 §7.6 (charge/room calc, leak detection, auto interlocks).

5. No machinery room path: allowed when you meet ASHRAE 15 §7.4 (circuit zoning + shutoff valves).

6. A1 small-charge shaft exception: skip the shaft only if below table limits; still protect piping.

Where to get details (2 links you need)

• NCTCOG Amendments hub — shows they’re recommended and the Mar 27, 2025 approval-for-distribution note. LINK

• 2024 IMC – NCTCOG Recommended Amendments (PDF) — the actual 3-page text with the "Reason" notes. LINK

Download the checklist (Word)

Download: NCTCOG_2024_IMC_Safety_Checklist.docx - one-page tick-box for crews and plan sets (you can swap in your own DOC if you prefer).

Disclaimer (please read)

This post is for quick guidance only. Your project must follow the codes and amendments your city has formally adopted. Always confirm adoption status and any local changes with your city/AHJ before you submit, install, or inspect.