INSTRUCTION FOR REPAIRING APPLIANCES CONTAINING R 290
AUTHORISED PERSONS ONLY!
10
1. Checks to the area
Prior to beginning any authorised work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks
are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised. The following precautions shall be
complied with prior to conducting work on the system.
2. Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of a flammable
gas or vapour being present while the work is being performed.
3. General work area
All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed on the nature of work
being carried out. Work in confined spaces shall be avoided. The area around the workspace shall
be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made safe by control of
flammable material.
4. Checking for presence of refrigerant
The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to
ensure the technician is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection
equipment being used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. nonsparking, adequately
sealed or intrinsically safe.
5. Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available on hand. Have a dry powder or CO2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
6. No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves exposing any
pipework that contains or has contained flammable refrigerant shall use any sources of ignition
in such a manner that is may lead to the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources,
including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufficiently far away from the site of installation,
repairing, removing and disposal, during which flammable refrigerant can possibly be released to
the surrounding space. Prior to work taking place, the area around the equipment is to be surveyed
to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall be
displayed.
7. Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated before breaking into the system
or conducting any hot work. A degree of ventilation shall continue during the period that the work is
carried out. The ventilation should safely disperse and released refrigerant and preferably expel it
externally into the atmosphere.
8. Checks to the refrigerant equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct
specification. At all times, the manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed.
If in doubt consult the manufacturer's technical department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
- the charge size is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing the
parts are installed;
- the ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed;
9. Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component
inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall
be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected
immediately but it is necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used.
This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include:
