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Air-conditioners / User’s Manual
2.1.2 Unventilated areas
The manual shall include a statement advising
that an unventilated area where the appliance
using
flammable refrigerants
is installed shall
be so constructed that should any refrigerant
leak, it will not stagnate so as to create a fire or
explosion hazard. This shall include:
- a warning that the appliance shall be stored
in a well-ventilated area where the room size
corresponds to the room area as specified for
operation;
- a warning that the appliance shall be stored
in a room without continuously operating
open flames (for example an operating gas
appliance) and ignition sources (for example
an operating electric heater).
The manufacturer should specify other potential
continuously operating sources known to cause
ignition of the refrigerant used.
The appliance shall be stored so as to prevent
mechanical damage from occurring.
2.1.3 Qualification of workers
The manual shall contain specific information
about the required qualification of the working
personnel for maintenance, service and repair
operations. Every working procedure that
affects safety means shall only be carried out by
competent persons according to Annex HH.
Examples for such working procedures are:
- breaking into the refrigerating circuit;
- opening of sealed components;
- opening of ventilated enclosures.
2.2 Information on servicing
The manual shall contain specific information for
service personnel according to 2.2.1 to 2.2.9.
2.2.1 Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing
flammable refrigerants
, safety checks are
necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition
is minimised. For repair to the refrigerating
system, 2.2.3 to 2.2.7 shall be completed prior to
conducting work on the system.
2.2.2 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.
2.2.3 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.
2.2.4 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
toxic or flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the
leak detection equipment being used is suitable
for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-
sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
2.2.5 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 to hand. Have a dry powder or CO
2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
2
Maintenance instruction
