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English
4. Checking for the 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. non-sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically safe.
5. Presence of a 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 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 pipe work that contains or has
contained flammable refrigerant shall use any sources of ignition
in such a manner that it 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
any released refrigerant and preferably expel it externally into
the atmosphere.
