16 MAINTENANCE
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR OPERATIONS ON UNITS CONTAINING R32
Area checks
Before working on systems containing flammable refrigerants, perform safety checks to reduce the risk of
combustion to the minimum. Before performing any reparation operations on the cooling system, comply
with the following warnings.
Work procedures
Operations must be performed following a controlled procedure so as to reduce the risk of flammable
gases or vapours developing.
General work area
All the personnel in charge with maintenance operations and other operators working in the local area must
be instructed and monitored as regards the nature of the intervention.
Avoid working in tight spaces. The area surrounding the working space must be cordoned off. Make sure
the area is secured by monitoring the flammable material.
Check the presence of refrigerant
Both before and during operations, the area must be monitored with a dedicated refrigerant detector to
make sure the technician is aware of the presence of potentially-flammable environments.
Make sure the leak detection equipment is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants and therefore without
sparks, suitably sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of the fire extinguisher
If hot interventions are not performed on cooling equipment or connected components, suitable fire fighting
equipment must be kept at hand.
Keep a dry-powder or CO2 extinguisher near the loading area.
No ignition source
It is absolutely forbidden to use ignition sources that may lead to fire or explosion during operations on
the cooling system or on pipes that contain or have contained flammable refrigerant.
All possible ignition sources, including cigarettes, must be kept sufficiently away from the installation,
reparation, removal and disposal site as flammable refrigerant may be released in the surrounding area.
Before starting operations, the area surrounding the equipment must be inspected to guarantee the absence
of flammables or combustion risks. “SMOKING IS FORBIDDEN” signs must be affixed.
Ventilated area
Before intervening on the system or performing any hot intervention, make sure to be in an outdoor or
suitably ventilated area.
Ventilation must be maintained during operations. Ventilation must disperse the released refrigerant safely,
preferably outdoors in the atmosphere.
Cooling equipment checks
Should a replacement be necessary, the new components installed must be suitable for the purpose
envisaged and compliant with specifications.
Always follow the manufacturer guidelines on maintenance and assistance. In case of doubt, contact the
manufacturer technical office for assistance.
The following checks must be preformed on systems containing flammable refrigerants:
the quantity of the charge must comply with the size of the room where the parts containing refrigerant
are installed;
the machine and ventilation intake function correctly and are not obstructed;
If an indirect cooling circuit is used, the secondary circuits must be checked to verify the presence of
refrigerants; the marking on the equipment remains visible and readable;