44
SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR SERVICE AND REPAIR
WORK
Repairs must only be carried out by authorized service personnel and only using genuine spare
parts.
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 minimized. For repair to the refrigerating system,
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 minimize the risk of a flammable
gas or vapor 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. non-sparking,
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 to hand. Have a dry powder or CO
2
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.
