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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.
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 refrigerant can possibly be released to the sur-
rounding space. Prior to work taking place, the area around the equipment is to be sur-
veyed to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. " No Smok-
ing " signs shall be displayed.
Ventilated area
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 ser-
vice guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer's technical
department for assistance.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment
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 opera-
tion, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner
of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Checks to electrical devices
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
—The actual refrigerant charge is in accordance with the room size within which the
refrigerant containing parts are installed;
—The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstruct-
ed;
—If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be
checked for the presence of refrigerant;
—Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs
that are illegible shall be corrected;
—Refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely
to be exposed to any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing components,
unless the components are constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to
being corroded or are suitably protected against being so corroded.
Initial safety checks shall include:
—That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibil-
ity of sparking;
—That no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recover-
ing or purging the system;
—That there is continuity of earth bonding.
Specialist's Manual
