The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrig-
erants:
– the charge size 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
obstructed;
– 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 compo-
nents, 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 possi-
bility 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.
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 intrinsi-
cally safe.
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.
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.
Leak detection methods
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of deter-
gents containing chlorine shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the refrig-
erant and corrode the copper pipe-work.
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 operation, an adequate temporary solution
shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all
parties are advised.
Q
Specialist’s Manual
