10
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Important safety instructions
WARNING
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 minimised. For repair to the refrigerating
system, the following precautions shall be complied with prior to conducting work on the
system.
Work procedure
•
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of a
flammable gas or vapour being present while the work is being performed.
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.
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.
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
CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
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.
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