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[4] Cautions for unit using R32 refrigerant
Basic work procedures are the same as those for conventional units using refrigerant R410A. However, pay careful
attention to the following points.
(1) Information on servicing
(1-1) Checks on 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 systems, (1-3) to (1-7) shall be completed prior to conducting work on the systems.
(1-2) 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.
(1-3) 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 con-
ditions within the area have been made safe by control of flammable material.
(1-4) 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 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 intrinsically safe.
(1-5) 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 CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
(1-6) No Ignition Sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves exposing any pipe work 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, includ-
ing 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 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.
(1-7) 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.
(1-8) Checks on the Refrigeration Equipment
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 service guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s
technical department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
•
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.
•
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 corroded.
(1-9) Checks on Electrical Devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection proce-
dures. 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 ade-
quate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include that:
•
capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
•
no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
•
there is continuity of earth bonding
(2) Repairs to Sealed Components
(2-1) During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being worked
upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment
during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to warn
of a potentially hazardous situation.
(2-2) Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is not
altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of
connections, terminals not made to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that the apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point that they no longer serve the purpose of prevent-
ing the ingress of flammable atmospheres.
Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
OCH654
