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2.2.2 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.
2.2.3 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.
2.2.4 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. no sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically safe.
2.2.5 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 orCO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging
area.
2.2.6 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.
2.2.7 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.
2.2.8 Checks to 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
