SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants. See transport regulations.
2. Marking of equipment using signs. See local regulations.
3. Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants. See national regulations.
4. Storage of equipment/appliances. The storage of equipment should be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment. Storage package protection should be constructed such that
mechanical damage to the equipment inside the package will not cause a leak of the refrigerant charge.
The maximum number of pieces of equipment permitted to be stored together will be determined by
local regulations.
1. 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 minimized. For repair to the refrigerating system, the following
precautions should be complied with prior to conducting work on the system.
2. Work procedure
Work should be undertaken under in a controlled environment so as to minimize the risk of a flammable
gas or vapor being present while the work is being performed.
3. General work area
All maintenance staff and others working in the local area should be instructed as to the nature of work
being carried out. Work in confined spaces should be avoided. The area around the workspace should
be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made safe by control of any
flammable material.
4. Checking for the presence of refrigerant
The area should be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure
the technician is aware of potentially flammable materials. Ensure that the leak detection equipment
being used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically safe.
5. Presence of a fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate
fire extinguishing equipment should be available and at hand. Have a dry powder or CO
2
fire
extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
6. No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves exposing any pipework
that contains or has contained flammable refrigerant should 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 should be displayed.
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 should 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.
Information on Servicing
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