given above. In addition, we cannot guarantee your device if you or a third party has made
any modifications or repairs.
SERVICE OPERATIONS
This document describes the precautions for use by personnel responsible for service
operations.
Any person required to work on a refrigerant circuit should hold a valid and up-to-date
certificate from an assessment authority accredited by the industry and recognising his
competence to handle refrigerants safely, in accordance with the assessment
specification recognised in the industry sector concerned.
Service operations must only be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of
the equipment manufacturer. Maintenance and repair operations requiring the assistance
of other qualified persons must be carried out under the supervision of the person
competent for the use of flammable refrigerants.
- Checking the area:
Before starting work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are
necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is reduced. For repairs to the refrigeration
system, the following precautions must be observed before working on the system.
- Intervention procedure
Interventions must be undertaken as part of a controlled procedure in order to minimise
the risk of flammable gas or vapour during the work.
- General work area
All maintenance personnel and other persons working in the local area must be informed
of the nature of the work performed. Any work in confined spaces must be avoided. The
area surrounding the workspace must be divided into sections. Ensure that conditions
within the area have been made safe by controlling flammable materials.
- Checking the presence of refrigerants
The area must be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector before and during the
work to ensure that the technician is aware of the existence of potentially explosive
atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment used is suitable for use with
flammable refrigerants, i.e. it does not produce sparks, is properly sealed and is
intrinsically safe.
- Presence of fire extinguishers
If work causing heat is to be carried out on refrigeration equipment or its associated parts,
appropriate fire protection equipment must be available within easy reach. A dry powder
or CO2 extinguisher must be located near the loading area.
