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5. Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to 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 refrigerating 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, including 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.
7. Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in outdoors 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.
8. Checks to the refrigerating 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 actual refrigerant charge 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;
● refrigerating 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 so corroded.
9. Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and
component inspection procedures. 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 adequate
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;
