8
2 - Safety
n
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.
n
“No Smoking” signs shall be displayed.
Ventilated area
n
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated
before breaking into the system or conducting any hot work.
n
A degree of ventilation shall continue during the period that the
work is carried out.
n
The ventilation should safely disperse any released refrigerant and
preferably expel it externally into the atmosphere.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment
n
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit
for the purpose and to the correct specification. Use only original
spare parts.
n
At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service
guidelines shall be followed.
n
If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s technical department for
assistance.
n
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.
- If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary
circuit shall be checked for the presence of refrigerant.
- 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 properly protected against
being so corroded.
Checks to electrical devices
n
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include
initial safety checks and component inspection procedures.
n
Initial safety checks shall include but not limit to:
- Capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner
to avoid possibility of sparking.
- That there is no live electrical components or exposed wiring
while charging, recovering or purging the system.
- There is continuity of earth bonding.
n
At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service
guidelines shall be followed.
n
If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s technical department for
assistance.
n
If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical
supply shall be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily
rectified.
n
In the event that it is absolutely necessary to continue operation
and the fault cannot be immediately rectified a temporary solution
may be utilised, but must be deemed safe by a suitably qualified
person.
n
The owner of the equipment must be informed or reported so all
parties are advised thereinafter.
Repairs to sealed components
n
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.
n
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.
n
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.
n
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
n
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such
that they no longer serve the purpose of preventing the ingress of
flammable atmospheres.
n
Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications.
NOTE
The use of silicon sealant may inhibit the
effectiveness of some types of leak detection
equipment.
Intrinsically safe components do not have to be
isolated prior to working on them.
Repair to intrinsically safe components
n
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the
circuit without ensuring that this will not exceed the permissible
voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use.
n
Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be
worked on while live in the presence of a flammable atmosphere.
n
The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
