8
2 - Safety (continued)
2.8 Safety regulations
REFRIGERANT DATA
SAFETY DATA: R134a
Toxicity
Low
Contact with skin
If sprayed, the refrigerant is likely to cause frost burns. If absorbed by the skin, the danger is very limited;
it may cause a slight irritation, and the liquid is degreasing. Unfreeze the affected skin with water.
Remove the contaminated clothes with great care - in the presence of frost burns, the clothes may stick
to the skin. Wash with plenty of warm water the affected skin.
In the presence of symptoms such as irritation or blisters, obtain medical attention.
Contact with eyes
Vapours do not cause harmful effects. The spraying of refrigerant may cause frost burns.
Wash immediately with a proper solution or with tap water for at least 10 minutes, and then obtain
medical attention.
Ingestion
Very unlikely - should something happen, it will cause frost burns.
Do not induce vomiting. Only if the patient is conscious, wash out mouth with water and give some
250 ml of water to drink. Then, obtain medical attention.
Inhalation
R134a: remarkable concentrations in the air may have an anaesthetic effect, up to fainting.
The exposure to considerable amounts may cause irregular heartbeat, up to the sudden death of the
patient. Very high concentrations may result in the risk of asphyxia, due to the reduction in the oxygen
percentage in the atmosphere. Remove the patient to fresh air and keep warm and at rest.
If necessary, give oxygen. In case of breathing difficulties or arrest, proceed with artificial respiration.
In case of cardiac arrest, proceed with cardiac massage. Then, obtain medical attention.
Recommendations
Semiotics or support therapy is recommended. Cardiac sensitisation has been observed that, in
the presence of circulating catecholamines such as adrenalin, may cause cardiac arrhythmia and
accordingly, in case of exposure to high concentrations, cardiac arrest.
Prolonged exposure
R134a: a study on the effects of exposure to 50,000 ppm during the whole life of rats has identified the
development of benign testicle tumour.
This situation should therefore be negligible for personnel exposed to concentrations equal to or lower
than professional levels.
Professional levels
R134a: Recommended threshold: 1000 ppm v/v - 8 hours TWA.
Stability
R134a: Not specified
Conditions to avoid
Do not use in the presence of flames, burning surfaces and excess humidity.
Hazardous reactions
May react with sodium, potassium, barium and other alkaline metals.
Incompatible substances: magnesium and alloys with magnesium concentrations > 2%.
Hazardous decomposition
products
R134a: Halogen acids produced by thermal decomposition and hydrolysis.
