22-EN
21-EN
– 11 –
Information on servicing
1. Check to the area
• Prior to beginning work on systems containing
fl
ammable
refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that risk
of ignition is minimized. For repair to the refrigerating system,
the precautions in item 2 to 6 shall be complied with prior to
conducting work on the system.
2. Work procedure
• Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as
to minimize the risk of a
fl
ammable gas or vapor being present
while the work is being performed.
• When connecting to an outdoor unit of R32 refrigerant and
using a leak detector, the fan may automatically operate even
if the air conditioner is stopped when a refrigerant leak is
detected. Be careful not to get injured by the fan.
• All installers and others working in the local area shall be
instructed on the nature of work being carried out. Work in
con
fi
ned spaces shall be avoided.
3. General work area
• All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall
be instructed on the nature of work being carried out.
• Work in con
fi
ned spaces shall be avoided.
• The area around the workspace shall be sectioned off.
• Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made
safe by control of
fl
ammable material.
• Only equipment approved by the manufacturer shall be used
for duct work.
4. Checking for presence of refrigerant
• The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant
detector prior to and during work, to ensure the technician is
aware of potentially
fl
ammable atmospheres.
• Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is
suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non
sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
5. Presence of
fi
re extinguisher
• If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration
equipment or any associated parts, appropriate
fi
re
extinguishing equipment shall be available on hand.
• Have a dry powder or CO
2
fi
re 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 pipe work shall use any
sources of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the risk
of
fi
re or explosion.
• All possible ignition sources including cigarette smoking,
should be kept suf
fi
ciently 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
fl
ammable hazards
or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall be displayed.
• Make sure that the exhaust port of the vacuum pump is not
close to the ignition source and that ventilation is possible.
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 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 refrigeration equipment
• Where electrical components are being changed, installer shall
be
fi
t for the purpose and to the correct speci
fi
cation.
• At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service
guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt consult the
manufacturer’s technical department for assistance.
