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Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
No ignition sources
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.
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 prefer-
ably expel it externally into the atmosphere.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the cor-
rect specification. At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service guidelines shall be
followed. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
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 suitably protected against being so corroded.
Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and com-
ponent 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:
• Capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking.
• No live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging
the system.
• There is continuity of earth bonding.
Repairs to sealed components
During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equip-
ment being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary
to have an electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form
