-
8
-
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4. The storage of equipment / appliances should be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment Storage package protection should be
constructed such that mechanical damage to the equipment inside the package
will not cause a leak of the refrigerant charge. The maximum number of pieces of
equipment permitted to be stored together will be by local regulations.
6. Information on servicing.
6-1 Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on system containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are
necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized. For repair to the refrigerating
system the following precautions shall be complied with prior to conducting work on
the system.
6-2 Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of
flammable gas or vapour being present while the work is being performed.
6-3 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 confined spaces shall be avoided.
6-4 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 flammable atmospheres. Ensure
that hte leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with flammable
refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
6-5 Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating equipment or any associated
partsappropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry
powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
6-6 No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigerating system which involves exposing
any pipe work that contains or has contained flammable refrigerant 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
flammable 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.
6-7 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.
