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Initial safety checks shall include:
. That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking.
. That there no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or
purging the system.
. That there is continuity of earth bonding.
Repairs to sealed components
1) 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. 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.
2) 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.
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such that they no longer serve the
purpose of preventing the ingress of flammable atmospheres. 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.
Repair to intrinsically safe components
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.
Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while live in the presence of a
flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in the
ignition of refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or
any other adverse environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the effects of aging or
continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
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Automated Environmental Systems Ltd., Unit 1, 1 Wimbledon Avenue, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NZ
01842 819130 | [email protected]
