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Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire
extinguishing equipment (e.g. dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher) should be located near the work space.
No ignition sources
Work being carried out in relation to a refrigeration system involving exposing any piping or equipment that
contains or has contained flammable refrigerant must 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 ciga rette smoking, must be
sufficiently far away from the work space and/or site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal during
which flammable refrigerant could possibly be released to the surrounding space. S hould there be a need for
brazing or welding, it should be undertaken in accordance with the recommendations noted elsewhere in this
document. The area around the equipment should be surveyed prior to any work being undertaken to ensure
that that it is safe from all flammable hazards or ignition risks.
Ventilated area
Ensure that the working space is well ventilated before any work is undertaken on any refrigerant piping or
refrigerant equipment. Ventilation should safely disperse any released refrigerant and preferably expel it
externally to atmosphere.
Check the electrical components
Repair and maintenance to all electrical components should be included in the initial safety checks of the
equipment. Ensure that power supplies are isolated prior to undertaking such an inspection and immediately
repair or replace faulty electrical components. Under no circumstances should equipment operation be re-
instated with faulty electrical components. If it is essential to maintain an active power supply to the
equipment during the repair activities, it is recommended that an appropriate detection system and alarm is
provided in the most appropriate and critical point in the system.
Initial safety checks prior to undertaking refrigeration circuit repairs should include but not be limited to the
following:
•
Ensure that all capacitors are discharged to prevent possible sparking.
•
Ensure that electrical power to the equipment is isolated while undertaking charging,
recovering and purging of refrigeration systems.
•
Check and ensure adequate and efficient earth bonding of the equipment.
•
Do not alter any electrical components such that their operation or safety can compromise
the safety of the system/installation.
•
Check seals and sealing materials for degradation. Note that equivalent manufacturer
approved seals and sealing materials sho uld be used to replace faulty seals.
•
Check and ensure that all electrical cabling and wiring is safe and not showing any wear that
could contribute to potential short circuiting and sparking. Repla ce all faulty components
with manufacturer approved components.
Check the refrigeration equipments
The following list provides an overview of checks that apply to installations employing flammable refrigerants.
•
Check compliance of refrigerant charge with the latest legislated requirements.
•
Check ventilation provisions for adequacy and effectiveness.
•
Check and verify operation of leak detection equipment.
•
Check and verify refrigerant and lubricant labelling fitted to equipment.
•
Check operation of any refrigerant detection systems and alarms.
•
Check refrigeration systems components and piping for potential corrosion.
•
Chek for excessive vibration from compressors and other moving parts such as fans.
