3
Safety precautions
Precautions for using R32 refrigerant
The basic installation work procedures are the same as the conventional refrigerant (R22 or R410A).
However, pay attention to the following points:
WARNING
1.
Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants.
Attention is drawn to the fact that additional transportation regulations may exist with respect to equipment
containing flammable gas. The maximum number of pieces of equipment or the configuration of the equipment,
permitted to be transported together will be determined by the applicable transport regulations.
2.
Marking of equipment using signs
Signs for similar appliances (containing flammable refrigerants) used in a work area generally are addressed by
local regulations and give the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs for a work
location. All required signs are to be maintained and employers should ensure that employees receive suitable
and sufficient instruction and training on the meaning of appropriate safety signs and the actions that need to be
taken in connection with these signs.
The effectiveness of signs should not be diminished by too many signs being placed together. Any pictograms
used should be as simple as possible and contain only essential details.
3.
Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants
Compliance with national regulations
4.
Storage of equipment/appliances
The storage of equipment 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 determined by local
regulations.
6.
Information on servicing
6-1
Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems 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 should 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 minimise 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.
•The area around the workspace shall be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been
made safe by control of flammable material.
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 the 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 refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire
extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand.
•Have a dry powder or CO fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
2
6-6
No ignition sources
•No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration 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.
