WARNINGS (for using R290/R32 refrigerant only)
1. Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants
See transport regulations
2. Marking of equipment using signs
See local regulations
3. Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants
See 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 so 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
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 shall be complied with prior to conducting work on the
system.
2) Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a
flammable gas or vapor being present while the work is being performed.
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.
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.
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
CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
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.