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 minimise the risk of a flammable gas or
vapour being present while the work is being performed.
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 minimised. For repair to the refrigerating system, the following
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 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.
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.
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.
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