Section
5
Sealed System
5
-5
Spills or Leaks
If a large release of vapor occurs, such as from a large
spill or leak, the vapors may concentrate near the floor
or low spots and displace the oxygen available for
breathing, causing suffocation.
Evacuate everyone until the area has been ventilated.
Use blowers or fans to circulate the air at floor level.
DO NOT re-enter the affected area unless you are
equipped with a self-contained breathing apparatus or
unless an area monitor indicates that the concentration
of R-410A vapors in the area is below the AEL.
Always use self-contained breathing apparatus or an
air-line mask when entering tanks or other areas where
vapors might exist. For accidental release or non-
ventilated situations, or release into confined space,
where the concentration may be above the PEL of 1,000
ppm, use a self-contained, NIOSH- approved breathing
apparatus or supplied air respirator. For escape: use
the former or a NIOSH-approved gas mask with organic
vapor canister. Use the buddy system and a lifeline.
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
R-410A information.
R-410A vapors have a slightly sweet odor that can be
difficult to detect. Therefore, frequent leak checks and
the installation of permanent area monitors may be
necessary in enclosed spaces. Refer to ASHRAE
Standards 15 and 34 for refrigeration machinery rooms.
To ensure safety when working with R-410A in enclosed
areas:
1. Route relief and purge vent piping (if present)
outdoors, away from air intakes.
2. Make certain area is well ventilated, using
auxiliary ventilation if needed to move vapors.
3. Make sure area is clear of vapors prior to beginning
work.
4. Install air monitoring equipment to detect leaks.
Thermal Decomposition
R-410A vapors will decompose when exposed to
high temperatures from flames or electric resistance
heaters. Decomposition may produce toxic and irritating
compounds, such as halogens, halogen acids and
possibly carbonyl halides. The pungent odors released
will irritate the nose and throat and generally force
people to evacuate the area. Therefore, it is important
to prevent decomposition by avoiding exposure to high
temperatures.
HOT-WEATHER RECOVERY OPERATIONS
CAN RESULT IN VERY HIGH STORAGE-TANK
PRESSURES AND THEREFORE DISPOSABLE
CYLINDERS SHOULD NEVER BE REFILLED OR
USED AS A RECOVERY TANK. RUST, DENTS,
AND OTHER DAMAGE CAN SIGNIFICANTLY
REDUCE THE BURST PRESSURE OF DISPOSABLE
CYLINDERS.
TRANSPORTATION OF REFILLED D.O.T. 39
CYLINDERS IS ILLEGAL AND SUBJECT TO
A PENALTY OF A FINE UP TO $25,000 AND
FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT. THE USE OF A
REFILLED D.O.T. 39 CYLINDER ALSO VIOLATES
OSHA WORKPLACE REGULATIONS AND MAY
VIOLATE STATE LAWS.
Bulk Delivery and Storage
The storage requirements for R-410A are the same as
R-22 and other refrigerants and include the following:
1. Store in a clean dry area out of direct sunlight.
2. Keep the valves tightly closed.
3. Keep the valve caps and hoods in place when the
refrigerant tank is not in use.
4. Always label and secure the refrigerant tanks.
5. Refrigerant tanks should normally be evacuated at
start of filling, and should never be filled while under
positive air pressure.
6. Tank pressure should never be allowed to exceed
400 psi when filling with R-410A. Relief devices on
either tanks or R-410A supply system usually prevent
this.
7. Refrigerant tanks pressures should be monitored
routinely.
8. Air lines should never be connected to storage tanks.
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Never heat refrigerant tank above 125°F (52°C),
or allow refrigerant tanks to be stored in an area
that will exceed this temperature.
