7
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.
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.
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.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct
specification. At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed. If in
doubt consult the manufacturer’s technical department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
– The charge size is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing parts are
installed;
– The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed;
– If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence
of refrigerant;
– Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall
be corrected;
– Refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely to be exposed to
any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing components, unless the components are
constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to being corroded or are suitably protected
against being so corroded.
Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component
inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be
connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately
but it is necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be
reported to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include:
- those capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
- that there no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging
the system;
- that there is continuity of earth bonding.
