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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
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
precautions shall be complied with prior to conducting work on the system.
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.
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.
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.
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 actual refrigerant charge 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.
EN
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