Table of Contents
Advertisement
MAINTENANCE
Guidelines regarding appliances with R290 refrigerant
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 repairs to the refrigerating
system, the following precautions shall be completed prior to conducting work on the
system.
Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure to minimise the risk of 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 the work being carried out.
• Work in confined spaces shall be avoided.
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 toxic or flammable atmospheres. Ensure that
the leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants,
i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed, or intrinsically safe.
Presence of a fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating 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 refrigerating system that involves exposing any
pipe work shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that 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, repair, removal, and disposal, during which
refrigerant can 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.
26
Advertisement
Table of Contents
