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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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WARNINGS (for using R290/R32 refrigerant only)
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.
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 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.
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.
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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.
8) 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.
9) 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:
That 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.
7. Repairs to sealed components
1) During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the
equipment being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it isabsolutely
necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a permanently
operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to warn of a
potentially hazardous situation.
2) Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical
components, the casing is not altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected.
This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made
to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting
of glands, etc.
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such that they no longer serve the
purpose of
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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