Oasis I Series Installation & Operation Manual page 31

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. prolonged period of no usage.
WORK PROCEDURE
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure 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
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. prolonged
period of no usage.
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.
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