Safety Summary - Carrier Transport Air Conditioning Installation Procedures Manual

SAFETY SUMMARY

GENERAL SAFETY NOTICES
The following general safety notices supplement the specific warnings and cautions appearing elsewhere in this
manual. They are recommended precautions that must be understood and applied during installation, operation,
service, and maintenance of the equipment covered herein. The general safety notices are presented in the following
three sections labeled: First Aid, Operating Precautions and Installation Precautions. A listing of the specific warnings
and cautions appearing elsewhere in the manual follows the general safety notices.
FIRST AID
An injury, no matter how slight, should never go unattended. Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Always wear protective eye wear (safety glasses or goggles).
Keep hands, clothing and tools clear of the evaporator and condenser fans.
No work should be performed on the system unless battery power is disconnected.
Always work in pairs. Never work on the equipment alone.
In case of severe vibration or unusual noise, stop the system and investigate.
When vehicle engine is running, keep your hands, clothing and tools clear of the engine fan blade and drive belts.
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
Familiarize yourself with the proper operation of any service equipment you will be using (voltmeter, amp probe,
manifold gauges, etc.). Always read the owner's manual that is enclosed with the equipment
Always follow the manufacturers instructions for your recovery/recycling equipment. Failure to do so could cause
personal injury or damage to your equipment. Never perform any maintenance or service on your equipment before
consulting with authorized service personnel. Always unplug unit before attempting any maintenance. Removing
internal fittings and filters can release pressurized refrigerant. Slowly release pressure and always wear appropriate
safety wear.
Avoid breathing any refrigerant vapor, lubricant vapor, or mist. Exposure to these, particularly PAG oil mist, may irritate
your eyes, nose, or throat.
Always use a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved cylinder for storing used and recycled refrigerant.
Approved cylinders will be stamped DOT 4BW or DOT 4BA. Carrier recommends a MACS (Mobile Air Conditioning
Society) certification in Recovery/Recycling to gain more information on handling and using refrigerants.
Never attempt to apply heat or open flame to a refrigerant cylinder. High temperatures can raise the cylinder pressure
to dangerous levels. Carrier recommends using a heat blanket to increase the internal temperature of the refrigerant
cylinder, greatly increasing the rate of transfer of refrigerant to the bus air conditioning system.
Never use compressed air (shop-air) to leak-test or pressure test a R134a system. Under certain conditions,
pressurized mixtures of R134a and air can be combustible. In addition, shop air will inject moisture into the system.
Always use mineral oil to lubricate "O" Rings, hoses and fittings on R134a systems. PAG oils will absorb moisture and
become very acidic and corrosive. Mineral oil will not absorb moisture and thus prevent corrosion. Always wear gloves
when working with PAG and Ester lubricants to prevent irritation to your skin. R134a lubricants can also damage
vehicles paint, plastic parts, engine drive belts and coolant hoses.
Beware of unannounced starting of the evaporator and condenser fans. Do not remove the evaporator cover or
condenser fan guards without disconnecting the vehicle battery cable.
Always wear gloves when handling evaporators and condensers.
Be sure power is turned off before working on motors, controllers, and electrical control switches. Tag system controls
and vehicle battery to prevent accidental energizing of the system.
Do not bypass any electrical safety devices, e.g. bridging an overload, or using any sort of jumper wires. Problems with
the system should be diagnosed, and any necessary repairs performed, by qualified service personnel.
When performing any arc welding on the vehicle, disconnect the vehicle battery.
In case of electrical fire, extinguish with CO (never use water). Disconnect vehicle battery power if possible.
2
Never route hoses or electrical harnesses down the front of the bus on the driver's side when installing a front mounted
evaporator assembly. Driver visibility could be impaired.
Before drilling holes for routing hoses and harnesses through the bus floor or wall, make sure there are no electrical
harnesses, floor braces, tubing, etc. in the path of the holes to be drilled. Drilling into an electrical harness or fuel line
could cause a fire or explosion.
Safety --i
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