Inhalation Toxicity; Cardiac Sensitization; Spills And Leaks; Skin And Eye Contact - Electrolux EI15IM55GS Service Manual

Inhalation Toxicity

HFC-134a poses no acute or chronic hazard
when it is handled in accordance with DuPont
recommendations and when exposures are
maintained at or below the DuPont Acceptable
Exposure Limit (AEL) of 1,000 ppm (8 and 12 hour
Time-Weighted Average or TWA).
An AEL is an airborne exposure limit established
by DuPont scientists that specifies time-weighted
average (TWA) airborne concentrations to which
nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed
without adverse effects. The AEL for HFC-134a
has the same value as the Threshold Limit Values
(TLVs) established for CFC-12 and HCFC-22. TLVs
are established by the American Conference of
Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
However, inhaling high concentrations of HFC-
134a vapor may cause temporary central nervous
system depression with narcosis, lethargy and
anesthetic effects. Other effects that may occur
include dizziness, a feeling of intoxication and a
loss of coordination. Continued breathing of high
concentrations of HFC-134a vapors may produce
cardiac irregularities (cardiac sensitization),
unconsciousness, and with gross overexposure,
death. Intentional misuse or deliberate inhalation of
HFC-134a may cause death without warning. This
practice is extremely dangerous.
If you experience any of the initial symptoms, move
to fresh air and seek medical attention.

Cardiac Sensitization

If vapors are inhaled at a concentration of 75,000
ppm, which is well above the AEL, the heart may
become sensitized to adrenaline, leading to cardiac
irregularities and, possibly, to cardiac arrest. The
likelihood of these cardiac problems increases if
you are under physical or emotional stress.
Medical attention must be given immediately if
exposed to high concentrations of HFC-134a.
DO NOT treat with adrenaline (epinephrine) or
similar drugs. These drugs may increase the risk
of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. If the
person is having difficulty breathing, administer
oxygen. If breathing has stopped, give artificial
respiration.
Service Information
Spills or Leaks
If a large release of vapor occurs, such as from
a large spill or leak, the vapors may concentrate
near the floor or low spots and displace the oxygen
available for breathing, causing suffocation.
Evacuate everyone until the area has been
ventilated. Use blowers or fans to circulate the
air at floor level. DO NOT reenter the affected
area unless you are equipped with a self-
contained breathing apparatus or unless an
area monitor indicates that the concentration of
HFC-134a vapors in the area is below the AEL.
Always use self-contained breathing apparatus or
an air-line mask when entering tanks or other areas
where vapors might exist. Use the buddy system
and a lifeline. Refer to the Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) for HFC-134a for more information.
HFC-134a vapors have a slightly sweet odor that
can be difficult to detect. Therefore, frequent leak
checks and the installation of permanent area
monitors may be necessary in enclosed spaces.
Refer to ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34 for
refrigeration machinery rooms.
To ensure safety when working with HFC-134a in
enclosed areas:
1. Route relief and purge vent piping (if present)
outdoors, away from air intakes.
2. Make certain area is well ventilated, using
auxiliary ventilation, if necessary, to move
vapors.
3. Make sure area is clear of vapors prior to
beginning work.
4. Install air monitoring equipment to detect
leaks.

Skin and Eye Contact

At room temperature, HFC-134a vapors have
little or no effect on the skin or eyes. However, in
liquid form, HFC-134a can freeze skin or eyes on
contact, causing frostbite. Following contact, soak
the exposed area in lukewarm water, not cold or
hot. If medical treatment cannot begin immediately,
apply a light coat of a nonmedicated ointment,
such as petroleum jelly. If the exposed area is in a
location where the presence of the ointment would
be awkward, such as on the eye, apply a light
bandage. In all cases of frostbite, seek medical
attention as soon as possible.
23