Safety Cautions
SiMX042215E
4
Introduction
Checking the area
Before beginning work, conduct safety checks to minimise the risk of ignition. When
repairing the refrigerating system, take the following precautions before work.
Work procedure
Work shall be conducted under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of working
in the presence of R-32 or vapour.
General working 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 materials.
Checking for presence of refrigerant
The working area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector before 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 R-32, i.e.
non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
Fire extinguishing equipment
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be made available at hand. Prepare a dry
powder or CO
2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the working area.
No ignition sources
During work on a refrigeration system which involves exposing any piping work that contains
or has contained R-32, any sources of ignition shall not be used in a manner that may lead
to the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including cigarette smoking,
should be kept at a safe distance from the site of installation, repairing, or removing space.
Before starting work, the area around the equipment shall be examined to make sure that
there are no flammable hazard or ignition risks. No Smoking signs shall be displayed.
Ventilated area
Ensure that the working area is open or that it is adequately ventilated before work.
Adequate ventilation shall be maintained during the entire period of work.
The ventilation should disperse any released refrigerant and preferably discharge it into the
external atmosphere.
Checking the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are to be changed, the new components shall be fit for the
purpose and have the correct specifications.
The manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed at all times.
If there are any unclear points, consult the manufacturer's technical department for
assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to any installation work involving R-32:
The amount of charge is in accordance with the size of the room where 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 on the equipment is visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible
shall be corrected;
Refrigeration pipes or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely to
be exposed to any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing components, or
the refrigerant containing components are constructed of materials which are inherently
resistant to corrosion or are suitably protected against corrosion.
