Important Safety Information
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Information on servicing
1. Checks to the area:
Prior to beginning work on systems containing fl ammable refrigerants, safety
checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized. 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 minimize the risk of
a fl ammable 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 confi ned spaces shall be avoided. The area around the
work space shall be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the work area have been made safe
by removing all fl ammable material.
4. Checking for the 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 fl ammable
atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with fl ammable
refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed and intrinsically safe.
5. Presence of fi re extinguisher:
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or
any associated parts, appropriate fi re extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry
powder or C0
2
fi re extinguisher adjacent to the work 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 fl ammable refrigerant shall use any sources
of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to risk of fi re or explosion. All possible ignition sources
including cigarette smoking, should be kept suffi ciently far away from the site of installation, repairing,
removing and disposal during which fl ammable 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 there
are no fl ammable hazards or ignition risks. No smoking signs shall be displayed.
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
preferable expel it externally into the atmosphere.
8. Checks to the refrigeration equipment:
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall
be fi t for the purpose and to the correct specifi cation. 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 fl ammable 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 become
illegible must 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 suitable protected
against being 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 no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging
the system.
• That there is continuity of earth bonding.
