61
GB
DEHUMIDIFIER
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.
Work procedure 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.
Detection of
fl
ammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the
searching for or detection of refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other
detector using a naked
fl
ame) shall not be used.
Environment checking
All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed
on the nature of work being carried out. Work in con
fi
ned 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
fl
ammable
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 toxic or
fl
ammable
atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable
for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically safe.
No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves
exposing any pipe work shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner
that it may lead to the risk of
fi
re or explosion. All possible ignition sources,
including cigarette smoking, should be kept suf
fi
ciently far away from the site
of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which 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
fl
ammable hazards or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall be displayed.