Appliances shall be installed,operated and stored in a room with
a floor area larger than 4 m
a well-ventilated area where the room size corresponds to the
room area as specified for operation.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING APPLIANCES CONTAINING R290 / R32
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This instruction manual is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical, elec-
tronic, refrigerant and mechanical experience.
1.1 Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure
that the risk of ignition is minimised. For repair to the refrigerating system, the following precautions shall be
complied with prior to conducting work on the system.
1.2 Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of a flammable gas or vapour
being present while the work is being performed.
1.3 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 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 material.
1.4 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 flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being
used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. nonsparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
1.5 Presence of fire extinguisher
lf any hotwork is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire
extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO 2 fire extinguisher adjacent to
the charging area.
1.6 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 flammable refrigerant shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that it may
lead to the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including cigarette smoking, should be kept
sufficiently far away from the site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which flammable
refrigerant can possibly be released to thesurrounding space. Prior to worktaking place, the area around the
equipment is to be surveyed to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. "No Smoking"
signs shall be displayed.
1.7 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 preferably expel it extemally into the
atmosphere.
1.8 Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct specifica-
tion. At all times the manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed. lf in doubt consult
the manufacturer's technical department for assistance. The following checks shall be applied to installations
using flammable 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 are illegible shall 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 suitably protected against being so cor-
roded.
1. 9 Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection
procedures. lf a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the
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. The appliance shall be stored in