Transportation of equipment containing flammable
1.
refrigerants See transport regulations
Labelling of the equipment using
2.
signs See local regulations
Disposal of equipment containing flammable
3.
refrigerants See national regulations.
Storage of equipment/appliances
4.
Equipment storage shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Storage of packed (unsold) equipment
5.
The equipment should be correctly packed so that any kind of mechanical damage, which could
lead to refrigerant leaks, is avoided. The maximum numbers of pieces of equipment permitted to
be stored together are determined by local regulations.
Maintenance information
6.
Area safety checks
1)
Before beginning to work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary
to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised. While repairing the refrigeration system, the
following precautions should be followed before working on the system.
Work procedure
2)
The work procedure should be controlled to minimise the risk from flammable gases or vapours
that may be triggered during installation.
General work area
3)
All maintenance staff and others working in the area are to be instructed on the established
assembly procedure. Working in confined spaces should be avoided. The area around the
workspace must be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area are safe and that
flammable materials are under control.
Checking for refrigerant
4)
The area should be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to
ensure that the technician is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak
detection equipment being used is suitable to use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking,
adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of a fire extinguisher
5)
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate fire extinguishing equipment should be available. Have a dry powder or CO
extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
No ignition sources
6)
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 the surrounding space. Prior
to work taking 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.
Ventilated area
7)
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
externally into the atmosphere.
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fire
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