the leak detection equipment being
used is suitable for use with flammable
refrigerants, i�e� nonsparking, adequately
sealed or intrinsically safe�
5. Presence of fire extinguisher� If any
hot work 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 CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the
charging 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 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�
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 externally into the
atmosphere�
8. Checks to the refrigeration equipment�
Where electrical components are
being changed, they shall be fit for the
purpose and to the correct specification�
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
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 theyare
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
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 there no live electrical components
and wiring are exposed while charging,
recovering or purging the system;
• That there is continuity of earth bonding�
Repairs to sealed components
1. During repairs to sealed components, all
electrical supplies shall be disconnected
from the equipment being worked upon
prior to any removal of sealed covers,
etc� If it is absolutely necessary to have
an electrical supply to equipment during
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