SERVICE OPERATIONS
This document describes the precautions for use by personnel responsible for service operations.
Any person required to work on a refrigerant circuit should hold a valid and up-to-date certificate
from an assessment authority accredited by the industry and recognising his competence to
handle refrigerants safely, in accordance with the assessment specification recognised in the
industry sector concerned.
Service operations must only be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the
equipment manufacturer. Maintenance and repair operations requiring the assistance of other
qualified persons must be carried out under the supervision of the person competent for the use
of flammable refrigerants.
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Checking the area :
Before starting work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary
to ensure that the risk of ignition is reduced. For repairs to the refrigeration system, the following
precautions must be observed before working on the system.
Intervention procedure
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Interventions must be undertaken as part of a controlled procedure in order to minimize the risk
of flammable gas or vapour during the work.
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General work area
All maintenance personnel and other persons working in the local area must be informed of the
nature of the work performed. Any work in confined spaces must be avoided. The area
surrounding the workspace must be divided into sections. Ensure that conditions within the area
have been made safe by controlling flammable materials.
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Checking the presence of refrigerant
The area must be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector before and during the work to
ensure that the technician is aware of the existence of potentially explosive atmospheres. Ensure
that the leak detection equipment used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i. e. it
does not produce sparks, is properly sealed and has intrinsic safety.
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Presence of fire extinguishers
If work causing heat is to be carried out on refrigeration equipment or its associated parts,
appropriate fire protection equipment must be available within easy reach. A dry powder or CO2
extinguisher must be located near the loading area.
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Absence of ignition sources
No person performing work related to a refrigeration system involving the exposure of pipes that