IX. Troubleshooting I
1.
Information on servicing
Checks to the area
1)
Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable 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
2)
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or
vapour being present while the work is being performed.
General work area
3)
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.
Checking for presence of refrigerant
4)
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. non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of fire extinguisher
5)
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.
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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