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
preferable 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 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 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.
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