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Area check
Before starting work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks must be carried out to
guarantee a minimal ignition risk.
Work procedure
The work must be carried out according to a controlled procedure in order to reduce the risks of releasing a
flammable gas or vapour while working.
Before beginning work on the cooling circuit, stop the appliance and wait for a few minutes before fitting
the temperature and pressure sensors. Some elements such as the compressor and piping may reach
temperatures in excess of 100°C and high pressures with the consequent risk of severe burns.
General work area
All maintenance staff and other personnel working in the surrounding area must be made aware of the
work carried out. Work conducted in enclosed areas must be avoided.
Check for the presence of refrigerant
The area must be analysed using a suitable refrigerant detector before and during work so that the
technician is informed of the presence of a potentially toxic or flammable atmosphere. Check that the leak
detection equipment used is suitable for use with all refrigerants concerned, i.e. that it does not cause a
spark, is correctly isolated or is entirely safe.
Check for the presence of a fire extinguisher
If work must be carried out on the cooling equipment or any part associated therewith at a certain
temperature, suitable fire extinguishing means must be within reach. Place a dry chemical fire extinguisher
or CO
fire extinguisher near the work area.
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No source of ignition
No person carrying out work on a cooling system involving exposing the piping may use any ignition source,
which could create a fire or explosion risk. All possible ignition sources, in particular cigarettes, must not
enter within a sufficient perimeter of the installation, repair, removal or disposal site, in the event that
refrigerant could be released into the surrounding space. Before starting the work, the area around the
equipment must be examined to check for all fire or ignition risks. "No smoking" signs must be displayed.
Area ventilation
Before accessing the unit in any manner whatsoever with the intention of performing any maintenance task,
check that the area is open and well-ventilated. Suitable ventilation must be provided throughout the
maintenance task to allow any refrigerant that could be released into the atmosphere to be safely dispersed.
Refrigeration equipment check
The manufacturer's recommendations in terms of care and maintenance must always be complied with.
When replacing electric components, check that components used are of the same type and category as
those recommended/approved by the manufacturer. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer's technical
department for assistance.
The following checks must be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
if an indirect cooling circuit is used, the presence of refrigerant in the secondary circuit must be
analysed;
the markings on the equipment must remain visible and legible; any illegible markings or signs
must be rectified;
the hoses or components of the cooling circuit are installed in a position where they are
unlikely to be exposed to any substance capable of corroding the components containing
refrigerant, unless the components are made from materials that are typically corrosion-proof
or correctly protected from such corrosion.
Electric component check
The repair and maintenance of electric components must include initial safety checks and component
inspection procedures. If a defect capable of jeopardising safety arises, no power supply must be connected
to the circuit until the problem has been completely resolved. If the defect cannot be rectified immediately
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