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ARP-2410
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING APPLIANCES CONTAINING R32
1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.1 Checks to the area
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 con-ducting work on the system.
1.2 Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapor being present while the work is
being performed.
1.3 General work area
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.
1.4 Checking for presence of refrigerant
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.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
1.7 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.
1.8 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.
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