•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. Use a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher.
•No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigerant system
which involves exposing any pipework 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, repair,
removal and/or 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 should be displayed.
•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.
•When electrical components are being charged, they shall be fit for
purpose and to the correct specification. At all times, the instruction
manual should be followed. If in doubt, consult the retailer. 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 refrigerants;
markings on the equipment continue to be visible and legible;
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 corroded.