2.2.3 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 work space shall be sectioned off. Ensure that the
conditions within the area have been made safe by control of flammable material.
2.2.4 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. no sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
2.2.5 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.
2.2.6 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.
2.2.7 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.
2.2.8 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.
