7
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
