1.2 Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or
vapour 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 tection 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, propriate fire
extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO 2 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 igarette 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.
1.9 Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component
inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be
connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but
