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2.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON SERVICING
Please follow these warnings when to undertake the following when servicing an appliance
with R290.
2.2.1 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 conducting work on the
system.
2.2.2 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.
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.
