d) 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. non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically
safe.
e) 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
at hand.
Have a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
f) 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.
g) 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.
h) 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.
EN - 11