Troubleshooting
1. Information on servicing
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) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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
34