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 power or CO2 fire extinguisher
adjacent to the charging area.
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.
7. Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it it 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.
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 circuits shall be checked
for the presence of refrigerant; marking to the equipment continues to be visible and
legible.
marking 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.
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 it is necessary to continue operation, and adequate
temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment so all
parties are advised.
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