lf 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.
4. No ignition sources:
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves
exposing any pipe work shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that
it may lead to the risk of fire or explosion. AII possible ignition sources, including
cigarette smoking, should be kept sufficiently far away from the site of installation,
repairing, removing and disposal, during which 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 elements or ignition
risks.
'No Smoking' signs shall be displayed.
5. Ventilated Area(open the door and window):
Ensure that the area is adequately ventilated before acting 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.
6. 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. lf 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.
• lf an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be
checked for the presence of refrigerant.
• 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.
7. Checks to the electrical devices:
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety
checks and component inspection procedures. lf a fault exists that could
compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the circuit until
it is satisfactorily dealt with. lf the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is
necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This
Maintenance
27