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around the workspace shall be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area
have been made safe by control of flammable material.
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 refri-
gerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
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 C02 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves expo-
sing 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.
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 du-
ring the period that the work is carried out. The ventilation should safely disperse any
released refrigerant and preferably expel it externally into the atmosphere.
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 depart-
ment 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 con-
taining 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.
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