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1. Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants - see transport
regulations
2. Marking of equipment using signs - see local regulations
3. Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants - see national regulations.
4. Storage of equipment/appliances - The storage of equipment should be in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment - storage package protection should be
constructed such that mechanical damage to the equipment inside the package
will not cause a leak of the refrigerant charge. The maximum number of pieces
of equipment permitted to be stored together will be determined by local
regulations.
6. Information on servicing
• 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 minimised. For repair to
the refrigerating system, the following precautions shall be complied with prior to
conducting work on the system.
• Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk
of a flammable gas or vapour being present while the work is being performed.
• General work area
All maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed on
the nature of work being carried out. Work in confined spaces shall be avoided.
The area 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 refrigerants, 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 CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
• 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.
• 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.
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