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Precautions for Using R32 Refrigerant
The basic installation work procedures are the same as the conventional refrigerant (R22 or R410A).
However, pay attention to the following points:
WARNING
1. Transport of Equipment Containing Flammable Refrigerants.
Attention is drawn to the fact that additional transportation regulations may exist with respect to equipment containing
flammable gas. The maximum number of pieces of equipment or the configuration of the equipment, permitted to be
transported together will be determined by the applicable transport regulations.
2. Marking of Equipment Using Signs
Signs for similar appliances (containing flammable refrigerants) used in a work area generally are addressed by local
regulations and give the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs for a work location. All
required signs are to be maintained and employers should ensure that employees receive suitable and sufficient instruction
and training on the meaning of appropriate safety signs and the actions that need to be taken in connection with these signs.
The effectiveness of signs should not be diminished by too many signs being placed together. Any pictograms used should be
as simple as possible and contain only essential details.
3. Disposal of Equipment Using Flammable Refrigerants
Compliance with 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
6-1 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 should be complied with prior to
conducting work on the system.
6-2 Work Procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of flammable gas or vapour being present
while the work is being performed.
6-3 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.
6-4 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.
6-5 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 powder or CO fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
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6-6 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.
6-7 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.
6-8 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.
Safety Precautions
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