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● Repair to intrinsically safe components
● Cabling
The Refrigerant
Ensure that the apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point that they no longer
serve the purpose of preventing the ingress of flammable atmospheres. Replacement parts
shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
NOTE:The use of silicon sealant can inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection
equipment. Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without ensuring that
this will not exceed the permissible voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use.
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp
edges or any other adverse environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the
effects of aging or continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
● Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or
detection of refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall
not be used.
● Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with
the equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are
recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be
taken in case analysis is required prior to re-use of reclaimed refrigerant. It is essential that
electrical power is available before the task is commenced.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
– mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
– all personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly;
– the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
– recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from
various parts of the system.
f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while live in the
presence of a flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in
the ignition of refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
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