Checking the area.
Prior to beginning work on systems containing ammable refrigerants, safety checks are
necessary to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized. For repairs to the refrigerating
system, the following precautions must be complied with prior to conducting work on the
system.
Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure, in order to minimize the risk of a
ammable gas or vapor 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 the work being carried out. Work in conned 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 controlling ammable 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 ammable atmospheres. Ensure that the
leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with ammable refrigerants, i.e. no
sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of re extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts,
appropriate re extinguishing equipment must be available. Make sure there is a dry
powder or CO2 re extinguisher near 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 ammable refrigerant shall use any sources
of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the risk of re or explosion. All possible
ignition sources, including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufciently far away from the
site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which ammable refrigerant
can possibly be released to the surrounding area. Prior to work taking place, the area
around the equipment is to be surveyed to make sure that there are no ammable 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 to exist 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.
Checking refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be t for purpose and have
the correct specications. At all times, the manufacturer’s maintenance and service
guidelines shall be observed. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s technical department
for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using ammable 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.
– If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for
the presence of refrigerant.
– Markings on the equipment continue to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that
are illegible shall be corrected.
– Refrigeration pipes or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely
EN 06
