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1.6 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 igarette 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.
1.7 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.
1.8 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.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 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; 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 compo
nents, unless the components are constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to being
corroded or are suitably protected against being so corroded.
1.9 Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component
inspection procedures. If a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be
connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it
is necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported
to the owner of the equipment so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include: that capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to
avoid possibility of sparking; that there no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while
charging, recovering or purging the system; that there is continuity of earth bonding.
2 REPAIRS TO SEALED COMPONENTS
2.1 During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment
being worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have an
electrical supply to equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall
be located at the most critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
2.2 Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the
casing is not altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected.
This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made to original
specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc. Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such 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 may inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection equipment.
Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
