TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Information on servicing
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 minimised. For repair to
the refrigerating system, the following precautions shall be complied with prior to
conducting work on the system.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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
