2) that no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging,
recovering or purging the system;
3) that there is continuity of earth bonding.
• 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 step a) -e)
should be completed prior to conducting work on the system.
1) The serving work must 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.
2) All maintenance staff and others working in the local area must be
instructed on the nature of work being carried out. Serving work in confined
spaces need to be avoided.
3) The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior
to and during work, to ensure the technician is aware of potentially toxic or
flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being
used is suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e., nonsparking,
adequately sealed, or intrinsically safe.
4) If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating equipment or any
associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be
available on hand. A dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguisher should be
adjacent to the charging area.
5) No person carrying out work in relation to a REFRIGERATING SYSTEM
which involves exposing any pipe work 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 refrigerant can possibly be released to the surrounding space. Prior
to work taking place, the area around the equipment shall be surveyed to
make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks."No
Smoking"signs shall be displayed.
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