36V 01/23
Aptitude requirement for maintenance man (repairs. should be done only be specialists).
• Any person who is involved with working on or breaking into a refrigerant circuit should hold a current valid
certicate from an industry-accredited assessment authority, which authorises their competence to handle refrigerants
safely in accordance with an industry recognised assessment specifìcation.
• Servicing shall only be performed as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Maintenance and repair
requiring the assistance of other skilled personnel shall be carried out under the supevision of the person competent
in the use of ammable refrigerants.
Safety preparation work
The maximum refrigerant charge amount is shown on the following table a
(Note: Please refer to the nameplate for the charging quantity of R290).
Table a - Maximum charge (kg)
Security checks
Prior to beginning work on systems containing ammable 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.
• Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimise the risk of a ammable gas or vapour
being present while the work is being performed.
• General work area
AII maintenance staff and others working in the local area shall be instructed on the nature of 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 control of 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 toxic or ammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being
used is suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
• Presence of re extinguisher
lf any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate re
extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO
2
re extinguisher adjacent to the
charging area.
• No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration 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 re or explosion. AII possible ignition
sources, including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufciently 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 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 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.
• Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be t for the purpose and the correct specication.
At all times the manufacturer’s maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed. lf in doubt, consult the
SPECIALIST’S MANUAL
Room area (m
2
) 4 11 15
Maximum charge (kg) <0.152 0.225 0.304
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
