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About R-290 refrigerant
3.1 Warnings for the installer and the
Technical Support Service
The use of ammable refrigerants entails specic safety
warnings for certain operations during installation and
maintenance.
3.2 General warnings
The refrigerant used inside this unit is highly ammable.
A refrigerant leak that is exposed to an external ignition
source can create re risks.
Before starting work on systems containing ammable
refrigerants, safety checks must be carried out to ensure
that the risk of combustion is minimised.
Installation and maintenance personnel and other
people working in the area should be informed about
the nature of the work to be done.
Do not pierce or burn.
The unit must be protected from accidental impacts so
as to prevent mechanical damage that would cause a
refrigerant leak.
Ensure that there are no continuously operating
ignition sources (naked flames, gas appliances, electric
stoves, lit cigarettes, etc.).
Do not place ammable objects (spray cans) within 1
metre of the exhaust air.
3.3 Safety checks and procedures
Before starting an intervention, carry out appropriate safety
checks to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimal.
Follow these precautions before starting an intervention:
3.3.1 Checks in the area
Perform the following checks:
• carry out safety checks to ensure that the risk of combu-
stion is minimised
• avoid working in tight spaces
• mark the area around the work space
• ensure safe working conditions around the area and
check that there is no flammable material.
3.3.2 Work procedures
• Interventions must be carried out according to a control-
led procedure in order to minimise the risk of flammable
gases or vapours being present during the work.
3.3.3 Checking the presence of refrigerant
Perform the following checks:
• the area must be checked using an appropriate refrige-
rant detector before and during the intervention so that
the technician is aware of potentially flammable atmo-
spheres
• check that the leak detector is suitable for use with flam-
mable refrigerants (it does not generate sparks and is
adequately sealed or intrinsically safe)
• check that it is placed in a suitable space to promptly
check for leaks linked to the maintenance activity carried
out
It is forbidden to use leak detectors with halogen lamps.
Remember that R-290 refrigerant is heavier than air.
3.3.4 Presence of fire extinguishers
When performing hot operations on refrigeration equipment
or associated components:
• keep a suitable extinguisher at hand
• keep a dry-powder or CO2 extinguisher near the work
area.
3.3.5 Absence of ignition sources
When operations to be carried out on a refrigeration system
involve exposing piping containing or having contained a
flammable refrigerant.
Perform the following checks:
• all possible ignition sources, including cigarette smoke,
should be kept at a sufficient distance from the installa-
tion, fixing, disassembly and disposal site, as flammable
refrigerant may escape into the surrounding space
during these operations.
• before starting the intervention, the area around the
unit must be inspected to check that it does not present
ignition or flammability hazards.
It is forbidden to use any ignition source that could gene-
rate a risk of re or explosion.
It is forbidden to smoke near the unit.
“NO SMOKING”
signs must be affixed.
It is forbidden to use a mobile phone near the unit.
3.3.6 Area ventilation
Before working on the system or performing hot operations.
Perform the following checks:
• the area must either be open or adequately ventilated
• ventilation must be constant throughout the entire
operation and be capable of safely dispersing all refrige-
rant released and preferably expelling it outside into the
atmosphere.
3.3.7 Checks on the refrigeration system
Perform the following checks:
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