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Serviceman warnings
11. Serviceman warnings
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FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The refrigerant used inside this unit is flammable. A refrigerant leak that is exposed to an external ignition
source can create fire risks.
11.1 Controls in the area
Before starting work on a system containing flammable refrigerants, carry out the appropriate safety checks
to ensure that the risk of ignition is minimal. When repairing the refrigerant system, it is recommended that
the following precautions be taken before starting the work.
11.2 Work procedures
The work must be carried out according to a controlled procedure in order to minimise the risk of flammable
gases or vapours being present during the work.
11.3 General work area
Maintenance personnel and other people working in the area should be informed about the nature of the
work to be done. It is recommended not to carry out operations in enclosed spaces. The area around the
workspace must be made inaccessible. Verify that conditions within the area are safe in terms of control of
flammable materials.
11.4 Checking the presence of refrigerant
The area must be checked using an appropriate refrigerant detector before and during the intervention so
that the technician is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment
is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants (does not generate sparks and is properly sealed or intrinsi-
cally safe) and is located in a suitable space for early detection of leaks in relation to the maintenance work
carried out.
O
NOTE
Please note that R-32 refrigerant is heavier than air.
11.5 Presence of fire extinguishers
If hot operations are to be carried out on refrigeration equipment or associated components, a suitable fire
extinguisher must be kept on hand. Keep a dry-powder or CO2 extinguisher near the loading area.
11.6 Absence of ignition sources
When the operations to be carried out on a refrigeration system involve exposing piping containing or hav-
ing contained a flammable refrigerant, it is forbidden to use any source of ignition that could generate a risk
of fire or explosion. All possible sources of ignition, including cigarette smoke, should be kept at a sucient
distance from the installation, repair, disassembly and disposal site, as flammable refrigerant may escape
into the surrounding space during these operations. Before starting the work, the area around the appliance
must be inspected to ensure that it does not present ignition or flammability hazards. “NO SMOKING” signs
must be axed.