8 - SAFETY WARNINGS FOR OPERATIONS ON UNITS CONTAINING R32
Area checks
Before working on systems containing flammable
refrigerants, perform safety checks to reduce the risk of
combustion to the minimum. Before performing any
reparation operations on the cooling system, comply with
the following warnings.
Work procedures
Operations must be performed following a controlled
procedure so as to reduce the risk of flammable gases or
vapours developing.
General work area
All the personnel in charge with maintenance operations
and other operators working in the local area must be
instructed and monitored as regards the nature of the
intervention.
Avoid working in tight spaces. The area surrounding the
working space must be cordoned off. Make sure the area is
secured by monitoring the flammable material.
Check the presence of refrigerant
Both before and during operations, the area must be
monitored with a dedicated refrigerant detector to make
sure the technician is aware of the presence of potentially-
flammable environments.
Make sure the leak detection equipment is suitable for use
with flammable refrigerants and therefore without sparks,
suitably sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of the fire extinguisher
If hot interventions are not performed on cooling equipment
or connected components, suitable fire fighting equipment
must be kept at hand.
Keep a dry-powder or CO2 extinguisher near the loading
area.
No ignition source
It is absolutely forbidden to use ignition sources that may
lead to fire or explosion during operations on the cooling
system or on pipes that contain or have contained
flammable refrigerant.
All possible ignition sources, including cigarettes, must be
kept sufficiently away from the installation, reparation,
removal and disposal site as flammable refrigerant may be
released in the surrounding area.
Before starting operations, the area surrounding the
equipment must be inspected to guarantee the absence of
flammables or combustion risks. “SMOKING IS FORBIDDEN”
signs must be affixed.
Ventilated area
Before intervening on the system or performing any hot
intervention, make sure to be in an outdoor or suitably
ventilated area.
Ventilation must be maintained during operations. Ventilation
must disperse the released refrigerant safely, preferably
outdoors in the atmosphere.
Cooling equipment checks
Should a replacement be necessary, the new components
installed must be suitable for the purpose envisaged and
compliant with specifications.
Always follow the manufacturer guidelines on maintenance
and assistance. In case of doubt, contact the manufacturer
technical office for assistance.
The following checks must be preformed on systems
containing flammable refrigerants:
the quantity of the charge must comply with the size of
the room where the parts containing refrigerant are
installed;
the machine and ventilation intake function correctly
and are not obstructed;
If an indirect cooling circuit is used, the secondary
circuits must be checked to verify the presence of
refrigerants; the marking on the equipment remains
visible and readable;
Make sure markings and symbols are always readable;
cooling pipes or components must be installed in a
position that makes improbable their exposure to
substances that may corrode the components containing
refrigerant, unless they are manufactured with material
intrinsically resistant to corrosion or suitably protected
against corrosion.
Electrical device checks
The reparation and maintenance of electric components
must include initial safety checks and component inspection
procedures.
In case of a fault that compromises safety, do not perform
any electrical connection to the circuit until said fault is
suitably resolved.
If it is not possible to repair the fault immediately and
electrical components need to remain functioning, a
temporary solution must be adopted. This must be reported
to the owner of the equipment so as to keep all parties
informed.
Initial safety checks must include:
that condensers are emptied. This operation must be
performed safely to avoid any sparks:
that electrical components and wiring are not exposed
during the charging, recovering or venting phases;
That the earth conductor is continuous.
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