Specialist’s Manual
– if an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the
–
The following checks shall be applied to instal-
lations using flammable refrigerants:
–
ing adequately and are not obstructed;
–
within which the refrigerant containing parts are in-
stalled;
that there is continuity of earth bonding.
–
the ventilation machinery and outlets are operat-
the charge size is in accordance with the room size
–
refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a
secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence
of refrigerant;
marking to the equipment continues to be visible
and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall
be corrected;
–
advised.
Initial safety checks shall include:
in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
–
that capacitors are discharged: this shall be done
that no live electrical components and wiring are
exposed while charging, recovering or purging the
system;
position where they are unlikely to be exposed to any
substance which may corrode refrigerant contain-
ing components, unless the components are const-
ructed of materials which are inherently resistant to
ting equipment or any associated parts, appropriate
fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to
hand. Have a dry powder or CO
2 fire extinguisher
Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing flamm-
able refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to
ensure that the risk of ignition is minimised. For
repair to the refrigerating system, DD.3.3 to DD.3.7
shall be completed 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 flammable
gas or vapour being present while the work is being
performed.
being corroded or are suitably protected against be-
ing so corroded.
Repair and maintenance to electrical compo-
24
ment for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installa-
tions using flammable refrigerants:
nents shall include initial safety checks and com-
ponent inspection procedures. If a fault exists
that could compromise safety, then no electrical
supply shall be connected to the circuit until it
is satisfactorily dealt with. If the fault cannot
be corrected immediately but it is necessary
to continue operation, an adequate temporary
solution shall be used. This shall be reported
to the owner of the equipment so all parties are
they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct
specification. At all times the manufacturer's mainte-
nance and service guidelines shall be followed. If in
doubt,consult the manufacturer's technical depart-
Prior to work taking place, the area around the
equipment is to be surveyed to make sure that
there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks.
''No Smoking'' signs shall be displayed.
Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is ad-
equately ventilated before breaking into the system
or conducting any hot work. A degree of ventilation
shall continue during the period that the work is carri-
ed out. The ventilation should safely disperse any re-
leased refrigerant and preferably expel it externally
into the atmosphere.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed,
adjacent to the charging area.
No ignition sources
General work area
All maintenance staff and others working in the
local area shall be instructed on the nature of work
being carried out. Work in confined spaces shall be
avoided.
Checking for presence of refrigerant
The area shall be checked with an appropriate refri-
gerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure
the technician is aware of potentially toxic or flamm-
able atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection
equipment being used is suitable for use with all app-
licable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately seal-
ed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigera-
No person carrying out work in relation to a refriger-
ating 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, remov-
ing and disposal, during which refrigerant can
possibly be released to the surrounding space.
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