6-5 Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated
parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry
powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
6-6 No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration system which involves
exposing any pipe work that contains or has contained flammable refrigerant 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, removing and disposal,
during which flammable 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 flammable hazards or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall be
displayed.
6-7 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.
6-8 Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and
to the correct specification.
At all times the manufacturer's maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed.
If in doubt consult the manufacturer's technical department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
– The charge size is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant
containing parts are installed;
– The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not
obstructed;
– If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the 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;
– Refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a position where they are
unlikely to be exposed to any substance which may corrode refrigerant containing
components, unless the components are constructed of materials which are
inherently resistant to being corroded or are suitably protected against being so
corroded.
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