www.insigniaproducts.com
7
8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
6 Information on servicing
A Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure
that the risk of ignition is minimized. For repair to the refrigerating system, the following precautions shall be
complied with prior to conducting work on the system.
B Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapor
being present while the work is being performed.
C 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. The area around the workspace shall be sectioned off. Ensure that
the conditions within the area have been made safe by control of flammable material.
D Checking for presence of refrigerant
The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure the
technician is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used
is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed, or intrinsically safe.
E 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 CO
2
fire extinguisher adjacent to the
charging area.
F 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.
G 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.
H 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.
I Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component 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 advised. Initial safety checks shall include:
• That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
• That no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
• That there is continuity of earth bonding.
7 Repairs to sealed components
• During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being
worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to
equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most
critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation.
• Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is
not altered in such a way that the level of protection is affected.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
