Precautions for using R32 refrigerant
The basic installation work procedures are the same as the
conventional refrigerant (R22 or R410A).However, pay attention to
the following :
1. Transport of equipment containing flammable refrigerants
Compliance with the transport regulations.
2. Marking of equipment using signs
Compliance with local regulations.
3. Disposal of equipment using flammable refrigerants
Compliance with national regulations.
4. Storage of equipment/appliances
The storage of equipment should be in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment
Storage package protection should be constructed such that
mechanical damage to the equipment inside the package will not
cause a leak of the refrigerant charge.
The maximum number of pieces of equipment permitted to be
stored together will be determined by local regulations.
6. Information on servicing
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 minimised. For repair to the refrigerating
system, the following precautions shall be complied with prior to
conducting work on the system.
Work procedure: work shall be undertaken under a controlled
procedure so as to minimise the risk of flammable gas or vapour
being present while the work is being performed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Checks to the refrigeration equipment: where electrical compo-
nents 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 refriger-
ants: 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; Refrigera-
tion 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.
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 there 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 equip-
ment 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.
This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of
connections,terminals not made to original specification, damage to
seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such that
they no longer serve the purpose of preventing the ingress of
flammable atmospheres.
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