16. Information on servicing:
1) 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.
2) Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapour
being present while the work is being performed.
3) 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.
4) Checking for presence of refrigerant
The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure the techni-
cian 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.
5) Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire extinguis
hing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent to the charging area.
6) No ignition sources
No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration 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,
removing and disposal, during which 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.
7) Ventilated area
Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated before breaking into the system or conduc
ting any hot work. A degree of ventilation shall continue during the period that the work is carried out. The venti
lation should safely disperse any released refrigerant and preferably expel it externally into the atmosphere.
8) Checks to the refrigeration equipment
Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct specifica
tion. 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 sub
stance 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
EN
INSTRUCTION FOR SERVICING
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KEN002VAC
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