SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON SERVICING
Please follow these warnings when to undertake the following when servicing a dehumidifi er with R290.
Checks to the area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing fl ammable 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.
Work procedure
Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a fl ammable gas or vapor
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 confi ned 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 fl ammable 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 fl ammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable
for use with fl ammable refrigerants, i.e. no sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
Presence of fi re extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fi re extinguishing
equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO² fi re 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 fl ammable refrigerant shall use any sources of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the
risk of fi re or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including cigarette smoking, should be kept suffi ciently far
away from the site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which fl ammable 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 fl ammable 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.
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