SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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.
9) 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
1) 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 isabsolutely 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.
2) 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. Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
NOTE: The use of silicon sealant may inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection equipment. Intrinsically safe
components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
8. Repair to intrinsically safe components
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without ensuring that this will not exceed the permissible
voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use. Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while
live in the presence of a flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in the ignition of refrigerant in the
atmosphere from a leak.
9. Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or any other adverse
environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the effects of aging or continual vibration from sources such as
compressors or fans.
10. Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of refrigerant leaks. A halide torch
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