IX.Troubleshooting
1. 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 minimised. 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 minimise 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 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
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;
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Licensed by HYUNDAI Corporation Holdings, Korea
Imported/distributed by MARKET MAKER GROUP S.A.