INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING APPLIANCES CONTAINING R290
1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.1 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 con-ducting work on the system.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 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 tection
equipment being used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants, i.e. nonsparking, adequately
sealed or intrinsically safe.
1.5 Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or any associated parts, propriate
fire extinguishing equipment shall be available to hand. Have a dry powder or CO 2 fire extinguisher
adjacent to the charging area.
1.6 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 igarette
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.
1.7 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.
1.8 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
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