2-3. 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.
non sparking, adequately sealed or
intrinsically safe.
• In case of leakage/spillage happened,
immediately ventilate area and stay
upwind and away from spill/release.
• In case of leakage/spillage happened,
do notify persons down wind of
the leaking/spill, isolate immediate
hazard area and keep unauthorized
personnel out.
2-4. Presence of fi re extinguisher
• If any hot work is to be conducted
on the refrigerating equipment or
any associated parts, appropriate
fi re extinguishing equipment shall be
available at hand.
• Have a dry powder or CO
extinguisher adjacent to the charging
area.
fi re
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2-5. No ignition sources
• No person carrying out work in
relation to a refrigerating 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. He/She must not be
smoking when carrying out such
work.
• 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.
2-6. 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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