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Idiomas disponibles
WARNINGS FOR THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM SPECIALIST
Here are warnings and safety instructions for the maintenance of systems containing flammable refrigerant (repairs
should only be carried out by specialists).
1. Any person involved in the work or in the interruption of a refrigeration circuit must be equipped with PEF (European
Refrigerators License) as required by the D.P.R. n.146/2018 implementing Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014.
2. Maintenance should only be performed as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Maintenance and
repairs that require the assistance of other qualified personnel must be performed under the supervision of the
person competent in the use of flammable refrigerants.
Before starting work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks are required to ensure that the risk of
ignition is minimized.
1. Checks to be carried out on systems that use flammable refrigerants:
•
the charge must be proportionate to the size of the room in which the units containing refrigerant are installed;
•
units and ventilation openings must function properly and are not obstructed;
•
if an indirect refrigerant circuit is used, the secondary circuit must be checked for the presence of refrigerant;
•
the marking on the equipment must be visible and indelible. Illegible markings and signs must be corrected;
•
refrigerant piping or components must be installed in a location where they are unlikely to be exposed to any
substance that can corrode the component-containing refrigerant, unless the components are constructed from
materials that are inherently resistant to corrosion or are adequately protected against corrosion.
2. Checks on electrical devices. Repair and maintenance of electrical components must include initial safety checks
and component inspection procedures. If there is a fault that could compromise safety, do not connect the power
supply to the circuit until it is satisfactorily resolved. If the fault cannot be remedied immediately, but operation must
continue, a suitable interim solution must be used. This must be reported to the owner of the equipment so that all
parties are informed.
Initial security checks include:
•
Check that the capacitors are discharged: this must be done safely to avoid the risk of sparks;
•
Verify that no electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, restoring or draining the system;
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Check that there is ground continuity.
3. Check for refrigerant leaks. The area should be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector before and
during work, to ensure that the technician is aware of potentially toxic or flammable atmospheres. Make sure that
the leak detection equipment in use is suitable for use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, properly
sealed or intrinsically safe.
Check for R32 refrigerant leaks. Note: check for refrigerant leakage in an environment where there are no
potential sources of ignition. No halogen probe (or any other detector that uses an open flame) should be used.
Leak Detection Method: For systems with R32 refrigerant, an electronic leak detection tool is available to detect
and leak detection should not be conducted in a refrigerant environment. Make sure the leak detector does not
become a potential source of ignition and is applicable to the measured refrigerant. The leak detector must be set
for the minimum flammable fuel concentration (percentage) of the refrigerant. Calibrate and adjust to the correct
gas concentration (no more than 25%) with the refrigerant used. The fluid used in leak detection is applicable to
most refrigerants. But do not use chloride based solvents to prevent the reaction between chlorine and refrigerants
and corrosion of copper piping. If you suspect a leak, remove all fire from the scene or put out the fire. If the
location of the leak is to be welded, then all refrigerants must be recovered or isolate all refrigerants away from
the leak site (using the shut-off valve). Before and during soldering, use OFN to purify the entire system.
4. Presence of fire extinguisher. If hot work is to be performed on the refrigeration equipment or any associated part,
adequate fire fighting equipment must be available. It is necessary to have a dry powder or CO
adjacent to the charging area.
5. Ventilated area. Make sure the area is outdoors or is adequately ventilated before breaking into the system or
performing any hot work. Continuous ventilation must be present during the period in which the work is being
carried out. Ventilation should safely disperse the released refrigerant and preferably expel it to the atmosphere.
6. Controls on refrigeration equipment. When replacing electrical components, they must be fit for purpose and with
V 11/23
extinguisher
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