Manual for Refrigeration Servicing Technicians - UNEP - Division of ...

6
Safe Refrigerant Handling
Personal protection
Prior to working on a system, or handling refrigerant, technicians should be
adequately equipped with the appropriate safety equipment:
• Check the MSDS for the refrigerant, lubricant and other
substances in order to determine the proper level of protection
required.
• Wear safety goggles and gloves at all times when handling
refrigerants or servicing a refrigeration system.
Wear the proper respiratory
protection while working
with refrigerants. Inhalation
of refrigerants can cause
intoxication, induce anaesthetic
effects, cause stumbling,
shortness of breath, tremors,
convulsions, and the heart to
cease functioning properly and
may be fatal.
Ensuring a safe work area
Before working with a refrigerant, the local area must be prepared
accordingly in case of an accidental release:
• Proper ventilation or respiratory protection is required for
any work on equipment in an enclosed area where a leak is
suspected.
• Always ventilate or test the atmosphere of an enclosed
area before beginning work. Many refrigerants which may
be undetectable by human senses are heavier than air and
will replace the oxygen in an enclosed area causing loss of
consciousness.
• Evacuate the area if a large spill occurs. Return only after the
area has been properly ventilated.
• Always ventilate the work area before using open flames.
Safe working with a system
When working on a system, several basic considerations should be borne in
mind:
• Always check for the correct operating pressure of the
refrigerant used. Use gauges to monitor the system pressure.
• Charge the refrigerant into the low side of the system to avoid
damaging the compressor, or causing the system to rupture.
• Refrigerant oil in a hermetic compressor is often very acidic
causing severe burns. Avoid skin contact with this oil.
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