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

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Safe Refrigerant Handling
Manuals and instructions
Before handling hydrocarbon refrigerants be aware of detailed
information to be provided in manuals for the installation,
service and operation (be they separate or combined manuals).
The manuals will include all the relevant information about the
equipment, such as the maximum refrigerant charge, the minimum
rated airflow if required, the minimum floor area of the room or
any other special requirements, as well as all the corresponding
warnings. Importantly, they must all provide the necessary
information and instructions for the correct handling of flammable
refrigerants and associated equipment, refrigerant detection,
charging, equipment decommissioning, removal, recovery and
storage of the refrigerant, and aspects related to ensuring the
integrity of the protection for electrical components.
Only competent professionals trained in the use of flammable
refrigerants are permitted to open equipment housing or to break
into the refrigerant circuit, and the maintenance and repair requiring
the assistance of another skilled person should be carried out under
the supervision of the competent individual.
General Approach to hydrocarbon refrigerant handling
Any equipment used in the process of repair must be suitable for
use with flammable refrigerants.
All tools and equipment (including measuring equipment) are to be checked
for suitability for working on the equipment, particular attention is to be
paid to the selection of:
• Refrigerant recovery units
• Refrigerant leak testing units
• Electrical test meters
• Refrigerant recovery cylinders
• Portable lighting.
If the installation permits, it is recommended that the equipment
be removed from its existing position to a controlled workshop
environment suitable for the type of repair where work can be
conducted safely.
Safety check of the working area
Prior to beginning work on systems containing hydrocarbon
refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of
ignition is minimised.
For repair to the refrigerating system prior to conducting work on the
system, the following precautions shall be complied with:
• 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.
• All maintenance staff and others working in the local area should
be instructed as to the nature of work being carried out.
• Work in confined spaces must be avoided. The area around the
workspace is to be sectioned off.
• Ensure that the conditions within the area have been made safe
by the control of flammable material.
• The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant
detector prior to and during work to ensure that the technician
is aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the
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