4. Storage of equipment / appliances
The storage of equipment should be done in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
5. Storage of packed (unsold) equipment
Storage package protection should be constructed in such a way that
mechanical damage to the equipment inside the package will not
cause it to leak refrigerant.
The maximum number of pieces of equipment permitted to be stored
together will be determined by local regulations.
6. Information Servicing
1) Area checks
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 conducting work on the system.
2) Work procedure
Works 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.
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 work space shall be
sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions within the area have been
made safe by control of flammable material.
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 detection
equipment being used is suitable for use with flammable refrigerants,
i.e. no sparking, adequately sealed or intrinsically safe.
5) Presence of fire extinguisher
If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigeration equipment or
any associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall
be available on hand. Have a dry power or CO2 fire extinguisher next
to the charging area.
6) No ignition sources
No person carrying out work with 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 risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources,
including cigarette smoking, should be kept sufficiently far away from
the site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during which
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dehumidifier
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.
7) Ventilated area
Ensure the work 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.
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 accordance with the room size within which the
refrigerant containing parts are installed;
• the ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and
are not obstructed;
• if an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary
circuits shall be checked for the presence of refrigerant; marking to
the equipment continues to be visible and legible.
• marking and signs that are illegible shall be corrected;
• refrigeration pipe or components are installed in a position where
they are unlikely to be exposed to any substance which may
corrode refrigerant containing components, unless the components
are constructed of materials which are inherently resistant to being
corroded or are suitably protected against being so corroded.
9) Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include
initial safety checks and component inspection procedures. If a fault
exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall
be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. If the
fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is necessary to continue
operation, and adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall
be reported to the owner of the equipment, so all parties are advised.
Initial safety checks shall include:
• that capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner
to avoid possibility of sparking
• that there no live electrical components and wiring are exposed
while charging, recovering or purging the system;
• that there is continuity of earth bonding.
EN
KDH4756
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