The following safety precautions are the minimum required when you are using refrigerants:

1. Two people must be present at all times while refrigerant is being charged into a refrigeration system. NEVER leave the area unattended while charging is in progress.

2. Ensure that ventilation in the space is adequate to keep the concentration of refrigerant below 1,000 parts per million. If necessary, use portable blowers.

3. If refrigerant is being charged into or being removed from a system, prohibit all nonessential

Figure 5-10.Trouble diagnosis chart with recommended test included.

personnel from being in or entering the space while the refrigerant is being transferred.

4. Locate an emergency self-contained breathing apparatus for each person in the space to permit safe evacuation in the event of a large accidental leak

5.When you suspect refrigerant may be present in the atmosphere, leave the space immediately if:

l You smell something that is unusual.

l You feel light-headed.

l You feel giddy.

l You experience shortness of breath.

lYou feel a tingling sensation in your fingers or toes.

l You suddenly start to feel warm.

l You experience rapid heartbeat,

6. Before using refrigerant, ensure that all hot work in the space is suspended.

7. Use chemical safety goggles or a full face shield while handling refrigerant.

8. Exercise care to ensure that liquid refrigerant does not come in contact with your skin.

9. Where available, use a halide monitor with an alarm to continuously monitor the atmosphere in the space where refrigerant is used

10. Post a caution sign in the area to read as follows:

CAUTION

No open flame, smoking, or welding. Do not enter without testing the air for refrigerant.

11. Establish and document emergency rescue procedures to ensure all personnel can be safely removed from potentially hazardous exposures.

SUMMARY

This chapter has given you some information on the construction and maintenance of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. A helpful chart for the detection and correction of operating difficulties was provided. While the chapter was not intended as a substitute for information found in the maintenance manuals, it should help to identify the correct procedures to safely inspect, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. If you have any questions pertaining to performing routine maintenance on refrigeration and air-conditioning plants, reread this chapter or refer to your specific manufacturers manual.