What PPE should technicians always wear when handling refrigerant?
PPE for HVAC and Refrigeration technicians Respirator with HEPA filter or N95 face mask protects you from inhaling dangerous chemicals such as refrigerant or carbon monoxide, and potentially from exposure to other contaminants such as coronavirus particles and mold. Learn more about respiratory protection.
What precautions are necessary when working with refrigerants?
Always use with adequate ventilation. Most fatal accidents involving refrigerant are due to oxygen deprivation; Never expose refrigerants to flames, sparks or hot surfaces; Never trap liquid refrigerants between valves where there is no pressure relief device.
What pieces of safety equipment should you wear when working on a damaged refrigerant line at heights?
Up to 10% of the remaining injuries are caused by failure to wear adequate protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and safety boots.
When working with refrigerants what type of gloves should be worn?
Fluorolastemer gloves
Instead, a pair of gloves that are both high and low temperature resistant, act as sufficient barrier for your skin, and does not allow anything to leak through are required. For this reason, Valeo strongly recommend the use of Fluorolastemer gloves (image 2).
How do you handle a refrigerant cylinder?
HANDLING OF REFRIGERANT CYLINDERS (BOTTLES)
- NEVER drop cylinders or permit them to strike each other violently.
- NEVER use a lifting magnet or a sling (rope or chain) to handle cylinders.
- Caps on refrigerant cylinders are provided for valve protection.
How do you store refrigerants?
Refrigerant should be stored in a well ventilated area and temperatures should NOT exceed over 125 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperate becomes too hot pressure can build inside the container which could cause the container to rupture.
What are the first aid measures for refrigerant exposure to the skin?
SKIN: Promptly flush skin with water until all chemical is removed. If there is evidence of frostbite, bathe (do not rub) with lukewarm (not hot) water. If water is not available, cover with a clean, soft cloth or similar covering. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.
What are safe refrigerants?
The most environmentally friendly refrigerants are hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and hydrofluoro-olefins (HFO). HFCs are comprised of fluorinated hydrocarbons. While HFCs can contribute to global warming, they do not affect the ozone layer directly.
What’s the best way to warm a refrigerant cylinder?
Also when removing refrigerant from a cylinder, a technician may need to warm a cold cylinder, do not use a torch or any other similar high heat device. The best practice is to place the cylinder in a bucket of warm (not hot) water. Remember: Do not expose the cylinder to temperatures over 125°.
What to do in case of a flammable refrigerant release?
Consider detection equipment for smaller systems where a flammable refrigerant release could cause a flammable atmosphere, such as where the room is small. Such detection systems can be interlocked to shut down the system in the event of a leak, if this is appropriate for the system.
What do you need to know about refrigerant safety?
Under the Regulations, occupiers must obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) or safety data sheets (SDS) from the supplier of the refrigerant. Occupiers of premises should ensure personnel adhere to the safety requirements set out in the MSDS/SDS.
Why are flammable refrigerants odourised to aid detection?
Flammable refrigerants may be odourised to aid their detection. The refrigerant gas quantity (charge size) must be appropriate to the room or enclosure size and use. Refrigerant gases and gas blends which contain one or more flammable refrigerants must have a charge limit equal to the lowest charge limit applicable to any constituent.
What do you need to know about Section 608 refrigerant management?
Retrofitting or retiring appliances that are not repaired; and Maintaining related records. Anyone purchasing refrigerant for use in a stationary appliance or handling refrigerants (such as air-conditioning and refrigeration service technicians) must be section 608-certified;