ページを印刷するThe following checks shall be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:
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The actual refrigerant charge is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing parts
are installed;
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The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed;
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lf an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence of
refrigerant;
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Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall be
corrected;
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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.
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Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection
procedures. lf a fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the
circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt with. lf the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is necessary to continue
operation, an adequate temporary solution shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment
so all parties are advised.
lnitial safety checks shall include:
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That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
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That no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
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That there is continuity of earth bonding.
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Repairs to sealed components
During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being
worked upon prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. lf it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply
to equipment during servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most
critical point to warn of a potentially hazardous situation. Particular attention shall be paid to the following to
ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is not altered in such a way that the level of protection
is affected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of connections, terminals not made to originai
specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
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Ensure that the apparatus is mounted securely.
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Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point that they no longer serve the purpose
of preventing the ingress of flammable atmospheres. Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications.
NOTE: the use of silicon sealant can inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection equipment. lntrinsically
safe components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
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Repair to intrinsically safe components
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without ensuring that this will not exceed
the permissible voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use. lntrinsically safe components are the only
types that can be worked on while live in the presence of a flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall beat
the correct rating. Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in the
ignition of refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
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Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or any other
adverse environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the effects of aging or continual vibration
from sources such as compressors or fans.
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Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of refrigerant
leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall not be used.
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Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for all refrigerant systems. Electronic leak detectors
may be used to detect refrigerant leaks but, in the case of flammable refrigerants, the sensitivity may not be
adequate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.) Ensure
that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for the refrigerant used. Leak detection
equipment shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the refrigerant
employed, and the appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum) is confirmed. Leak detection fluids are suitable
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