HVACR – Refrigeration Safety

Pressure Safety Dangerous pressure buildup can occur with increases in vessel temperature. Avoid potentially dangerous situations by: Storing refrigerant cylinders in the upright position. Moving larger cylinders only when the protective cap is in place. Securing larger cylinders to carts specially designed for moving cylinders. Wearing gloves and eye protection at all times.

Pressure Safety R-22 R-22 R-22 R-22 R-22 R-22 R-22 R-22 Take precautions to prevent tanks from falling over. The valve stem may break off, causing the tank to become a projectile. R-22 R-22 R-22

Electrical Safety Exercise caution when working on or around electrical circuits. Uncontrolled electric current flow can result in electrical shocks or burns. Follow lock out/tag out procedures. Exercise caution when working on live circuits. Avoid contact with energized conductors.

Electrical Safety Shock occurs when you become a part of an electrical circuit. The severity of shock depends on voltage, current, and the path the current takes as it flows through the body. Current flow through the heart can be fatal. Always wear insulated boots, and never stand in water while working on equipment.

Ground Protection Grounding wires provide protection from electric shock, since they provide an alternative path for current to take. All tools should be properly grounded. Never use tools that have damaged or missing ground prongs.

Ground Protection GRAPHICS KIPKE 2001 BOB 2000 Bob's.ppt Line Neutral Ungrounded tools have two prongs: One supplies line voltage to the tool and the other is neutral. Line Neutral If the tool becomes grounded, current can flow through the tool and through the user to ground, causing shock.

Ground Protection GRAPHICS KIPKE 2001 BOB 2000 Bob's.ppt Neutral Line Grounded tools have three prongs. Line Neutral Ground If the tool becomes grounded, the current will flow to ground through the ground prong, protecting the user.

Ground Safety If wall outlets have only two connections and the tool has three prongs, use an adapter. Plastic-cased (plastic handled) tools are double-insulated, and often have only two prongs. Battery-operated tools are convenient and safer. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) sense small electrical leaks to ground.

Electrical Safety Metallic jewelry conducts electricity; avoid wearing metal jewelry while working on electric circuits. Never use a screwdriver in an electrical panel when the power is on. Burns can result from electric sparks.

Electrical Safety L1 L2 TERMINAL BLOCK Electrical sparks, electrical shock, or burns can result if the screwdriver slips and makes contact between a hot terminal and ground. GROUND

Ladder Safety Use non-conducting ladders, preferably fiberglass or wood. Place ladders on level, stable surfaces. Never use damaged ladders. Be sure ladders are free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards. Be sure ladders have slip-resistant feet. Secure the ladder in place whenever possible.

Heat-related Safety Bob's.ppt Keep torches away from combustible materials. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with flammable materials. Use a fire shield when soldering near combustibles. Bob's.ppt http://www.geocities.com/bkip20002/index.html Graphics by Bob http://home.att.net/~kip20002/ -All Rights Reserved- Copyright 2002 http://www.geocities.com/bkip20002/index.html Bob's.ppt

Heat-related Safety Never solder tubing on a sealed system. Take proper precautions when working near hot pipes and motors. Burns can result from improper handling of materials. Take proper precautions against heat-related illness when working indoors (attics, etc.) or outdoors in extreme heat.

Cold-related Safety Excessive cold can be as dangerous as excessive heat. Liquid refrigerant can cause frostbite. (R-22 boils at -41°F at atmospheric pressure). Wear warm clothing and waterproof boots when working in cold, wet environments, whether outdoors or in low-temperature freezers.

Mechanical Equipment Safety Never wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry around moving machinery parts. These items can get caught up in pulleys, belts, and fans, resulting in serious injury. Always use eye protection when working on or around machinery.

Mechanical Equipment Safety Never try to stop moving machinery by hand!

Moving Heavy Objects Observe standard safety practices when moving heavy or awkward objects: Get help from a co-worker when possible. Use hand trucks or other equipment whenever possible (e.g., pry bars, dollies, carts).

Moving Heavy Objects Observe standard safety practices, cont’d: Use proper lifting techniques at all times. Lift with the legs (knees bent), not the back muscles. Never twist from the waist while carrying items; rotate the entire body in the direction you wish to go. Wear protective lifting gear when possible (back brace, gloves, etc.)

Working with Refrigerants ASHRAE Standard 34-1992 addresses refrigerant toxicity and flammability. Familiarize yourself with this standard. Ensure proper ventilation when servicing any type of HVACR unit.

Working with Refrigerants If special leak detectors and alarms are in place for certain applications, be sure these detectors are functioning properly. Refrigerant gases are heavier than air; these gases displace oxygen, and can suffocate a technician in an enclosed space. Always work in a well-ventilated area, using the proper safety equipment. Caution: Avoid breathing in refrigerant vapors.

Chemical Safety Chemicals are used to clean condensers, evaporators, and other equipment; they are also used for water treatment. Use extreme caution when handling all workplace chemicals. Follow manufacturer’s directions for proper use and disposal. If accidental exposure occurs, follow manufacturer’s first aid guidelines.

Unit Summary Pressure, electricity, ladders, heat, cold, moving machinery, heavy objects and chemicals can present workplace hazards. Carefully observe all safety precautions in the workplace, including: Avoid pressure buildup in and improper storage of equipment. Follow lockout and tag out procedures. Ensure proper grounding of electric circuits.

Unit Summary Observe safety precautions, cont’d: Ensure that all equipment is safe to use (ladders, etc.). Take care when working in extreme heat or cold. Exercise caution around moving machinery parts. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and storage of chemicals.