#TechFriday: Essential Safety Guidelines for Heat Pumps with Flammable Refrigerants

For technicians using heat pumps with flammable refrigerants like R290, safety regulations are essential in various operational stages—transport, storage, servicing, and disposal. This week’s #TechFriday highlights critical safety practices to ensure compliance and secure operations.

Transport and Storage Requirements

When transporting equipment containing flammable refrigerants, it is vital to follow transportation regulations to prevent accidents. Equipment should be clearly marked with proper signs, in line with local regulations, to indicate the presence of flammable substances. In storage, both manufacturers and users must follow strict guidelines:

• Storage of Equipment: Always store equipment per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Storage of Packed (Unsold) Equipment: Packages should be designed to prevent mechanical damage that could cause refrigerant leaks. Also, the number of units stored together should meet local regulations to avoid excessive risk.

Disposal Protocols

Disposal must adhere to national regulations, ensuring that equipment with flammable refrigerants is handled in a way that minimizes environmental and safety risks.

Servicing Equipment with Flammable Refrigerants

Before servicing units with flammable refrigerants, technicians must perform safety checks to mitigate ignition risks. Here’s a breakdown of key precautions:

1. Pre-Check of Area: Confirm the workspace is safe, free from ignition risks, and segregated from bystanders. This minimizes potential hazards.
2. Controlled Work Procedures: To reduce the risk of flammable gases accumulating, adopt a systematic work procedure. This includes using non-sparking tools and working in ventilated spaces.
3. Work Area and Ventilation: Avoid confined spaces, and ensure the area has adequate ventilation to expel any released refrigerant into the atmosphere.
4. Leak Detection: Use refrigerant detectors suitable for flammable substances, ensuring they are non-sparking and intrinsically safe.
5. Fire Extinguisher Proximity: Keep a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher nearby, especially if conducting any “hot work” that could generate heat or sparks.
6. Ignition Control: Make sure no open flames, hot surfaces, or smoking occur near refrigerant-containing systems. “No Smoking” signs should be posted, and all ignition sources must be far from the equipment.
7. Equipment Maintenance Checks: Ensure the system components, such as ventilation machinery and outlets, are functioning well and not obstructed. Markings and signs on the equipment should be clear and readable. Additionally, refrigerant lines and parts should be positioned to avoid exposure to substances that could cause corrosion unless they are corrosion-resistant.
8. Electrical Checks: Prior to servicing, confirm that all electrical components are safe. Discharge capacitors to prevent sparking, check for earth bonding continuity, and never expose live wires while handling refrigerants. If repairs are necessary but cannot be completed immediately, use a safe temporary fix and inform the equipment owner.

By following these guidelines, we can uphold safety standards in our industry and minimize risks associated with flammable refrigerants. This not only protects our workforce but also preserves our commitment to responsible environmental practices.