GRE HPGI50 Manuel D'instructions page 6

Before starting work on systems containing flammable refrigerants, safety checks must be carried out to
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guarantee a minimal ignition risk.
Work procedure
The work must be carried out according to a controlled procedure in order to reduce the risks of releasing a

flammable gas or vapour while working.
Before beginning work on the cooling circuit, stop the appliance and wait for a few minutes before fitting the
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temperature and pressure sensors. Some elements such as the compressor and piping may reach temperatures in
excess of 100°C and high pressures with the consequent risk of severe burns.
General work area
All maintenance staff and other personnel working in the surrounding area must be made aware of the work
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carried out. Work conducted in enclosed areas must be avoided.
Check for the presence of refrigerant
The area must be analysed using a suitable refrigerant detector before and during work so that the technician is
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informed of the presence of a potentially toxic or flammable atmosphere. Check that the leak detection
equipment used is suitable for use with all refrigerants concerned, i.e. that it does not cause a spark, is correctly
isolated or is entirely safe.
Check for the presence of a fire extinguisher
If work must be carried out on the cooling equipment or any part associated therewith at a certain temperature,
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suitable fire extinguishing means must be within reach. Place a dry chemical fire extinguisher or CO
extinguisher near the work area.
No source of ignition
No person carrying out work on a cooling system involving exposing the piping may use any ignition source, which

could create a fire or explosion risk. All possible ignition sources, in particular cigarettes, must not enter within a
sufficient perimeter of the installation, repair, removal or disposal site, in the event that refrigerant could be
released into the surrounding space. Before starting the work, the area around the equipment must be examined
to check for all fire or ignition risks. "No smoking" signs must be displayed.
Area ventilation
Before accessing the unit in any manner whatsoever with the intention of performing any maintenance task,
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check that the area is open and well-ventilated. Suitable ventilation must be provided throughout the
maintenance task to allow any refrigerant that could be released into the atmosphere to be safely dispersed.
Refrigeration equipment check
The manufacturer's recommendations in terms of care and maintenance must always be complied with. When

replacing electric components, check that components used are of the same type and category as those
recommended/approved by the manufacturer. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer's technical department
for assistance.
The following checks must be applied to installations using flammable refrigerants:

 the markings on the equipment must remain visible and legible; any illegible markings or signs must
be rectified;
 the hoses or components of the cooling circuit are installed in a position where they are unlikely to
be exposed to any substance capable of corroding the components containing refrigerant, unless the
components are made from materials that are typically corrosion-proof or correctly protected from
such corrosion.
Electric component check
The repair and maintenance of electric components must include initial safety checks and component inspection

procedures. If a defect capable of jeopardising safety arises, no power supply must be connected to the circuit
until the problem has been completely resolved. If the defect cannot be rectified immediately and if maintenance
work must continue, an appropriate temporary solution must be found. This must be reported to the equipment's
owner so that all persons concerned are made aware.
The repair and maintenance of electric components must include the following initial safety checks:
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fire
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