Support
Figure 2:
Comparing
R1234yf and
R134a.
Do I need a SARACCA Authorisation and
Licence to handle R1234yf?
Yes, licence is required. It is a legal requirement that any person
working with a refrigerant that is utilised in a system with pressures
exceeding 50kPa must be an authorised person in procession of a
valid safe handling licence in the correct category.
Safety issues to be aware of when handling R1234yf
R1234yf is classified as A2L mildly flammable. Technicians need
to take the relevant safety measures for the correct transport,
storage and handling of a flammable gas. This would include,
but is not limited to, ensuring no open flames (including
smoking) near the system. It is also worth noting that highly
toxic / acidic substances are created when this gas is burnt.
Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be worn
when handling this refrigerant. Suitable training in flammable
refrigerants is mandatory as per SAQCC authorised persons prior
to working on systems containing flammable refrigerants.
Safety checks to the work area:
Prior to beginning work on systems containing any flammable
refrigerants, safety checks are necessary to ensure that the risk of
ignition is minimised. For repair to the refrigerating system prior to
conducting work on the system, the following precautions should
be complied with:
• Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure to
minimise the risk of a flammable gas or vapour being present
while the work is being performed.
• All staff and others working in the local area should be
instructed as to the nature of work being carried out. Working
in confined spaces must be avoided. The area around the
workspace is to be sectioned off. Ensure that the conditions
within the area have been made safe by control of flammable
material.
• The area should be checked with an appropriate refrigerant
detector prior to and during work to ensure the technician is
aware of potentially flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the
leak detection equipment being used is suitable for use with
flammable refrigerants, i.e. non-sparking, adequately sealed
or intrinsically safe.
• Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be available
to hand. Have a dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher adjacent
to the charging area. A first aid box should be evident in the
vicinity.
• No person carrying out work in relation to a refrigeration
system which involves exposing any pipe work which contains
or has contained flammable refrigerant shall use any sources
of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the risk of
fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including
cigarette smoking, should be sufficiently far away from the
site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal during
which flammable refrigerant can possibly be released to
surrounding space. Prior to work taking place, the area around
the equipment is to be surveyed to establish any flammable
hazards or ignition risks. Display 'No Smoking' signs.
• Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately
ventilated before breaking into the system or conducting
any work. A degree of ventilation should continue during the
period that the work is carried out. The ventilation system
should safely disperse any released refrigerant.
Stewart, this sums up the basics of HFOs and in particular R1234yf.
All I can say is: Interesting times we live in. RACA
Thank you for all your questions. Send your problems (and
sometimes your creative solutions) to [email protected] with
‘Solutions Page’ in the subject line. You may include pictures.
REFERENCES:
1. ACRA
2. SARACCA
42
RACA Journal I August 2020
www.hvacronline.co.za