Support
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c . The positions of the fire extinguishers in case of fires . d . The nearest first aid equipment for emergency use . e . The nearest telephone to phone rescue services if required . f . The telephone numbers of the rescue services .
The above constitutes the minimum good practice as the information above will be needed should an emergency arise .
Elias , it is also important to understand that there are situations that require two competent persons to be present . As explained earlier , refrigerant gases do not contain any oxygen and if refrigerant is leaking from a plant there is a danger of an excessive build-up of refrigerant vapour . This can cause asphyxiation .
For this reason there are work situations in which it is essential that two competent persons are required to be present . These are the following :
• When working in an enclosed area .
• When working in a basement .
• When working in a badly ventilated area .
In all the above situations there can be a build-up of refrigerant when there is a leak . The second person must stay outside the working area and observe the person inside all the time ; if he / she sees the person is in distress he / she must remove the person from the area immediately , apply the appropriate safety procedures and obtain medical assistance – if necessary .
The use of a life line could be useful when helping a person in an emergency .
Elias , with regards to storing refrigerant containers the following guideline apply : 1 . Always use approved cylinders for storing refrigerants . 2 . Always store cylinders upright . 3 . Always secure cylinders properly . 4 . Do not stack cylinders on top of each other . 5 . Full and empty cylinders must be stored separately .
6 . Valves on empty cylinders must be kept closed .
7 . Cylinders must be stored in a dry , well ventilated space , away from any heat source ; storage temperature must not exceed 45 ° C .
8 . Refrigerant containers must not be indiscriminately mixed in storage ( i . e . similar refrigerants must be stored together . 9 . Adequate fire fighting equipment must be available . 10 . The containers must not be overfilled . 11 . All containers must be clearly labelled with the type of refrigerant they contain .
12 . Flammable refrigerants must be stored in a locked ventilated area with the necessary safety signage away from any ignition source .
DISPOSABLE CYLINDERS Do not re-use disposable cylinders .
Once the disposable cylinder is empty , open valve , remove the safety plug and punch a hole in the side of the cylinder with a brass punch .
The disposable cylinder is now ready for recycling .
WARNING : Failure to follow these instructions for safe disposal of the non-refillable refrigerant cylinder can result in an immediate release of contents resulting in personal injury , property damage or both . Read all warnings on cylinders .
Thank you for the question Elias , I hope that this helps your setting up your procedures and safety files .
REFERENCES : 1 . ACRA 2 . SANS 10147 3 . OHS act
Thank you for all your questions . Send your problems ( and sometimes your creative solutions ) to acra @ netactive . co . za with ‘ Solutions Page ’ in the subject line . You may include pictures . RACA
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“ Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning .” — Bill Gates
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2022 37