RACA Journal May 2024 RACA_May2024_digital | Page 43

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DO I NEED AN SAQCC GAS AUTHORISATION AND LICENCE TO HANDLE R-1234YF ? Yes , safe handling authorisation and registration is required . It is a legal requirement that any person working with a refrigerant with operating pressures exceeding 50kPa be a registered authorised refrigeration practitioner in the relevant category .

SAFETY ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF WHEN HANDLING R-1234YF R-1234yf 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 , adequate ventilation , ensuring no open flames and electric arcs are within 2m of the system .

Note : highly toxic substances are created when this gas is burnt and must not be inhaled .

Asphyxiation and freeze burns are also a risk . It is advised to refer to the relevant material safety data sheets available from your refrigerant wholesalers for specific safeguards when handling this refrigerant . Suitable personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is to be worn when handling this refrigerant . Static discharge can be limited by wearing cotton overalls . Suitable trade training in flammable refrigerants is recommended prior to working on systems containing flammable refrigerants .

Let us look at what to do when exposed to a leak .

FIRST AID Eye contact :

• If a product comes in contact with eyes , remove the patient from gas source or contaminated area . Take the patient to the nearest eye wash , shower or other source of clean water .

• Open the eyelid ( s ) wide to allow the material to evaporate .

• Have the patient lie or sit with the head back . Hold the eyelid ( s ) open and pour water slowly over the eyeball ( s ) at the inner corners , allowing the water to run out of the outer corners . Gently rinse the affected eye ( s ) with clean , cool water for at least 15 minutes .

• Ensure that the patient looks up , and side to side as the eye is rinsed in order to reach all parts of the eye ( s ).

• Transport to hospital or doctor .

• Even when no pain persists and vision is good , a doctor should examine the eye as delayed damage may occur . If the patient cannot tolerate light , protect the eyes with a clean , loosely applied bandage .

• Ensure verbal communication and physical contact with the patient .

• Patient must not rub the eyes or tightly shut eyes . Only use cold water , not warm or even tepid water . Do not apply any medication , eye drops or the like .

Skin contact :

• Immediately remove all contaminated clothing , including footwear .

• Flush skin and hair with running water and soap , if available . Seek medical attention in event of any irritation .

• For frostbite : place the exposed area in a warm water bath ( 41-46 C ) for 15-20 minutes , and seek medical attention .

Ingestion

• Not considered a normal route of entry .

• Avoid giving milk or oils . Avoid giving alcohol .

General ( trained first aider should be present )

• Following exposure to gas , remove the patient from the gas source or contaminated area .

• Prostheses such as false teeth , which may block the airway , should be removed , where possible , prior to initiating first aid procedures .

• If the patient is not breathing spontaneously , administer rescue breathing . If the patient does not have a pulse , administer CPR . If medical oxygen and appropriately trained personnel are available , administer 100 % oxygen . Call for an ambulance . If an ambulance is not available , contact a physician , hospital , or Poison Control Centre for further instruction and transport . Keep the patient warm , comfortable and at rest while awaiting medical care . Administer rescue breathing preferably with a demandvalve resuscitator , bag-valve mask-device , or pocket mask as trained , or CPR if necessary .

• Monitor breathing and pulse continuously .

FIRE

• Evacuate work area .

• Do not extinguish burning gas unless leak can be stopped safely , if not leave gas to burn .

• Small fires : Dry chemical , CO2 or water spray to extinguish gas - only if absolutely necessary and safe to do so .

• Large fires : DO NOT use water jets directly on fire .

• Cool cylinders by direct flooding of water onto upper surface until the fire is extinguished .

• Call fire department .

Gareth , I hope that this increases your understanding of R-1234yf . The world is moving onto more environmentally friendly refrigerants which require us to alter our thinking , processes , and procedures accordingly .

Thanks to everybody for the overwhelming response . I receive many questions each month and cannot publish all of them . Keep them coming , as I may answer you directly . Looking forward to hearing from you . RACA