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HVACR – Refrigeration

Safety

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Pressure Safety

• Dangerous pressure buildup can occur with increases in vessel temperature. Avoid potentially dangerous situations by:− Storing refrigerant cylinders in the

upright position.− Moving larger cylinders only when the

protective cap is in place.− Securing larger cylinders to carts

specially designed for moving cylinders.− Wearing gloves and eye protection at all

times.

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• Take precautions to prevent tanks from falling over. The valve stem may break off, causing the tank to become a projectile.

Pressure Safety

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Electrical Safety

• Exercise caution when working on or around electrical circuits. Uncontrolled electric current flow can result in electrical shocks or burns.

• Follow lock out/tag out procedures.• Exercise caution when working on live

circuits.• Avoid contact with energized

conductors.

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Electrical Safety

• Shock occurs when you become a part of an electrical circuit.

• The severity of shock depends on voltage, current, and the path the current takes as it flows through the body.

• Current flow through the heart can be fatal.

• Always wear insulated boots, and never stand in water while working on equipment.

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Ground Protection

• Grounding wires provide protection from electric shock, since they provide an alternative path for current to take.

• All tools should be properly grounded.• Never use tools that have damaged or

missing ground prongs.

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Line

Neutral

• Ungrounded tools have two prongs: One supplies line voltage to the tool and the other is neutral.

• If the tool becomes grounded, current can flow through the tool and through the user to ground, causing shock.

Ground Protection

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LineNeutral

Ground

• Grounded tools have three prongs.

• If the tool becomes grounded, the current will flow to ground through the ground prong, protecting the user.

Ground Protection

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Ground Safety

• If wall outlets have only two connections and the tool has three prongs, use an adapter.

• Plastic-cased (plastic handled) tools are double-insulated, and often have only two prongs.

• Battery-operated tools are convenient and safer.

• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) sense small electrical leaks to ground.

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Electrical Safety

• Metallic jewelry conducts electricity; avoid wearing metal jewelry while working on electric circuits.

• Never use a screwdriver in an electrical panel when the power is on.

• Burns can result from electric sparks.

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GROUND

TERMINAL BLOCK

L1 L2

• Electrical sparks, electrical shock, or burns can result if the screwdriver slips and makes contact between a hot terminal and ground.

Electrical Safety

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Ladder Safety

• Use non-conducting ladders, preferably fiberglass or wood.

• Place ladders on level, stable surfaces.• Never use damaged ladders.• Be sure ladders are free of oil, grease,

and other slipping hazards.• Be sure ladders have slip-resistant

feet.• Secure the ladder in place whenever

possible.

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Heat-related Safety

• Keep torches away from combustible materials.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with flammable materials.

• Use a fire shield when soldering near combustibles.

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Heat-related Safety

• Never solder tubing on a sealed system.

• Take proper precautions when working near hot pipes and motors. Burns can result from improper handling of materials.

• Take proper precautions against heat-related illness when working indoors (attics, etc.) or outdoors in extreme heat.

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Cold-related Safety

• Excessive cold can be as dangerous as excessive heat.

• Liquid refrigerant can cause frostbite. (R-22 boils at -41°F at atmospheric pressure).

• Wear warm clothing and waterproof boots when working in cold, wet environments, whether outdoors or in low-temperature freezers.

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Mechanical Equipment Safety

• Never wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry around moving machinery parts. These items can get caught up in pulleys, belts, and fans, resulting in serious injury.

• Always use eye protection when working on or around machinery.

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• Never try to stop moving machinery by hand!

Mechanical Equipment Safety

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Moving Heavy Objects

• Observe standard safety practices when moving heavy or awkward objects:− Get help from a co-worker when possible.− Use hand trucks or other equipment

whenever possible (e.g., pry bars, dollies, carts).

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Moving Heavy Objects

• Observe standard safety practices, cont’d:− Use proper lifting techniques at all times.

Lift with the legs (knees bent), not the back muscles. Never twist from the waist while carrying items; rotate the entire body in the direction you wish to go.

− Wear protective lifting gear when possible (back brace, gloves, etc.)

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Working with Refrigerants

• ASHRAE Standard 34-1992 addresses refrigerant toxicity and flammability. Familiarize yourself with this standard.

• Ensure proper ventilation when servicing any type of HVACR unit.

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Working with Refrigerants

• If special leak detectors and alarms are in place for certain applications, be sure these detectors are functioning properly.

• Refrigerant gases are heavier than air; these gases displace oxygen, and can suffocate a technician in an enclosed space.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area, using the proper safety equipment.

• Caution: Avoid breathing in refrigerant vapors.

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Chemical Safety

• Chemicals are used to clean condensers, evaporators, and other equipment; they are also used for water treatment.

• Use extreme caution when handling all workplace chemicals. Follow manufacturer’s directions for proper use and disposal. If accidental exposure occurs, follow manufacturer’s first aid guidelines.

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Unit Summary

• Pressure, electricity, ladders, heat, cold, moving machinery, heavy objects and chemicals can present workplace hazards. Carefully observe all safety precautions in the workplace, including:−Avoid pressure buildup in and improper

storage of equipment.−Follow lockout and tag out procedures.−Ensure proper grounding of electric

circuits.

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Unit Summary

• Observe safety precautions, cont’d:−Ensure that all equipment is safe to use

(ladders, etc.).−Take care when working in extreme heat

or cold.−Exercise caution around moving

machinery parts.−Follow manufacturer’s instructions for

proper use and storage of chemicals.