Safety Precautions For Servicing A/C System
A/C SYSTEM, WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING -
^ Work in a well ventilated area. Avoid breathing refrigerant vapors. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Switch on exhaust/ventilation systems when working on the refrigerant system.
^ Always be careful that refrigerant does not come in contact with your skin. Always wear hand and eye protection (gloves and goggles) when working around the A/C system. If refrigerant does come in con fact with your skin or eyes:
- Do not rub skin or eyes
- Immediately flush skin or eyes with cool water for 15 minutes
- Rush to a doctor or hospital-Do not attempt to treat yourself
^ Refrigerant gases are heavier than air displace oxygen and may cause suffocation in areas of poor circulation, for example under a car. Switch on exhaust/ventilation systems when working on the refrigerant system.
^ As of January 1, 1992 any person who services a motor vehicle air conditioner must, by law be properly trained and certified, and use approved refrigerant recycling equipment. Technicians must complete an EPA-approved recycling course to be certified
^ The A/C system is filled with refrigerant gas which is under pressure. Pressurized refrigerant in the presence of oxygen may form a combustible mixture. Never introduce compressed air into any container (full or empty), capped oft A/C component, or piece of service equipment.
^ State and local governments may have additional requirements regarding air conditioning servicing. Always comply with state and local laws.
^ Do not expose any component of the A/C system to high temperatures (Above 80°C/ 176°F) or open flames. Excessive heat will cause a pressure increase which could burst the system.
^ Keep refrigerant away from open flames. Poisonous gas will be produced if it burns. Do not smoke near refrigerant gases for the same reason.
^ Electric welding near refrigerant hoses causes R134a to decompose. Discharge system before welding.
CAUTION:
^ Do not top-off a partially charged refrigerant system. Discharge system, evacuate and then recharge system.
^ R-134a and R-12 refrigerants and refrigerant oils and system components, including hoses and sealing O-rings, are NOT compatible. Component damage and/or system contamination will result
^ Service equipment for the R-134a and R-12 systems are not compatible. Use proper service equipment. Damage to both vehicle and service equipment will result from R-12 contamination of R-134a.
^ The mixture of refrigerant oil (PAG oil) and refrigerant R-134a attacks some metals and alloys (for example, copper) and breaks down certain hose materials. Use only hoses and lines that are identified with a green mark (stripe) or the lettering "R134a".
^ Immediately plug open connections on A/C components to prevent dirt and moisture contamination.
^ R-134a and R-12 systems use different size service fittings. Never use adapters to convert an R-12 fitting to R-134a size.
^ Do not steam clean condensers or evaporators. Use only cold water or compressed air.