Handling Refrigerant

CAUTION: Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose, and throat. To remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

Important

- R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed, even in the smallest of amounts, since they are incompatible with each other. If the refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur.
- Use only specified lubricant (PAG) for the R-134a A/C system and R-134a components. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure is likely to occur. All fittings and O-ring seals should be coated with clean 525 viscosity refrigerant oil to provide a leak-proof seal and to aid in assembly and disassembly.
- Do not store or heat refrigerant containers above 125°F (52°C).
- Do not heat a refrigerant container with an open flame. If the container must be warmed, place the bottom of the container in a pail of warm water.
- Do not intentionally drop, puncture, or incinerate refrigerant containers.
- Refrigerant will displace oxygen, so be certain to work in well ventilated areas to prevent suffocation.
- Do not introduce compressed air to any refrigerant container or refrigerant component, because contamination will occur.
- If it is necessary to carry a container of "Dot CFR" Refrigerant-134a in a vehicle, do not carry it in the passenger compartment.

All Refrigerant-134a disposable (colored "Blue") containers are shipped with a heavy metal screw cap to protect the valve and safety plug of the container from damage. It is a good practice to replace the cap after each use to continue protection.