Air Conditioning System Precautions
Air Conditioning System Precautions
General
The air conditioning system contains fluids and components which could be potentially hazardous to the service engineer or the environment if not serviced and handled correctly. The following guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer to potential sources of danger and emphasize the importance of ensuring the integrity of the Air Conditioning operating conditions and components fitted to the vehicle.
Where necessary, additional specific precautions are detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which should be referred to prior to commencing repair operations.
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a. Always adhere to the following precautions:
WARNING:
- Servicing must only be carried out by personnel familiar with both the vehicle system and the charging and testing equipment. All operations must be carried out in a well ventilated area away from open flame and heat sources.
- Do not allow a refrigerant container to be heated by direct flame or to be placed near any heating appliance. A refrigerant container must not be heated above 50 °C.
- Do not leave a container of refrigerant without its cap fitted. Do not transport a container of refrigerant that is unrestrained, especially in the boot of a car.
- Do not smoke or weld in areas where R134a is in use. Inhalation of concentrations of vapor can cause dizziness, disorientation, incoordination, narcosis, nausea or vomiting. R134a is odorless and colourless. Do not handle or discharge in an enclosed area, or any area where the vapor and liquid can come in contact with a naked flame or hot metal. R134a is not flammable but can cause a highly toxic gas.
- Do not allow fluids other than R134a or compressor lubricant to enter the air conditioning system. Spontaneous combustion may occur.
- R134a is a hazardous liquid and when handled incorrectly can cause serious injury. Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face protection, heat proof gloves, rubber boots and rubber apron or waterproof overalls, must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
- Due to its low evaporating temperature, R134a must be handled with care. R134a splashed on any part of the body will cause immediate freezing of that area. Also, refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys when discharging will freeze skin to them if contact is made.
- Under no circumstances should refrigerant hoses be disconnected without first discharging the system.
- Do not disconnect any pipes in an air conditioning refrigeration system unless trained and instructed to do so. A refrigerant is used which can cause blindness if allowed to contact eyes.
- Refrigerant must always be recycled before re-use to ensure that the purity of the refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air conditioning system.
- Recycling should always be carried out with equipment which is design certified by Underwriter Laboratory Inc. for compliance with SAE J1991. Other equipment may not recycle refrigerant to the required level of purity.
- A R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Recharging Station must not be used with any other type of refrigerant.
- Refrigerant R134a from domestic and commercial sources must not be used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems.