Technician Safety Information

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The refrigerant used in the air conditioner system is Refrigerant-12 (R-12). Refrigerant-12 is non-explosive, noninflammable, non-corrosive, has practically no odor, and is heavier than air. Although it is classified as a safe refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to protect the parts involved and the person who is working on the unit. Use only Refrigerant-12 such as Motorcraft YN-1A or YN-7 or equivalent. Do not use refrigerant that was canned for pressure operated accessories (such as boat air horns). This type is not pure Refrigerant-12 and will cause a malfunction. Liquid Refrigerant-12, at normal atmosphere pressures and temperatures, evaporates so quickly that it has the tendency to freeze anything it contacts. For this reason, extreme care must be taken to prevent any liquid refrigerant from coming in contact with the skin and especially the eyes.

Refrigerant R-12 is readily absorbed by most types of oil. For this reason, a bottle of sterile mineral oil and a quantity of weak boric acid solution must always be kept nearby when servicing the air conditioning system. Should any liquid refrigerant get into the eyes, immediately use a few drops of mineral oil to wash them out then wash the eyes clean with the weak boric acid solution. Seek a doctor's aid immediately even though irritation may have ceased. Always wear safety goggles when servicing any part of the refrigerant system. The Refrigerant-12 in the system is always Under pressure. Because the system is tightly sealed, heat applied to any part could cause this pressure to build up excessively.

To avoid a dangerous explosion, never weld, use a blow torch, solder, steam clean, bake body finishes, or use any excessive amount of heat on or in the immediate area of any part of the air cooling system or refrigerant supply tank, while they are closed to the atmosphere, whether filled with refrigerant or not.

The liquid refrigerant evaporates so rapidly that the resulting refrigerant gas will displace the air surrounding the area where the refrigerant is released. To prevent possible suffocation in enclosed areas, always discharge the refrigerant from an air conditioning system into an approved recovery unit. With the exception of the A/C cycle switch, always recover the refrigerant before removing any other part.

Although Refrigerant-12 gas, under normal conditions, is non-poisonous, the discharge of refrigerant gas near an open flame can produce a very poisonous gas. This gas will also attack all bright metal surfaces. This poisonous gas is generated when the flame-type leak detector is used. Make certain that Refrigerant-12 is both stored and installed in accordance with all state and local ordinances.