3 Safe Refrigerant Handling

Identify the refrigerant and its hazards

Refrigerant properties and hazards vary, and some newer refrigerants are flammable. Before work, identify the refrigerant and understand its specific risks. Follow the equipment instructions, the refrigerant’s safety data sheet (SDS), workplace procedures, and applicable regulations.

Recognize exposure and fire hazards

Refrigerant vapor can displace oxygen, especially in low, enclosed, or poorly ventilated spaces. A person may be in danger even if the vapor has little or no noticeable odor. Dizziness, confusion, headache, or difficulty breathing can indicate exposure, but symptoms are not a reliable way to decide whether the air is safe.

Liquid refrigerant can rapidly evaporate and become extremely cold, potentially freezing skin or eyes. Escaping liquid under pressure can also cause injury. Some refrigerants can ignite, so check the refrigerant label and SDS rather than assuming a refrigerant is nonflammable. High concentrations can harm the body, and contact with flames or very hot surfaces can produce hazardous decomposition products.

Control the work area and use protection

Choose protective equipment according to the task, refrigerant, SDS, and workplace hazard assessment. Service work commonly requires safety goggles or other suitable eye protection, refrigerant-resistant gloves, and clothing that covers exposed skin. A face shield may be needed if splashing is possible; it supplements, rather than replaces, eye protection.

Ventilate the work area before and during service where practical. Direct exhaust away from people and air intakes. In enclosed or potentially oxygen-deficient spaces, use appropriate atmospheric monitoring and follow confined-space procedures.

A refrigerant leak detector locates leaks; it does not establish that air is safe to breathe. Do not enter an area with a suspected major leak or unknown atmosphere to investigate or rescue someone. Leave, keep others out, and call trained emergency responders. Respirators are not a substitute for ventilation or leaving a dangerous atmosphere. Respiratory protection must be selected and used under a proper program by trained personnel; ordinary air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen deficiency.

Detect leaks and work safely

Before opening a system, identify the refrigerant and check equipment labels, the SDS, and service instructions. Use a leak detector designed for that refrigerant. Watch for damaged equipment, leaking connections, unexpected pressure loss, or a detector alarm. Do not use smell alone to detect a leak, and never use a flame to search for one.

If a leak is suspected, stop work, avoid ignition sources when the refrigerant may be flammable, and move people away. Ventilate the area only if this can be done safely. Do not re-enter until the atmosphere has been assessed and qualified personnel have cleared the area.

During service, use compatible, properly rated hoses, tools, recovery equipment, and cylinders. Prevent liquid contact, avoid trapping liquid refrigerant between closed valves, and follow the equipment manufacturer’s procedures. Recover refrigerant with appropriate equipment rather than intentionally releasing it. U.S. EPA Section 608 rules prohibit intentional venting of covered refrigerants during service, repair, maintenance, and disposal, subject to limited exceptions.

Respond to exposure

For eye contact, begin flushing with clean water and seek urgent medical care. For skin exposure, move away from the source; remove contaminated clothing if it is not frozen to the skin, and seek medical advice. Do not rub frostbitten skin or try to pull away clothing frozen to it.

If someone may have inhaled refrigerant, move them to fresh air only if you can do so without entering a hazardous area, and contact emergency services. Follow the refrigerant-specific SDS and local emergency procedures.

• Asphyxiation

• Cold burns and eye injury

• Flammability

• PPE