3 Safety and Environmental Practices

Identify the appliance and plan the work

Before opening an appliance, identify the equipment and refrigerant, control hazardous energy, prepare suitable tools and protective equipment, and follow the appliance and recovery-equipment manufacturers’ instructions.

Read the nameplate and service information to identify the refrigerant, charge, electrical supply, and any special hazards. Do not assume refrigerants or recovery equipment are interchangeable; use equipment approved for the appliance and refrigerant, including when the refrigerant is flammable.

Certification and refrigerant-circuit work

Under EPA Section 608, a small appliance is factory-made, factory-charged, and hermetically sealed, with $\leq 5$ pounds of refrigerant. Type I certification covers servicing small appliances. A person whose service work may compromise a refrigerant circuit generally must hold the appropriate Section 608 certification. An apprentice may work under the close and continual supervision of a certified technician.

Electrical or mechanical work that does not affect the refrigerant circuit is different from opening or otherwise compromising that circuit. Determine what the job involves before work begins so the required qualification and supervision are in place.

Control electrical and mechanical hazards

Electrical hazards include shock, burns, fire, and unexpected startup. Mechanical hazards include sharp sheet metal, fans, belts, springs, hot surfaces, and components that can move or fall. Capacitors may retain a dangerous electrical charge even after the appliance is unplugged.

Prepare the work area and control energy before touching components:

1. Make the area stable, dry, well lit, and clear of bystanders. Secure the appliance against tipping or movement.

2. Shut down the appliance and disconnect it from its power source. Where servicing could expose a worker to unexpected startup or stored energy, follow the employer’s applicable lockout/tagout procedure. An off switch alone may not be sufficient. If unplugging is the isolation method, keep the cord-and-plug connection under your exclusive control.

3. Verify that the appliance is de-energized before touching electrical parts. Treat circuits as energized until properly checked. Discharge capacitors only by the approved method; do not short them with a tool.

4. Allow hot parts to cool. Restrain or avoid moving parts, and use appropriate tools and cut-resistant protection when handling sharp panels.

5. Limit energized testing to qualified personnel using appropriate procedures and protective equipment. Re-isolate the appliance before continuing hands-on work.

Protect against refrigerant exposure

Liquid refrigerant can cause frostbite or eye injury. Released vapor can displace oxygen, especially in a small or poorly ventilated area, and some refrigerants pose additional hazards such as flammability. Work in a well-ventilated area, keep ignition sources away when required by the refrigerant’s properties, and use eye and hand protection suited to the task.

Consult the refrigerant safety data sheet. Stop work if a leak or unsafe atmosphere is suspected. Do not enter a potentially oxygen-deficient space to attempt a rescue without proper training and equipment.

Recover refrigerant safely

Before connecting recovery equipment, confirm the refrigerant and equipment compatibility, inspect hoses and fittings, and use the correct, properly labeled recovery cylinder. Avoid mixing refrigerants. Follow equipment instructions and applicable cylinder-handling limits, and keep cylinders secured and away from heat.

Recover refrigerant before opening the sealed circuit. Use low-loss connections and safe work practices to minimize releases. For small appliances, the stated EPA recovery alternatives are:

• Recover $80\%$ when using recovery equipment manufactured before November 15, 1993.

• With equipment manufactured on or after November 15, 1993, recover $90\%$ if the appliance compressor is functional, or $80\%$ if it is not functional.

• Alternatively, evacuate the appliance to $4$ inches of mercury vacuum.

Use recovery equipment according to its instructions. These percentages do not permit deliberately releasing the refrigerant that remains.

Prevent environmental releases

Section 608 prohibits intentional venting of refrigerants during service, repair, or disposal, including many substitute refrigerants. Capture refrigerant with suitable recovery equipment, keep it contained and identified, and do not release it or mix it with other refrigerants.

Arrange for appropriate reuse, recycling, reclamation, or disposal under applicable requirements. State and local rules may also apply.