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Handling Refrigerants
Contact with refrigerants can be hazardous to humans. If inhaled, they can cause dizziness, headache, and confusion. Severe exposure may cause unconsciousness and suffocation. Liquified gas in contact with the skin may result in frostbite and can also irritate if it comes in contact with the eyes.
Storing Refrigerants
Cylinders should be stored at or below a temperature of 50°C, and they should never be filled with more than 80% gas. If the bottles are exposed to a temperature above 50°C, they should not be filled with more than 60% gas. Note that a recovery cylinder must not be filled to more than 75%. Make sure that refrigerants are handled as compressed gas, in a well-ventilated place. It must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, and other sources of ignition – and make sure to prevent sparks and open flames in case of a leakage.
Cylinders should be stored at or below a temperature of 50°C, and they should never be filled with more than 80% gas.
Handle Cylinders With Care
Another thing to keep in mind is how to handle the refrigerant and its surrounding equipment. Here are a few things to think about:
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Never lift a cylinder by the valve.
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Always keep the cylinder cap on when moving a cylinder.
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Always assume that the cylinder contains gas.
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Provide good ventilation.
Bolted Valve Bodies and Fittings
Bolted valve bodies and other fittings are places where pressure can build up, due to leaks or other circumstances. Be careful when you dismantle this type of valve. It is good practice to leave the bolt with a few threads engaged when opening these kinds of valves. The sealing media can make them stick, and if opened without any restricting bolts on the flange, it could become a projectile as the pressure builds up. In a refrigerant system, there can be up to 25-30 bar and even higher in HCFC systems.
In Case of Fire and Explosion
During exposure to heat, the pressure within the system would rise, and under pressure, fluorinated refrigerants can be combustible when mixed with oil and air. There is also a risk of explosion when cylinders are exposed to heat. Fire or high temperatures will cause the formation of toxic gases, vapours, and fumes. Be careful when performing a rescue operation when there is a refrigerant system in the near.
What to Do if Refrigerants Are Involved in a Fire
Always use a self-contained breathing apparatus when performing firefighting. If the gas cylinders are not yet affected by the heat, remove them from the fire area. If the bottles are heated – do not move them until they have cooled down. Cool the cylinder with large amounts of water from a safe distance.
Do Not Release Refrigerants into the Atmosphere
As mentioned earlier, refrigerants have a significant negative impact on the environment if released into the atmosphere. It can be hard to get a grip on how much damage it can do, but it has a significant impact on global warming. Therefore, keep in mind: do not release refrigerants into the atmosphere. If a leakage would happen, after all, make sure to stop leaks immediately, without jeopardizing personal safety. Always use recovery equipment correctly, and return empty cylinders to the supplier or an approved reception/destruction facility. If you have a leaking cylinder, move it to the open air, where the leak will not jeopardize personal safety. Move the refrigerant to an undamaged bottle as soon as possible.
Only liquid gas can damage eyes – In case of splashes or symptoms due to high vapour concentrations, flush the eyes immediately with a soft jet of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Photo: Johnny Forsman
Protecting Yourself
Always make sure to wear adequate protection and handle gas cylinders carefully. If HFC is omitted, it will accumulate on the ground as it is heavier than air. Older CFCs and HCFCs are almost odourless, but their sweet ether-like odour can recognize the modern HFC. As refrigerants are heavier than air, it could be a disaster if the gas would end up in a space where it could get stuck, such as an enclosed space, or just at a narrow area where the gas could be captured, because the refrigerant would "push away" the oxygen. If there has been any refrigerant leakage in a specific space, the gas will lie at the bottom. Later on, when the crew is about to enter, the oxygen meter could show that it is okay, but when the crew member has entered and gotten to the bottom of the space, there would not be any oxygen there.
It is essential to use the right kind of protective clothing when dealing with refrigerants. Here are some critical items to consider:
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Always wear eye protection and leather/insulated gloves.
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If there is a possibility of direct contact – wear protective clothing.
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Wear safety boots when handling refrigerant cylinders.
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Use a self-contained breathing apparatus if there's a risk for high gas concentrations.
Human Exposure to Refrigerants
Be careful, treat the refrigerants with respect. If anyone onboard would get exposed to any refrigerant, follow these suggestions.
High concentrations or prolonged exposure may cause headache and dizziness, as well as unconsciousness and other central nervous system disorders, due to low oxygen content in the brain. Provide fresh air, and keep the patient warm, and at rest. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage (CPR) if necessary.
First aid treatment of frost burn after skin contact with liquid refrigerant: flush with large amounts of lukewarm water — about 40°C (104°F). Do not remove clothing if frost burns. Frost burns should be treated by medical assistance.
Contact with gas or vapour does not affect your eyes; only liquid gas can do so. In case of splashes or symptoms due to high vapour concentrations, flush the eyes immediately with a soft jet of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Get immediate medical attention and continue to rinse the eyes.
Ingestion is not considered a severe risk. Do not induce vomiting! Give the patient 1–2 glasses of water, or preferably milk, if fully conscious. Get immediate medical advice.
Do not give adrenalin or equivalent medicines.
