Working with refrigerants is associated with several risks for HVAC technicians. Some of the main dangers associated with handling refrigerants used in air-conditioning systems include toxicity, physical hazards, flammability, and the potential for asphyxiation. As such, we’ve put together a list of safety tips to help you stay safe when working with refrigerants. With the relevant knowledge, safety protocols, and equipment, technicians can easily keep themselves and others safe from harm.
What refrigerants are technicians likely to encounter?
The refrigerants used to manufacture HVAC systems have changed over the years. Several decades ago, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as Freon were often used for refrigeration. While CFCs offered affordability, low toxicity, and no fire risk, they released ozone-depleting greenhouse gases and caused severe environmental damage. As such, they were phased out in the 1990s.
Today, most HVAC systems and refrigerators contain natural refrigerants that pose less risk to the environment but come with additional safety requirements. Some refrigeration manufacturers use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemical compounds less harmful to the ozone layer than CFCs. However, HFCs are being phased out of the production process, as they release high quantities of greenhouse gas and contribute to global warming.
Most modern HVAC systems and refrigerators are produced using natural refrigerants that are much more environmentally friendly than their predecessors and don’t deplete the ozone layer. Popular natural refrigerants include hydrocarbons (HCs), ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. An HC known as R-600a (or isobutane) is one of the natural refrigerants that technicians are most likely to encounter. While its environmental impact is negligible, R-600a’s high flammability means technicians must be trained to handle it properly.
R-600a Safety Tips
R-600a is a natural hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant that helps to create energy-efficient, eco-friendly HVAC systems. The substance is stored and transported in approved containers designed to minimize the risk of leaks.
How to store R-600a
R-600a should be kept in sealed containers in cool, well-ventilated areas. Everyone must avoid smoking in R-600a storage areas, and you should ensure you comply with local and state regulations related to handling liquefied petroleum gas. In the event of a leakage, you should ventilate the area and consult the local fire authorities to assist with the situation. It’s also strongly recommended that you wear protective breathing equipment to prevent inhalation.
Fire safety
R-600a is an extremely flammable gas, so you must take several measures to avoid fires and explosions, including:
- Keep R-600a away from all heat sources, including sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces.
- Avoid smoking anywhere near R-600a.
- Try to maintain high ventilation levels when handling R-600a.
- Remember that the substance may travel as a vapor along the ground or by ventilation systems. As such, you should minimize potential ignition sources around the building or workspace, including cigarettes, sparks, heaters, static discharge, electric motors, and more.
In the event of a fire, attempt to stop the release of more R-600a and cool the storage container with water. If there are other technicians in the area, they should leave the vicinity. Use water or a dry chemical extinguisher to extinguish the flames and contact the relevant fire authorities to assist with the situation.
Health hazards associated with R-600a
Overexposure to R-600a is associated with several health effects, including:
- Severe eye irritation, including redness and blurred vision.
- Frostbite in the case of skin contact.
- Headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, narcosis, unconsciousness, and even fatal asphyxiation if inhaled in high concentrations.
Given these risks, it’s advisable to wear protective clothing and gloves when handling R-600a, as well as a face shield, goggles, and self-contained breathing apparatus. In the case of skin contact with R-600a in its liquid form, gradually warm the affected area and gently flush it with water. If the substance has affected your eyes, rinse them with running water for around 15 minutes and consult a physician if the irritation continues.
In the case of inhalation, move the affected person(s) outside and well away from the R-600a. If their breathing stops, attempt to restore it immediately, administer oxygen, and seek emergency medical help.
Disposal
You must dispose of R-600a according to local laws and regulations to keep the community safe from harm.
Ammonia refrigeration safety tips
Refrigeration-grade ammonia comprises nitrogen and hydrogen and can take liquid or gas form. Unlike R-600a, ammonia is not highly flammable, but can cause explosions in enclosed spaces where ignition sources are present. Ammonia is also toxic and can present serious health risks to HVAC technicians. As such, you should take similar precautions when handling ammonia as you would with HCs, including:
- Wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, clothing, breathing equipment, and eye protection.
- Keep ammonia away from sources of ignition.
- Prevent gas leaks by preventing corrosion of steel piping and containment vessels. You can prevent corrosion by reducing dampness and humidity in the vicinity.
- Ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, skin, eyes, and stomach, as well as respiratory distress. In case of contact, wash the affected area straightaway and seek medical attention. Quickly remove any clothing that may have come into contact with the substance and step outside to prevent further inhalation issues.
Other refrigerants
If you’re handling other natural refrigerants or HFCs, the safety tips listed above should provide a strong idea of the types of safety precautions you will need to take. However, you should always follow official occupational safety guidance regarding the specific refrigerant you need to handle and make sure that refrigerant containers are tightly sealed without signs of denting or rusting. You should also store all refrigerants upright in cool, dry locations and wear equipment to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory equipment when handling these hazardous substances. Read more about proper refrigerant management.
The bottom line: Follow protocols and look out for others
Refrigerants are relatively safe substances when you follow the correct protocols. You must remain vigilant to dangers such as ignition sources and ventilation problems when handling refrigerants and look out for the safety of your fellow technicians when working on a job.
