Technician Safety Information

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:
- ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHEN SERVICING ANY PART OF THE REFRIGERANT SYSTEM.
- EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT ANY LIQUID REFRIGERANT FROM COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, AND ESPECIALLY THE EYES.


The refrigerant HFC-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant. HFC-134a, also known as R-134a, is non-corrosive, non-explosive, non-flammable and has a slight ethereal type odor. HFC-134a is heavier than air. Although it is classified as a safe refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to protect the components involved and the technician servicing the system.

Use only HFC-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment meeting SAE J1990 and J2210. HFC-134a must NEVER be removed without the appropriate equipment or released into the atmosphere. Use of a recovery machine dedicated for R-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant incompatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant from or charging the air conditioning system.

Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
Liquid HFC-134a, at normal atmospheric 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.

Wear impervious gloves and safety goggles at all times when handling liquid refrigerant. Should any liquid refrigerant get into the eyes or on the skin, immediately flush eyes and skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician.

Refrigerant HFC-134a should not be mixed with air for leak testing or used with air for any other purpose above atmospheric pressure. HFC-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and higher pressures.

The refrigerant 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, solder, steam clean, bake body finishes or use a blow torch or excessive heat on or in the immediate area of refrigerant system components or supply tank (whether filled with refrigerant or not) and keep away from open flames and glowing metal surfaces unless the system and tank are open to the atmosphere.
R-134a can be decomposed at high temperatures.

Ensure that containers are never heated to over 52°C (125°F). Ensure that the refrigerant is both stored and installed in accordance with all applicable state and local ordinances.

When admitting the refrigerant gas into the refrigerant system, always keep the tank in an upright position. If the tank is on its side or upside down, liquid refrigerant will enter the system and may damage the compressor.

WARNING: CARBON MONOXIDE IS COLORLESS, ODORLESS AND DANGEROUS. IF IT IS NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE VEHICLE IN A CLOSED AREA SUCH AS A GARAGE, ALWAYS USE AN EXHAUST COLLECTOR TO VENT THE EXHAUST GASES OUTSIDE THE CLOSED AREA.


Whenever components in the engine compartment or instrument panel areas are being serviced, the battery ground cable must be disconnected to eliminate the possibility of electrical shorts, burned-up wiring, and dangerous fires. Extreme care must be exercised when performing electrical tests where the battery must be connected to operate the system.