| If refrigerant vessels are opened, the contents may escape in liquid or vapour form. The higher the pressure in the vessel, the more vigorous the process. |
| The pressure level is governed by two factors: |
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| The type of refrigerant in the vessel. „Rule: The lower the boiling point, the higher the pressure.“ |
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| The temperature level. „Rule: The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure.“ |
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| There is a risk of icing-up. |
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| The refrigerant may emerge in liquid or vapour form. |
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| Do not open vessels containing refrigerant. |
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| Put on safety goggles to prevent refrigerant getting into the eyes, as this could cause severe injury through frostbite. |
| Wear protective gloves and apron |
| Grease and oils dissolve readily in refrigerants. They would therefore damage the protective layer of grease if allowed to come into contact with the skin. Degreased skin is however sensitive to the cold and germs. |
| Do not allow liquid refrigerant to come into contact with the skin |
| The refrigerant draws heat for evaporation from the surrounding area - even if this is the skin. This may give rise to extremely low temperatures and result in local frostbite (boiling point of R134a: -26.5 °C at ambient pressure). |
| Do not inhale refrigerant vapours |
| If refrigerant vapour escapes in concentrated form, it mixes with the surrounding air and displaces the oxygen necessary for breathing. |
| Smoking is absolutely prohibited |
| A burning cigarette can cause refrigerant to decompose. The resultant substances are toxic and must not be inhaled. |
| Welding and soldering on refrigeration systems |
| Before performing welding, brazing or soldering work on vehicles in the vicinity of air conditioning system components, extract refrigerant and remove any remaining refrigerant by blowing out with nitrogen. |
| The products of refrigerant decomposition due to the effect of heat are not only toxic, but may also have a highly corrosive effect on pipes and system components. The principal substance is hydrogen fluoride. |
| A pungent odour indicates that the products of decomposition mentioned above have already formed. Avoid inhaling these substances under all circumstances, as otherwise the airways, lungs and other organs could be damaged. |
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| Following accidental contact with eyes or mucous membranes, immediately rinse with copious amounts of running water and consult an eye specialist. |
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| Following accidental contact with the skin, immediately remove clothing affected and rinse skin with copious amounts of water. |
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| Following accidental inhalation of concentrated refrigerant vapours, the person concerned must be taken immediately into the open air. Call a doctor. Administer oxygen in the event of breathing difficulties. If the person affected is having great difficulty breathing or is not breathing at all, tilt back head and administer artificial respiration. |
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