Discovery II
GENERAL INFORMATION
03-24
Air Conditioning System Precautions
General
The air conditioning system contains fluids and
components which could be potentially hazardous to
the service engineer or the environment if not
serviced and handled correctly. The following
guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer
to potential sources of danger and emphasise the
importance of ensuring the integrity of the Air
Conditioning operating conditions and components
fitted to the vehicle.
Where necessary, additional specific precautions are
detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which
should be referred to prior to commencing repair
operations.
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is
HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a.
WARNING: Servicing must only be carried out by
personnel familiar with both the vehicle system
and the charging and testing equipment. All
operations must be carried out in a well
ventilated area away from open flame and heat
sources.
WARNING: R134a is a hazardous liquid and when
handled incorrectly can cause serious injury.
Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face
protection, heat proof gloves, rubber boots and
rubber apron or waterproof overalls, must be
worn when carrying out operations on the air
conditioning system.
Remedial actions
If an accident involving R134a should occur, conduct
the following remedial actions:
l
If liquid R134a enters the eye, do not rub it.
Gently run large quantities of eye wash over
affected eye to raise the temperature. If an eye
wash is not available, cool, clean water may be
used to flush the eye. After rinsing, cover the
eye with a clean pad and seek immediate
medical attention.
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If liquid R134a is splashed onto the skin, run
large quantities of water over the affected area
to raise the temperature. Implement the same
action if the skin comes in contact with
discharging cylinders. Wrap the contaminated
body parts in blankets (or similar materials) and
seek immediate medical attention.
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If the debilitating effects of inhalation of R134a
vapour is suspected, seek fresh air. If the
affected person is unconscious, move them
away from the contaminated area to fresh air
and apply artificial respiration and/or oxygen
and seek immediate medical attention.
WARNING: Due to its low evaporating
temperature, R134a must be handled with care.
R134a splashed on any part of the body will
cause immediate freezing of that area. Also,
refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys
when discharging will freeze skin to them if
contact is made.
