Air conditioning system precautions

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: The air conditioning system is charged with a high pressure, potentially toxic refrigerant. Repairs or servicing must only be carried out by a trained operator familiar with both the vehicle system and the charging and testing equipment.

WARNING: All operations pertaining to the air conditioning system must be carried out in a well ventilated area. Always observe the following precautions: • R134a is odourless and colourless. Do not handle or discharge in an enclosed area, or any area where the vapour and liquid can come into contact with a naked flame or hot metal. R134a is not flammable, but it can cause a highly toxic gas. • Do not smoke or weld in areas where R134a is in use. • Inhalation of concentrations of vapour can cause dizziness, disorientation, incoordination, narcosis, nausea or vomiting. • Refrigerant R134a from domestic and commercial sources must not be used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems.

WARNING: HFC-134a (R134a) is a hazardous liquid which if handled incorrectly can cause serious injury. The following precautions should be adhered to at all times when working on an air conditioning system: • Suitable protective clothing must be worn when carrying out service operations on the air conditioning system. • Air conditioning connections should be opened carefully to allow any liquid or pressure to bleed off slowly. • Do not allow a refrigerant container to be heated by direct flame or to be placed near any heating appliance. A refrigerant container must not be heated above 50°C. • Do not leave a refrigerant container without its cap fitted. • Do not transport a refrigerant container that is unrestrained (especially in the luggage compartment of a car). • Do not allow fluids, other than R134a or compressor lubricant, to enter the air conditioning system; spontaneous combustion could occur. • R134a splashed onto exposed skin will cause immediate freezing of that area. • Refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys can become cooled when discharging, this could cause skin to become frozen to them if contact is made. • The refrigerant used in an air conditioning system must be reclaimed in accordance with the recommendations stipulated by a Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling & Recharging Station.