Refrigerant, Handling
The refrigerant has a faintly noticeable odor which is therefore mostly not perceptible.
The refrigerant is heavier than air and falls to lower lying areas such as the work pit, basements, and deep spots and displaces the breathable air and oxygen. Remaining in oxygen deprived areas is life endangering.
Liquid refrigerant for example from a leak evaporates at an ambient pressure of approximately 1 bar (14.5 psi) at roughly -29.4 °C (-20.92 °F). If the refrigerant evaporates on skin, it can cause cryogenic burning. Delicate organs, such as the cornea and mucous membranes are especially at risk. Excessive frostbite may be life threatening.
Refrigerant gas is combustible, electrostatic discharge and sparks resulting from striking tools, hot surfaces and open flames can ignite a mixture of refrigerant R1234yf and the surrounding air. The refrigerant only burns if there is a burning supporting flame or in the area of a hot surface, the refrigerant flame goes out when for example the flam is no longer present.
The refrigerant breaks down near flames or when it comes in contact with hot surfaces. There is a danger of becoming poisoned by the resulting toxic fumes if inhaled. A pungent odor indicates that the products of the decomposition mentioned above have already formed. Avoid inhaling these substances under all circumstances, as otherwise the respiratory system, lungs and other organs could be damaged.
The specific dangers associated with the refrigerant, material data etc. can be found in the safety data sheets.
- Never weld or hard/soft solder components of a filled A/C system. This also applies to welding and soldering on the vehicle, if there is a risk that it may heat up components in the A/C system. When performing paint work repairs, the temperature in the drying booth or preheating zone must not exceed 80 °C (176 °F).
Reason:
Exposure to heat increases the pressure in the system, which could cause the pressure relief valve to open.
Corrective Measure:
-- Discharge the refrigerant circuit using the A/C service station. Refer to WORKING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION .
Damaged or leaking parts of the air conditioner are never to be repaired by welding or soldering them; they are always to be replaced.
Refrigerant containers (for example, charging cylinders of A/C service station) must never be overfilled, subjected to excessive heat or exposed to direct sunlight.
Reason:
Refrigerant stretches when warmed.
Corrective Measure:
-- When filling and storing compressed-gas containers (return bottles, recycling bottles etc.) the applicable regulations, technical regulations and laws must be observed.
-- Reservoirs must never be completely filled with liquid refrigerant. Without sufficient room for expansion (gas cushion), reservoirs will rupture with devastating effects in the event of a temperature increase. Refer to PYROTECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS .
Refrigerant is never to be transferred to systems or vessels in which air is present.
Corrective Measure:
-- Evacuate systems and reservoirs before charging with refrigerant. Refer to WORKING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION .