Refrigerant Hazards

    Danger
  • Hazardous Pressures
  • Always store refrigerant in proper containers, out of direct sunlight and away from intense heat. Heat increases pressure inside storage containers, which can cause them to burst and could result in severe personal injury.
    Danger
  • Combustible Hazard
  • Do not use oxygen (O2 ) or compressed air for leak testing. Oxygen mixed with refrigerant is combustible.
    Warning
  • Hazardous Gases
  • Do not use a Halide torch. When a flame comes in contact with refrigerant, toxic gases are produced. These gases can cause suffocation, even death.
    Warning
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
  • Refrigerant in a liquid state evaporates rapidly when exposed to the atmosphere, freezing anything it contacts. Wear butyl lined gloves and other clothing and eye wear when handling refrigerant to help prevent frostbite. When working with or around hazardous chemicals, ALWAYS refer to the applicable Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and OSHA/GHS (Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) guidelines for information on allowable personal exposure levels, proper respiratory protection, and handling instructions.
    Notice
  • Equipment Damage
  • When being transferred, refrigerant must be in liquid state to avoid possible equipment damage.
Parent topic: Safety Precautions