General Practices
- Danger
- Hazard of Explosion
- Never apply heat to a sealed refrigeration system or container. Heat increases internal pressure, which might cause an explosion resulting in death or serious injury.
- Danger
- Hazardous Gases - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
- Refrigerant in the presence of an open flame, spark, or electrical short produces toxic gases that are severe respiratory irritants which can cause serious injury or possible death. 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.
- Danger
- Risk of Injury
- Keep your hands, clothing, and tools clear of fans and/or belts when working on a unit that is running or when opening or closing compressor service valves. Loose clothing might entangle moving pulleys or belts, causing serious injury or possible death.
- Danger
- Refrigerant Vapor Hazard
- Do not inhale refrigerant. Use caution when working with refrigerant or a refrigeration system in any confined area with a limited air supply. Refrigerant displaces air and can cause oxygen depletion, resulting in suffocation and possible death. 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.
- Warning
- Hazard of Explosion
- Never close the compressor discharge service valve when the unit is operating. Never operate the unit with the discharge valve closed (front seated). This condition increases internal pressure, which can cause an explosion.
- Warning
- Proper Equipment Condition
- Gauge manifold hoses must be in good condition before using them. Never let them come in contact with moving belts, fans, pulleys or hot surfaces. Defective gauge equipment can damage components or cause serious injury.
- Warning
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
- Always wear goggles or safety glasses and proper PPE when working on a unit. Refrigerant liquid, oil, and battery acid can permanently damage your eyes. 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.
- Warning
- Equipment Damage and Risk of Injury
- Never drill holes into the unit unless instructed by Thermo King. Holes drilled into high voltage cables could cause an electrical fire, severe personal injury, or even death.
- Warning
- Risk of Injury
- When using ladders to install or service refrigeration systems, always observe the ladder manufacturer’s safety labels and warnings. A work platform or scaffolding is the recommended method for installations and servicing.
- Caution
- Sharp Edges
- Exposed coil fins can cause lacerations. Service work on the evaporator or condenser coils should only be accomplished by a certified Thermo King technician.
- Notice
- Equipment Damage
- All unit mounting bolts must be installed, be the correct length for their application, and torqued to specifications. Missing bolts, incorrect bolt lengths and improper torque specifications can damage equipment and void the warranty.