Technician Safety Information
WARNING:- Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and dangerous. If it is necessary to operate the engine with vehicle in a closed area such as a garage, always use an exhaust collector to vent the exhaust gases outside the closed area.
- R-134a is classified as a safe refrigerant, but misuse can make it dangerous. The following precautions must be observed.
- Always wear safety goggles when repairing an air conditioning system.
- Avoid contact with liquid refrigerant R-134a. R-134a vaporizes at approximately -25°C (-13°F) under atmospheric pressure and it will freeze skin tissue.
- Never allow refrigerant R-134a gas to escape in quantity in an occupied space. R-134a is non-toxic, but it will displace the oxygen needed to support life.
- Never use a torch in an atmosphere containing R-134a gas. R-134a is non-toxic at all normal conditions, but when it is exposed to high temperatures, such as a torch flame, it decomposes. During decomposition it releases irritating and toxic gases (as described in the MSDS sheet from the manufacturer). Decomposition products are hydrofluoric acid, carbon dioxide and water.
- Do not allow any portion of the charged air conditioning system to become too hot. The pressure in an air conditioning system rises as the temperature rises and temperatures of approximately 85°C (185°F) can be dangerous.
- Allow the engine to cool sufficiently prior to carrying out maintenance or serious burns and injury can occur.
- It is dangerous to charge the system with the engine running at the high side service port.
Charge the A/C system with R-134a refrigerant gas while the engine is running only at the low-pressure side to prevent refrigerant slugging from damaging the A/C compressor.
- Use only R-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Federal, State/Provincial and/or local laws REQUIRE that R-134a be recovered into appropriate recovery equipment and the process be conducted by qualified technicians who have been certified by an approved organization, such as ASE, MACS, HRAI, etc. Use of a recovery machine dedicated to R-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant incompatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant from or charging the air conditioning system.
- Refrigerant R-134a must not be mixed with the air for leak testing or used with air for any other purpose above atmospheric pressure. R-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and higher pressures.
- A number of manufacturers are producing refrigerant products that are described as direct substitutes for Refrigerant R-134a. The use of any unauthorized substitute refrigerant can severely damage the A/C components. If repair is required, use only new or recycled Refrigerant R-134a.
- The heater core inlet hose will become too hot to handle if the system is working correctly.
- Use extreme care and observe all safety and service precautions related to the use of refrigerants.
- Due to refrigerant hazards, always wear safety goggles and non-penetrable gloves when working on or flushing A/C systems.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Contact with eyes and skin will cause irritation. Wear chemical goggles when using the A/C cooling coil coating.
- Air Conditioning (A/C) Odor Treatment should only be carried out in well ventilated areas. Open all windows and doors of the vehicle. Leave doors and windows open during the entire procedure. Avoid breathing vapors.
- Read all instructions and warnings packaged with the A/C cooling coil coating. For additional information, see the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for this product.