Heating and Air Conditioning: Service Precautions

1. The R-12 (or R-134a) liquid refrigerant is highly volatile. A drop on the skin of your hand could result in localized frostbite. When handling the refrigerant, be sure to wear gloves.
2. If the refrigerant splashes into your eyes, wash them with clean water immediately. It is standard practice to wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes, and gloves to protect your bands.
3. The R-12 (or R-134a) container is a highly pressurized vessel. Never leave it in a hot place, and check to be sure the storage temperature is below 52° C (126° F).
4. A leak detector is often used to check the system for refrigerant leakage. Bear in mind that R-12 (or R-134a), upon coming into contact with flame (this detector burns like propane to produce a small flame), produces phosgene, a toxic gas.
5. The discharge of R-12 refrigerant into the atmosphere depletes the earth's protective ozone layer. Hyundai recommends that R-12 refrigerant should be recovered and recycled if possible.
6. R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed even in the smallest amounts, as they are incompatible with each other. If the refrigerant are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur.
7. Use only recommended lubricant for R-134a A/C system and components. If lubricant other but recommended one is used, system failure may occur.
8. The PAG lubricant absorbs moisture from the atmosphere at an exceptionally fast rate and moisture can damage the A/C system, therefore the following precautions must be observed.
- When removing refrigerant components from a vehicle, cap immediately the components to prevent A/C system from the entry of moisture.
- When installing refrigerant components to a vehicle, do not remove the cap until just connecting the components.
- Complete the connection of all refrigerant tubes and hoses without delay to prevent the A/C system from entry of moisture.
- Use the recommended lubricant from a sealed container only.
9. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.