Technician Safety Information
General
Be aware of, and comply with all health and safety requirements, whether they be legislative or common sense. This applies to conditions set both for the operator and workshop.
Before commencing any repair or service procedure, disconnect the vehicle battery earth connection, and protect the vehicle where appropriate, from dirt or damage.
Work in a well ventilated, clean and tidy area.
Recovery and charge equipment must comply with, or exceed the standard detailed in General Specifications.
Handling Refrigerant
Wear eye protection at all times. Use gloves, keep skin that may come into contact with HFC 134A covered.
Should refrigerant come into contact with your eyes or skin; Wash the affected area with cool water and seek medical advice, do not attempt to treat yourself.
Avoid breathing refrigerant vapor, it may cause irritation to your respiratory system.
Never use high pressure compressed air to flush out a system. Under certain circumstances HFC 134A + compressed air + a source of combustion, may result in an explosion.
HFC 134A and CFC 12 must never come into contact with each other, they will form an inseparable mixture which can only be disposed of by incineration.
Do not vent refrigerant directly to atmosphere, always use Jaguar approved recovery equipment. Remember, HFC 134A is costly but recycleable.
Because HFC 134A is fully recycleable it may be "cleaned" by the recovery equipment and reused after removal from a system.
Leak tests should only be carried out with an electronic analyzer which is dedicated to HFC 134A. Never use a CFC 12 analyzer or naked flame type.
Never attempt to "guess" the amount of refrigerant in a system, always recover and recharge with the correct charge weight.
Handling Lubricating Oil
Avoid breathing lubricant mist, it may cause irritation to your respiratory system.
Always use fresh oil from a sealed container and do not leave oil exposed to the atmosphere for any reason other than to fill or empty a system. PAG oil is very hygroscopic (absorbs water) and will rapidly become contaminated by atmospheric moisture.
PAG oil is NOT compatible with previously used mineral based oils and must NEVER be mixed.
Do not reuse oil when it has been separated from refrigerant following a recovery cycle. Dispose of the oil safely.
System Maintenance
When depressurizing a system do not vent refrigerant directly to atmosphere. Always use Jaguar approved recovery equipment. Remember, HFC 134A is costly but recycleable.
Always use compressor oil from a sealed container and do not leave oil exposed to the atmosphere for any reason other than to fill or empty a system. PAG oil is very hygroscopic and will rapidly become contaminated by atmospheric moisture.
Diagnostic equipment for pressure, mass and volume should be calibrated regularly and certified by a third party organization.
Plug pipes and units immediately after disconnection and only unplug immediately prior to connection. Do not leave the system open to atmosphere.
If replacement parts are supplied without transit plugs and seals do not use the parts. Return them your supplier.
Use extreme care when handling and securing aluminium fittings, always use a backing spanner and take special care when handling the evaporator.
Keep the working area, all components and tools clean. Use only the correct or recommended tools for the job and apply the manufacturer's torque specifications.
It is not necessary to renew the receiver/dryer whenever the system has been "opened" as previously advised With R 12. However,if a unit or part of the system is left open for more than five minutes, it may be advisable to renew the receiver/dryer. This guidance is based on U.K. average humidity levels; Therefore, locations with lower humidity will be less critical to moisture contamination of the unit. It MUST be stressed that there is not a "safe" period for work to be carried out in. ALWAYS plug pipes and units IMMEDIATELY after disconnection and only unplug IMMEDIATELY prior to connection.