Technician Safety Information

Safety Precautions
The refrigerant used in this refrigerant system is HFC-134a, which is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant.
- HFC-134a, also known as R-134a, is non-corrosive and non-flammable.
- HFC-134a is heavier than air.
- Although it is classified as a safe refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to protect the system component and the technician.
- Use only HFC-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning system is drained, the refrigerant should be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment meeting Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) requirements J1990 and J2210.
- HFC-134a must never be removed without the appropriate equipment or released into the atmosphere.
- Use of a recovery machine dedicated for HFC-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant contamination concerns.
- Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when recovering refrigerant or charging the air conditioning system.
- Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist.
- If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.

Liquid HFC-134a, at normal atmospheric pressures and temperatures, evaporates so quickly it has the tendency to freeze anything it contacts; therefore:
- extreme care must be taken to prevent any liquid refrigerant from coming in contact with the skin, especially the eyes.
- wear proper safety gloves and safety goggles at all times when handling liquid refrigerant.
- if any liquid refrigerant gets into the eyes or on the skin, immediately flush affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing and shoes, and call a physician.

Refrigerant HFC-134a is always under pressure. Because the system is tightly sealed, heat applied to any part could cause pressure to build up excessively.
- To avoid an explosion, keep away from open flames, glowing metal surfaces, blow torch, steam cleaning and welding.

HFC-134a will decompose at high temperatures.
- Make sure that containers are never heated to over 52°C (125°F). Containers should be stored and installed in accordance with all state and local ordinances.

When charging HFC-134a into the refrigerant system, always charge from the gas phase. If the liquid phase is used for charging, liquid HFC-134a will enter the system and damage the A/C compressor.

Refrigerant HFC-134a should not be mixed with air for leak testing or for any other purpose above atmospheric pressure. HFC-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and higher pressures.