A/C System And Refrigerant R134A Safety Precautions

Risk of unintended engine start

The ignition must be turned off and the ignition key must remain outside of the vehicle when working on vehicles with a high voltage system.

Handling high voltage cables:

• Do not stand on or place tools on high voltage cables and their components as it may damage the cable insulation.
• Never bend or kink high voltage cables forcefully as it may damage the cable insulation.
• The round high voltage connectors are color coded with an external color ring and are mechanically coded using the guide- or code tabs. Always make certain that the coding matches when connecting the round connector in order to avoid any mechanical damage the high voltage connector.

On vehicles with the Start/Stop System, the engine could start automatically and cause serious personal injury.

• If the Start/Stop System is activated (recognizable by a message in the instrument cluster), it is possible to start the engine automatically.
• Make sure the Start/Stop System is deactivated when working on the vehicle (switch off ignition and turn on again as needed).

Asphyxiation, frostbite, and poisoning may occur as a result of leaking refrigerant

There is a risk of injury associated with leaking refrigerant

• The surrounding air may be displaced causing asphyxiation
• There is a risk of frostbite (for example a risk of freezer burn from the evaporating liquid refrigerant)
• There is a risk of poisoning from the byproducts

Corrective action

• Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in ventilated areas (workshops).
• When handling refrigerant and working on the refrigerant circuit, make sure there is a good flow of oxygen (change the air at least one time each hour in the work area and three times per hour in enclosed spaces (for example, the work pit). Turn on the existing workshop ventilation and exhaust systems.
• Only store containers and systems with refrigerant in well ventilated areas (for example, not in basements or near basement staircases).
• Do not breathe in fumes from leaking refrigerant.
• When handling refrigerant and when working on the refrigerant circuit, wear suitable protective gloves and protective glasses.
• It is recommended to have an eye-flushing bottle available.
• Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in ventilated areas (workshops). Switch on existing ventilation systems.
• Refrigerant must not be stored in low-lying areas such as basements or in their entry ways or windowsills.

First Aid Measures

• If the affected person has inhaled a high concentration of refrigerant vapors, immediately remove them from the contaminated area and bring and lay them in the fresh air. Keep the affected person warm and calm. Initiate artificial respiration if the affected person is experiencing troubled breathing and administrate oxygen if necessary. If the affected person has difficulty breathing or cannot breathe, tip head back and perform mouth to mouth respiration. Consult a physician.
• If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with your skin and eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes. Afterwards instill eye drops and consult a doctor immediately, even when the eyes are not hurting.
• Never put anything in the mouth of an unconscious person. If the symptoms continue or if ever there is a concern, seek medical advice.
• The doctor must be informed that the injury was caused by refrigerant R 134a. Should refrigerant come into contact with other parts of the body despite compliance with safety regulations, these must likewise be rinsed immediately for at least 15 minutes with cold or lukewarm water.
• Following contact with eyes or mucous membranes, immediately rinse with copious amounts of running water and consult an eye specialist.
• Immediately remove clothing that has come into contact with refrigerant and rinse the area of the skin affected with cold or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water. If frostbite occurs, contact a physician.