Safety Precautions When Handling Refrigerant

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The assemblies and line system of the A/C system are filled with the following refrigerant:

NOTE:

Refrigerant R134a is added to vehicles which were manufactured through calendar week 5/30/2016. Depending on the version of vehicles which are manufactured from 5/30/216, either refrigerant R134a or refrigerant R1234yf is added. Refer to TYPE LABELS and TECHNICAL DATA

REFRIGERANT R134a

1.1.1.2 Tetrafluorethane (CF₃ -CH₂ F or CH₂ F-CF₃ )

This refrigerant is currently known under the following trade names R134a, H-FKW 134a, SUVA 134a and KLEA 134a (other brand names may be used in other countries).

REFRIGERANT R1234yf

2, 3, 3, 3-Tetraflourprop-1-ene (C₃ H₂ F₄ or CF₃ CF = CH₂ )

This refrigerant is currently recognized under the brand name R1234yf, HFO 1234yf, Opteon 1234yf, etc. Other brand names may be used in other countries.

WARNING:

Refrigerant 1234yf includes a gas which is combustible when a certain percentage is present in the air (with a flammability limit from 6.2% to 12.3% volume).

Electrostatic discharge and sparks resulting from striking tools, hot surfaces and open flames can ignite a mixture of refrigerant R1234yf and air.
There is a risk of explosion when a concentration of refrigerant gas is near an ignition source.
Keep any type of ignition source away from pressure reservoirs and devices with refrigerant R1234yf.
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).

BOTH REFRIGERANTS

The following safety measures should be observed for these refrigerants (additional guidelines apply in individual countries).

CAUTION:

Refrigerant may pose health risk!

For repair work on an open refrigerant circuit, first discharge the refrigerant circuit. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DISCHARGING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION (R134a) . (Refrigerant R134a, Servicing; Refrigerant Circuit, Using Service Station) or REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DISCHARGING (R1234yf) / Working on Vehicles with High-Voltage System (Hybrid Vehicles) .
Only work on refrigerant circuit in well-ventilated rooms (workshops). Ensure that there are no working-pits, basement staircases or shafts within five meters of the circumference.

WARNING:

Leaking refrigerant may cause asphyxiation, frostbite, and poisoning.

Switch on the exhaust gas ventilation system.
Escaping refrigerant is color- and odorless and also heavier than air, thus displacing oxygen. If refrigerant gas escapes, there is a risk of suffocating in poorly ventilated areas and in workshop pits - even if it is not noticeable.

Risk of dry coughing and nausea due to toxic chemical decomposition products from the refrigerant gas.

Do not smoke, weld, or hard- or soft-solder in areas exposed to refrigerant. The high temperature of a naked flame or hot objects causes decomposition of refrigerant gas. The resulting decomposition products are toxic.

Risk of eye injury!

Keep an eye bath on hand.
If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with your skin and eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes.
Then apply eye drops and consult a doctor immediately even if no pain is felt.
Inform the doctor which type of refrigerant caused the freezing.

Intensive exposure to refrigerant on unprotected parts of the body will result in frostbite. Avoid contact with liquid refrigerant or refrigerant vapors!

Protect hands by wearing rubber gloves.
Protect eyes by wearing protective glasses.
If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with any other body part, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes.

There is a Risk of Getting Frostbite from the Refrigerant.

Refrigerant can come out under pressure when working on the A/C system. Frostbite on the skin and other parts of the body is possible.

-- Wear safety gloves.

-- Wear protective eyewear.

-- Extract refrigerant and open the refrigerant circuit immediately.

-- If more than 10 minutes elapse after extracting the refrigerant and the refrigerant circuit was not opened, extract the refrigerant again. Pressure develops in the refrigerant circuit due to evaporation.