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 precautions should be observed for this refrigerant (additional guidelines apply in individual countries).

CAUTION:

Refrigerant may pose health risk!

When performing repair procedures on an open refrigerant circuit, first discharge the refrigerant circuit. Refer to Refrigerant Circuit (Refrigerant R134a Servicing, Refrigerant Circuit, Working with A/C Service Station) or Working with A/C Service Station (1 Of 2) / Working with A/C Service Station (2 Of 2) .
Only work on the refrigerant circuit in well-ventilated areas. Ensure that there are no workshop pits, basement staircases or shafts within a five meter radius.

WARNING:

Leaking refrigerant may cause asphyxiation, frostbite, and poisoning.

Switch on the exhaust extracting system.
Escaping refrigerant is colorless and odorless and also heavier than air, thus displacing oxygen. If refrigerant gas escapes, there is a risk of suffocation 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 of the refrigerant gas.

Do not smoke, weld, or hard-solder or soft-solder in areas exposed to refrigerant. The high temperature of an open 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 the eyes, thoroughly flush eyes with water for approximately 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.

Intense 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 eyewear.
If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with any other body part, thoroughly flush with cool water for approximately 15 minutes.

WARNING:

Danger due to refrigerant coming out under pressure.

Danger of frost bite to skin and other parts of the body.

Evacuate the refrigerant and immediately open the refrigerant circuit afterward.
If more than 10 minutes have elapsed since evacuating the refrigerant and the refrigerant circuit was not opened, evacuate the refrigerant again. Pressure in the refrigerant circuit is caused by evaporation.