Safety Precautions When Handling Refrigerant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Audi SQ7, 2024 Audi Q7, 2023 Audi SQ7, and 2023 Audi Q7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Risk of asphyxiation and poisoning from the refrigerant

Dry coughing and nausea due to suffocation and poisoning is possible due to refrigerant fumes. Refrigerant is heavier than air and collects in low-lying areas.

-- Do not inhale refrigerant fumes.

-- Only work on the refrigerant circuit in well-ventilated areas.

-- Keep refrigerant canisters in well-ventilated areas.

-- Do not work near low-lying areas.

-- Switch on the exhaust extracting system.

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.

-- Evacuate or drain the refrigerant and open the refrigerant circuit immediately.

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