Risk of injury caused by exiting refrigerant and by contact with the components of the refrigerant system - AS86.61-Z-0002-01A

Wear protective clothing, safety gloves and safety glasses.

MODEL 903.662 with CODE Z29 (James Cook touring camper, NAFTA) with CODE ZU8 (National version for USA)

Potential risks

Risk of injury caused by refrigerant escaping while working on the refrigerant system or by damage to components filled with refrigerant. Frostbite to body parts can be caused by refrigerant escaping from the system. Risk of suffocation caused by refrigerants that are heavier than air. Frostbite can also be caused by skin contact with components that are supercooled.

Fig 1: Caution For Wear Protective Clothing, Safety Gloves And Safety Glasses

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Safety instructions/precautions

When working on components that are filled with refrigerant, make sure that the room in which the work is performed receives sufficient ventilation.
Wear protective clothing, safety gloves and safety glasses.
Shut off the refrigerant system in a timely manner before starting repair work.
Let components of the system reach the ambient temperature.
Heating of components of a closed refrigerant system is forbidden. Smoking, fires and open light sources in the work area are also forbidden.
Workshop personnel must demonstrate their knowledge in accordance with the OSHA requirements (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and be able to act accordingly.
All work involving assembly and disassembly and all leak tests must be performed as per the relevant regulations and requirements of the ANSI, NFPA and UL standards (e.g. UL No. 484).

Refrigerant in combination with open flames and hot surfaces can produce poisonous gases. There is still a fire hazard for nonflammable refrigerants due to the ignition of oils or insulation materials trapped in the refrigerant fluid.

First-aid measures

In the event of frostbite injuries place the affected body part against another warm part of the body and cover with a sterile bandage if possible. Never warm up frostbitten body parts too fast (e.g. by placing in hot water). Do not touch, move, press on, or place stress on affected body parts.

Following inhalation of refrigerant, move the person into the fresh air, keep him/her warm, allow to rest and administer oxygen if necessary. Check for breathing. If there is no breathing or insufficient breathing, the preferable action is to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If necessary, carry out CPR.

Following skin contact flush the affected body part with water.

Following contact with the eyes immediately and thoroughly wash out eyes with plenty of water, making sure that the eyelids are open.

If any of these symptoms occur, consult a physician immediately.