Risk Of Injury When Working On Air Conditioning Systems Due To R744 Refrigerant Escaping Under Pressure. Risk Of Suffocation From Inhaling R744 Refrigerant In High Concentrations. Health Hazard Caused By Inhalation Of R744 Refrigerant - AS83.00-Z-0008-01A

Model 213, 217, 222 

with code 1U6 (R744 refrigerant) 

Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Work only in well ventilated areas. Carry out repair work on the air conditioning system circuit only after the system has been evacuated. 

Potential risks 

Risk of injury 

When refrigerant circuit components are detached without a previous pressure reduction in the system, the extremely high pressures involved (up to 130 bar) can lead to dangerous injuries. In the event of improperly conducted work on the refrigerant circuit, pressurized parts could present a mechanical hazard. Even after the air conditioning system has been evacuated, overpressure may still be present when detaching the plug connections of the air conditioning system.

Risk of injury due to hose lines moving in an uncontrolled manner and pressurized refrigerant R744.

Risk of injury to skin and eyes caused by contact with escaped refrigerant R744 (frostbite/icing).

Health hazard 

Health hazard through inhalation of gaseous refrigerant R744.

Low concentration levels of CO2 cause accelerated breathing and headaches.

Risk of asphyxiation 

Risk of asphyxiation through inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant R744.

Safety precautions 

• All work on air conditioning systems may only be conducted by people possessing a certificate of competence.
• Avoid all contact with refrigerant R744.
• Do not inhale any refrigerant vapors. Ensure sufficient ventilation in the working area if vapors are released.
• Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves when working with refrigerant R744. The arms should be covered up by the work clothes.

First-aid measures 

After contact with eyes:

• Immediately rinse thoroughly with an eye-wash bottle or running water and consult a physician without delay.
• In the event of any frostbite injuries through direct contact with refrigerant R744 escaping from the pressure tank, do not remove contact lenses straight away and immediately consult a physician.

After contact with skin:

• In the event of frostbite injuries, rinse affected skin areas with water. Do not remove clothing and consult a physician without delay.

In the event of inhalation:

• Immediately move the person out into fresh air and keep him/her calm and warm.
• In the event of unconsciousness, shift person into recovery position and move away. In the case of respiratory arrest, use head tilt-chin lift technique to obtain an open airway and perform artificial respiration; immediately call for assistance from a physician.