Risk Of Poisoning Caused By Inhaling Overheated Refrigerant Vapors From An Air Conditioning System Containing R134A. Risk Of Injury To Skin And Eyes Caused By Contact With Liquid R134A Refrigerant And When Working On Pressurized Parts - AS83.00-Z-0006-01A

Model all (4xWD, CAR, Light transporter, smart) 

Never perform welding work on or near a closed air conditioning system. No smoking or open flames. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Work only in well ventilated rooms. Carry out repair work on the air conditioning system circuit only after the system has been evacuated.

Potential risks 

Risk of poisoning 

Refrigerant can decompose when overheated. The resulting substances are toxic and should never be inhaled. Avoid contact with skin.

Risk of injury 

Compressed refrigerant is located in the A/C system lines and components. Even after the A/C system has been evacuated, overpressure may still be present when unfastening plug connections of the air conditioning system.

In closed air conditioning systems (filled or emptied), high overpressure can build up due to heating which can cause the system to burst. For this reason, all welding and soldering work  on or near closed air conditioning systems is prohibited.

Risk of injury to skin and eyes caused by contact with escaped refrigerant (frostbite injuries/icing). In the event of improperly conducted work on the refrigerant circuit, pressurized parts could present a mechanical hazard.

Refrigerant vapors are heavier than air; this means that escaping refrigerant poses a risk of suffocation for anyone in a work pit beneath the vehicle.

Contact with liquid refrigerant may cause frostbite-like damage to the skin (due to undercooling).

Health hazard 

Health hazard through inhalation of refrigerant vapors or swallowing of liquid refrigerant.

Safety instructions/precautions 

• All work to be conducted on A/C systems by people possessing a certificate or proof of competence only.
• All welding and soldering work  on or near closed air conditioning systems is prohibited.
• Never smoke when working with refrigerant, never expose refrigerant to open flames! Keep away from ignition sources.
• Avoid all contact with liquid refrigerant.
• Do not inhale any refrigerant vapors. Ensure sufficient ventilation in the working area if vapors are released.
• When working with refrigerant always wear safety glasses with side protection and wear protective gloves. The arms must be covered up by the work clothes.
• Change contaminated clothing immediately.
• Radiant heaters must not be operated.
• Refrigerant supplies must be stored according to specifications.
• All refrigerant must be evacuated from the entire system prior to doing any repair work  on the air conditioning circuit or components.
• In order to protect the workshop personnel and the earth's atmosphere, evacuation of refrigerant directly into the environment is prohibited.
• Suitable evacuation, treatment and charging devices equipped with integral disposal and treatment facilities must be used for evacuating refrigerant.
• Even after the system has been evacuated, overpressure may still be present when unfastening plug connections of the air conditioning system. Therefore, unfasten the plug connections carefully, so that the pressure can reduce slowly.

First-aid measures 

After eye contact:

• With the eyelid wide open, thoroughly rinse for at least 10 minutes with flowing water, consult a physician without delay.

After skin contact:

• Wash off with copious amounts of water immediately for a lengthy period. Rinse with copious amounts of water in event of frostbite injuries. Carefully remove clothes afterwards.

In the event of inhalation:

• Of highly concentrated refrigerant vapors, immediately take affected person out into the fresh air and keep him/her calm.
• In the event of unconsciousness, shift person into recovery position and move away. If breathing is arrested, bend head towards neck and perform artificial respiration. Call a physician.

In the event of swallowing:

• Rinse mouth thoroughly with water and consult a physician immediately.