Risk Of Explosion Caused By Welding And Soldering Work On Refrigerant Circuit Of Refrigerator Box. Risk Of Poisoning Caused By Inhaling Overheated Refrigerant Vapors. Risk Of Injury To Skin And Eyes Caused By Contact With Liquid Refrigerant - AS86.61-Z-0001-02H

Model 221.1 

with code Z07 (B7 armoring on special protection version) 

with refrigerator box 

Model 223 

with code 308 (Refrigerated compartment in rear passenger compartment) 

with code Z07 (B7 armoring on special protection version) 

Model 240 

with code 308 (Refrigerated compartment in rear passenger compartment) 

Never perform welding work on or near refrigerator box or compressor. No smoking or open flames. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Work only in well ventilated areas.

Potential risks 

Risk of explosion 

When the refrigerant circuit of the refrigerator box (charged or empty) is closed, overpressure is generated due to heat; this can ultimately cause the system to burst. For this reason, all welding and soldering work  on or near the refrigerator box and the compressor is strictly prohibited.

High pressure levels can combine with refrigerant vapors to produce a mixture that is potentially explosive when exposed to atmospheric air.

Risk of poisoning 

The refrigerant can decompose when overheated. The resulting substances are toxic and should never be inhaled.

Risk of injury 

Refrigerant vapors are heavier than the air and therefore there is a risk of suffocation in work pits below vehicles when refrigerant escapes.

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

Safety instructions/precautions 

• All welding and soldering work  on or near the refrigerator box or the compressor is strictly prohibited.
• Never smoke when working with refrigerant and never expose refrigerant to open flames!
• A pungent odor  can indicate overheated refrigerant - these vapors must not be inhaled. Immediately vacate and ventilate closed areas.
• As it poses a hazard to the earth's atmosphere as well as to the safety of workshop personnel, releasing refrigerant directly into the air is prohibited.
• Suitable evacuation, treatment and charging devices equipped with integral disposal and treatment facilities must be used for evacuating refrigerant.
• Despite the system being empty, high pressure may still exist when disconnecting the connectors between the refrigerator box and the compressor. You should therefore always loosen connectors carefully to allow any accumulated pressure to escape.
• Avoid all contact with liquid refrigerant.
• Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves when working with refrigerant.

First-aid measures 

In the event of contact with eyes

• Immediately rinse with plenty of running water and consult a physician.

In the event of skin contact

• Consult a physician immediately in the case of frostbite.

After inhaling a high concentration of refrigerant vapors

• Immediately move the person into the fresh air and keep him/her calm.
• If breathing is shallow, or the individual has stopped breathing altogether, tilt the head back and administer artificial respiration. Call a physician.

In the event of ingestion

• Consult a physician immediately.