A/C System And Refrigerant R134A Safety Precautions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Service Station VAS 6007A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

WARNING:

It is recommended to have an eye-flushing bottle available.
If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with your skin and eyes, immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes. Afterwards instill eye drops and consult a doctor immediately, even when the eyes are not hurting.
The doctor must be informed that the injury was caused by refrigerant R134a. Should refrigerant come into contact with other parts of the body despite compliance with safety regulations, these must likewise be rinsed immediately for at least 15 minutes with cold water.
Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in ventilated areas (workshops). Turn on the exhaust gas ventilation system
Refrigerant must not be stored in low-lying areas such as cellars or in their entry ways or windowsills.

Do not attempt repair on filled air conditioning systems by soldering, brazing or welding. This applies also for welding and soldering work on the vehicle, in the event that parts of the A/C system may heat up. When performing paintwork repairs, the temperature in the drying booth or preheating zone must not exceed 80 °C (176 °F).

Reason:

Exposure to heat increases the pressure in the system, which could cause the pressure relief valve to open.

Corrective measure:

-- Discharge refrigerant circuit with A/C service station.

NOTE:

Always replace damaged or leaking A/C system components. Do not attempt to repair them by soldering, brazing or welding.

Refrigerant containers (for example, charging cylinders of A/C service station) must never be subjected to excessive heat or exposed to direct sunlight.

Corrective measure:

-- Vessels must never be completely filled with liquid refrigerant. Without sufficient room for expansion (gas cushion), vessels will rupture with devastating effect in the event of an increase in temperature, refer to REFRIGERANT R134A CHARACTERISTICS .

Refrigerant is never to be transferred to systems or vessels in which air is present.

Corrective measure:

-- Evacuate systems and vessels before charging with refrigerant.