31 March 2004 - A new HSE guidance publication - Vehicle Air-Conditioning Systems
A new HSE guidance publication is available for Vehicle air-conditioning systems, INDG349, that explains the hazards associated with working on these and older systems, in particular those arising from the presence of R12 Freon and R143a Tetrafluoroethane, and the controls that can be implemented to reduce or remove associated risks.
The guidance is aimed at employers, self-employed people, and supervisors in the vehicle repair, recovery, breaking and recycling industries. It applies to anyone who is likely to work on or close to air-conditioning systems, e.g. those carrying out vehicle servicing, maintenance, repairs or recycling.
The main hazards from vehicle air-conditioning systems are:
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frostbite, resulting from skin or eye contact with the refrigerant liquid or gas
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asphyxiation, if the heavier-than-air gas escapes in sufficient quantities into a vehicle inspection pit or similar confined space
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harmful gases, resulting from thermal decomposition of the refrigerant in contact with a naked flame or exposure to high temperatures, e.g. the highly toxic gas phosgene from R12.
The new publication can be found here.
