Safety Precautions

The refrigerant used in this refrigerant system is HFC-134a (Tetrafluoroethane-CF₃CH₂F) which is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant. HFC-134a, also known as R-134a, is non-corrosive, non-explosive, non-flammable and has a slight ethereal odor. HFC-134a is heavier than air. Although it is classified as a safe refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to protect the parts involved and the person working on the unit.

• Use only HFC-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment meeting SAE J1990 and J2210. HFC-134a must never be removed without the appropriate equipment or released into the atmosphere. Use of a recovery machine designed for R-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant incompatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant from or charging the air conditioning system.
• Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
• Liquid HFC-134a, at normal atmospheric pressures and temperatures, evaporates so quickly that it has the tendency to freeze anything it contacts. For this reason, extreme care must be taken to prevent any liquid refrigerant from coming in contact with the skin and especially the eyes.
• Wear impervious gloves and safety goggles at all times when handling liquid refrigerant. Should any liquid refrigerant get into the eyes or on the skin, immediately flush eyes and skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician.
• Refrigerant HFC-134a is always under pressure. Because the system is tightly sealed, heat applied to any part could cause this pressure to build up excessively. To avoid a dangerous explosion, keep away from open flames, glowing metal surfaces, blow torch, steam cleaning and welding. HFC-134a can be decomposed at high temperatures.
• Ensure that containers are never heated to over 52°C (125°F). Containers should be stored and installed in accordance with all state and local ordinances.
• When admitting HFC-134a into the refrigerant system, always keep the tank in an upright position. If the tank is on its side or upside down, liquid HFC-134a will enter the system and may damage the A/C compressor (19703).
• Refrigerant HFC-134a should not be mixed with air for leak testing or used with air for any other purpose above atmospheric pressure. HFC-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and higher pressures.