Air Conditioning System Precautions

GENERAL INFORMATION

03-24

Air Conditioning System Precautions

General
The air conditioning system contains fluids and 
components which could be potentially hazardous to 
the service engineer or the environment if not 
serviced and handled correctly. The following 
guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer 
to potential sources of danger and emphasise the 
importance of ensuring the integrity of the Air 
Conditioning operating conditions and components 
fitted to the vehicle.

Where necessary, additional specific precautions are 
detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which 
should be referred to prior to commencing repair 
operations.

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is 
HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a.

WARNING: Servicing must only be carried out by 
personnel familiar with both the vehicle system 
and the charging and testing equipment. All 
operations must be carried out in a well 
ventilated area away from open flame and heat 
sources.

WARNING: R134a is a hazardous liquid and when 
handled incorrectly can cause serious injury. 
Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face 
protection, heat proof gloves, rubber boots and 
rubber apron or waterproof overalls, must be 
worn when carrying out operations on the air 
conditioning system.

Remedial actions
If an accident involving R134a should occur, conduct 
the following remedial actions:

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If liquid R134a enters the eye, do not rub it. 
Gently run large quantities of eye wash over 
affected eye to raise the temperature. If an eye 
wash is not available, cool, clean water may be 
used to flush the eye. After rinsing, cover the 
eye with a clean pad and seek immediate 
medical attention.

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If liquid R134a is splashed onto the skin, run 
large quantities of water over the affected area 
to raise the temperature. Implement the same 
action if the skin comes in contact with 
discharging cylinders. Wrap the contaminated 
body parts in blankets (or similar materials) and 
seek immediate medical attention.

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If the debilitating effects of inhalation of R134a 
vapour is suspected, seek fresh air. If the 
affected person is unconscious, move them 
away from the contaminated area to fresh air 
and apply artificial respiration and/or oxygen 
and seek immediate medical attention.

WARNING: Due to its low evaporating 
temperature, R134a must be handled with care. 
R134a splashed on any part of the body will 
cause immediate freezing of that area. Also, 
refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys 
when discharging will freeze skin to them if 
contact is made.