Safety

Question 1

How is a refrigeration plant a dangerous work area

Answer 1

It contains hazardous gases under high pressure. The plant machine room is filled with high voltage equipment and many of the components are rotating at high speed.

Question 2

What is most common cause of accidents?

Answer 2

Human error. Before you take over as a plant operator, be sure to know what the hazards are and how to deal with them. Ensure that you read, understand and follow all site-specific safety procedures.

Question 3

Work boots

Answer 3

Steel-toed safety boots are typically required in machinery rooms. Check with your safety committee to determine what is required in your facility.

Question 4

Safety glasses

Answer 4

Safety glasses should be worn whenever you are carrying out maintenance procedures. Even if you are not working with power tools, a sharp object is easily propelled if it is dropped and meets a rotating piece of equipment such as a pump coupling or compressor belt.

Question 5

Full face shields

Answer 5

Whenever you are draining oil, working with pressure, or mixing chemicals it is important to protect your eyes and face.

Question 6

Hearing protection

Answer 6

A refrigeration system can be very loud. Long-term exposure can cause hearing loss. Always put on hearing protection when working in a noisy environment.

Question 7

Clothing

Answer 7

Do not wear loose clothing, belts, or ties. There have been numerous accidents caused by a loose object such as a belt or a tie being wound around a shaft resulting in serious injuries or even death.

Question 8

Contact lenses

Answer 8

Some contact lenses react with ammonia and can become glued to your eyes. It is not advisable to wear them, but if you have to, ensure that they will not react to ammonia or other gases.

Question 9

Jewelery

Answer 9

Do not wear loose jewelery, rings, necklaces, watches, or any objects that could become caught in a piece of equipment.

Question 10

How high can pressure get in a brine system during operation

Answer 10

As high as 275 kPa (40psi). Eye protection, protective gloves, and proper breathing apparatus is essential.

Question 11

What can pressure on the low side be?

Answer 11

It will vary from 135 kPa (20 psi) while in operation to 1050 kPa (152psi) while sitting idle in off season

Question 12

What pressures can the high side be?

Answer 12

Pressure will vary from 135 kPa (51psi) while sitting idle in a cold climate to 1700 kPa (247psi) while in operation with some of the newer high-pressure refrigerants.

Question 13

What temperature is a brine system maintained at?

Answer 13

Approximately -10C to -6C. A large volume of this cold fluid could cause frost burn. Be very careful that all hoses are securely tied when adding or removing brine. Wear protective gloves and a face shield for eye protection.

Question 14

What is a danger when working around pvc or plastic piping with cold temperatures

Answer 14

It is very brittle when cold. A heavy strike can easily break a pipe.

Question 15

What should you do regarding pressure before opening a refrigeration system?

Answer 15

Depressurize it and wear the appropriate chemical resistant gloves, eye protection and breathing protection for the refrigerant being handled.

Question 16

How hot can the discharge line of a compressor get?

Answer 16

It can be as hot as 121C (250F)
This can cause instantaneous burns.
Hot water heat reclaim systems can have temp as high as 150F ( 66C)

Question 17

What is good procedure for working with hot water lines?

Answer 17

Do not work around them when equipment is in operation. Make sure all lines are secure before opening them. Wear a face shield and gloves while handling the hot water lines.

Question 18

Is ammonia toxic?

Answer 18

Yes. Respirator is needed when ammonia is detected in the air.

Question 19

What happens with R-22 regarding oxygen?

Answer 19

It displaces oxygen so can cause suffocation.

Question 20

How should refrigerant cylinders be stored?

Answer 20

Upright and secured.

Question 21

A brine system could have alcohol, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or glycol as a heat transfer fluid. Each has its has its own hazards. Is it corrosive? What can be used to treat exposure? Where can you find out specific hazards and proper handling procedures for each

Answer 21

It is corrosive. Alkaline can be treated with caustic soda. Find info in SDS. Phone manufacturer, refrigeration contractor, or worksafeBC for advice if unsure.

Question 22

What is spontaneous combustion?

Answer 22

The process of catching on fire as a result of the heat generated by internal chemical reaction. Eg. Oily rags are stored in a pile. Wet hay stacks decomposing

Question 23

What happens to ammonia/water with metal?

Answer 23

If the metal is ferrous (containing iron), it will cause corrosion. Only non-ferrous metals can be used with an Ammonia system (tin, copper, brass, silver, lead, and gold are common ones) copper and brass most likely used.

Question 24

What and where can corrosion occur?

Answer 24

Corrosion will weaken and thin tubing, valves, and pressure vessels. This could cause leaks of tubing inside the chiller, at valve stems, or at instrument attachment points.

Question 25

Talk about electrical hazards

Answer 25

Generally from a high voltage source ranging from 10 volts DC in computer control panel to 575-600 volts for motors. Do not open panels unless qualified and authorized. Keep an eye out for hazards such as missing switch plates or exposed wiring.

Question 26

Talk about housekeeping

Answer 26

Keep plant room neat and tidy to prevent slipping or falling. Wipe up all oil or other slippery substances on plant room floor or under equipment. Good idea to document to diagnose problems.

Question 27

Eye wash station

Answer 27

30-60 min supply of tempered water must be available within 20 secs. Portable units must be treated for pathogens. Good to test it to make sure it’s good to go

Question 28

Emergency shower.

Answer 28

It is good to make sure your sure shower is primed and ready. Water lines must be protected from freezing. Shower is in a secure location such as the vestibule.