Safe Handling of Refrigerants
A safety talk addressing frostbite, inhalation hazards, and pressure risks when servicing cooling systems.
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Key Hazards
- Cold burns from refrigerant contact
- Harmful exposure to refrigerant gases
- Pressure-related injury during servicing
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Safe handling of refrigerants is important for HVAC technicians, maintenance crews, and industrial refrigeration workers. Refrigerants can cause rapid frostbite if they contact skin and may displace oxygen in confined areas.
Workers should wear gloves and eye protection when servicing systems and avoid venting refrigerants unnecessarily.
Different refrigerants have different pressure characteristics. Workers must verify system pressure before loosening fittings.
Ensuring proper ventilation prevents accumulation of refrigerant vapors during maintenance.
Safety Reminders
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Release pressure slowly and safely.
- Avoid venting refrigerants when possible.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
Ask the Crew
- Is the system fully depressurized?
- Do we have the right recovery equipment available?