Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
General Safety Information and Precautions
In this manual: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
18steps
~108min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 18
Instructions
When Handling Refrigerant- Liquid R-134a is very volatile. A drop on the skin may cause local frostbite. When handling refrigerant, always wear gloves.
- It is standard practice to wear eye protection or safety goggles and gloves to protect hands. If refrigerant splashes into the eyes, immediately flush them with clean water.
- The R-134a container is under high pressure. Never leave it in a hot place and make sure the storage temperature is below 52 °C (126°F).
- Use only an electronic leak detector to check the refrigerant system for leaks. Be aware that R-134a produces phosgene, a highly toxic gas, when it contacts a flame.
- Use only the lubricant recommended for R-134a systems. If lubricants other than the recommended type are used, system failure may occur.
- POE lubricant absorbs moisture from the atmosphere rapidly, so the following precautions must be observed:
- When removing refrigerant components from the vehicle, immediately cap the components to prevent moisture from entering.
- When installing refrigerant components on the vehicle, do not remove the cap until the components are ready to be connected.
- Complete the connection of all refrigerant pipes and hoses immediately to prevent moisture from entering the air conditioning system.
- Use only recommended lubricant taken from a sealed container.
- Do not use the same A/C recovery/charging station as for conventional belt-driven compressors.
- Because the electric compressor uses high voltage, POE oil with high volume resistivity must be used.

- If PAG oil is mixed with the system's POE oil, dielectric breakdown may occur due to reduced volume resistance, and the compressor may not operate.
- If an accidental discharge occurs in the system, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
- Never open or loosen a connection until the system has been discharged.
- Immediately cap or plug open component fittings to prevent moisture or dirt from entering.
- Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement component until it is ready for installation.
- Always install a new O-ring before connecting an open fitting. Coat the fitting and O-ring with refrigerant oil before connecting.

- If it is necessary to open the cooling system, have everything needed for the service ready so that the system is not left open longer than necessary.
- Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
- All lines and components in the parts stock must remain capped or sealed until they are ready for use.
- Never attempt to bend pre-formed lines to make them fit. Use the correct line for the installation you are servicing.
- All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing manifold, gauge manifold and charging hoses, must be kept clean and dry.
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