Leakage of refrigerant
If refrigerant leaks from a refrigeration system, it is usually in the form of a gas. Some refrigerants only smell at very high concentrations and can therefore be difficult to detect.
The gas is heavier than air and therefore easily collects along the floor. For this reason, it is important to ensure proper ventilation in rooms where there are refrigeration units and to regularly check that the units are tight.
Remember that when a refrigerant circuit has a charge of 500 tonnes CO2e or more, there is a requirement to install a leak detection system. The functioning of the system should then be checked at least every 12 months.
What to do if you have an accident!
- The gases are irritating to the eyes and airways even at low concentrations. If you get splashed in the eyes, rinse them with water for at least 10 minutes and then contact a doctor for further treatment.
- If a person has inhaled high concentrations of refrigerant gases, they should immediately move or be moved to fresh air. A person who has been severely affected by refrigerant should be kept warm and still. In case of unconsciousness, call 112.
- In the case of frostbite, the skin should be flushed with lukewarm water to re-warm it. Clothing that has been soaked with refrigerant should be removed immediately, but if it has frozen to the skin, it should first be thawed and then removed.