Unit installation

APPENDIX
SAFETY DATA REFRIGERANT R134a
Toxicity
NIL
In Contact With Skin
Liquid splashes or spray may cause freeze burns. Unlikely to be hazardous by skin absorption.
Thaw affected areas with water. Remove contaminated clothing carefully - may adhere to skin in
case of freeze burns. Wash affected areas with plenty of warm water. If symptoms occur (irritation
or blistering), obtain medical attention.
In Contact With Eyes
Contact with liquid or cold vapor can cause freezing of tissue. Immediately flush with plenty of
clean water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain immediate medical attention.
High concentration of HFC 134a vapor is harmful. It can act as an asphyxiant by limiting available
oxygen. Human health effects of overexposure to HFC- 134a vapors by inhalation may include
temporary nervous system depression with anaesthetic effects such as dizziness, headache,
confusion, incoordination and loss of consciousness. At very high doses, cardiac sensitization to
circulating epinephrine-like compounds can result in fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
If large concentrations are inhaled, immediately remove to fresh air. Keep person calm. If not
breathing, give artificial respiration, perferably mouth to mouth. If breathing is labored, give oxygen.
In the event of cardiac arrest, apply external cardiac massage. Do not admininster adreneline or
similar sympathominectic drugs as cardiac arrhythmias may result. Get immediate medical
attention.
Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Conditions to Avoid
Any source of ignition, such as lighted cigarettes, flames, hot spots, welding.
Materials to Avoid
Finely divided metals, magnesium and alloys conatining more than 2% magnesium. Can react
violently if in contact with alkali earth metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, barium,
powdered aluminium, magnesium and Zinc.
Hazardous
Decomposition
Products
Halogens, halogen acids and possibly carbonyl halides such as phosgene. These are toxic and
corrosive.
General Precautions
A
void inhalation of high concentrations of vapors. Atmospheric concentrations should be minimized
and kept as low as possible. The vapor is heavier than air and collects at low level and in confined
areas. Ventilate by extraction at lowest levels.
Respiratory Protection
Where doubt exists on atmospheric concentration, suitable breathing apparatus should be worn.
This should be self-contained or of the long breather type.
Storage
Store in a cool, well-ventilated area of low fire risk. Keep cylinders dry. Cylinders should be stored
upright with valve protection cap in place and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked
over. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide or drop. Do not allow storage
area temperature to exceed 113ºF (45ºC). Keep away from direct sunlight, heat and sources of
ignition. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to
prevent full containers from being stored for long periods of time.
Protective Clothing
Wear overalls, impervious gloves and goggles/face protection.
Spill / leak Procedure
Ensure suitable personal protective clothing and respiratory protection is worn. Evacuate all
personnel from the affected area. Shut off source of leak, if possible without risk. Ventilate spill
area, especially low places where heavy vapors might collect. If possible dike and contain spillage.
Prevent liquid from entering sewers, sumps or pit areas, since vapor can create suffocating
atmosphere. Allow spilled liquid to evaporate.
Disposal
Best to recover and recycle. If this is not possible, destruction is to be in an approved facility which
is equipped to absorb and neutralize acids and other toxic processing products.
Fire Extinguishing Data
Non-flammable.
Containers
Fire exposed containers should be kept cool with water sprays. Containers may burst if overheated.
Fire Fighting Protective
Equip.
Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing must be worn in fire conditions.
Inhalation
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
79