PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
R-12 is a powerful freezing agent. Even a very small
amount can freeze the delicate tissues of the eye, causing
permanent damage. All personnel must wear goggles
when working in spaces were they maybe exposed to a
refrigerant, particularly in its liquid form. If refrigerant
does get into someone’s eyes, get that person
IMMEDIATE medical treatment to avoid
permanent damage. In the meantime, put drops of
clean olive oil, mineral oil, or other nonirritating oil in
the eyes. Make sure that the person does not rub
his/her eyes.
CAUTION
Do NOT use anything except clean, nonirritating oil
for this type of eye injury.
If R- 12 comes in contact with the skin, it may cause
frostbite. This injury should be treated as any other cause
of frostbite. Immerse the affected part in a warm bath
for about 10 minutes, then dry carefully. Do not rub or
massage the affected area.
Know, understand, and use these safety precautions,
and you can safely operate and maintain refrigeration
plants.
HANDLING OF REFRIGERANT
CYLINDERS (BOTTLES)
Refrigerants are furnished in cylinders for use in
shipboard refrigeration systems. The following
precautions MUST BE OBSERVED in the handling,
use, and storage of these cylinders:
NOTE: Before handling refrigerant bottles, read
OPNAVINST 5100.19.
1. NEVER drop cylinders nor permit them to strike
each other violently.
2. NEVER use a lifting magnet or a sling (rope or
chain) when you handle cylinders. A crane maybe used
if a safe cradle or platform is provided to hold the
cylinders.
3. Keep the caps provided for valve protection on
cylinders except when the cylinders are being used.
4. When refrigerant is discharged from a cylinder,
weigh the cylinder immediately. Record the weight of
the refrigerant remaining in the cylinder.
5. NEVER attempt to mix gases in a cylinder.
6. NEVER PUT THE WRONG REFRIGERANT
INTO A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM! N O
REFRIGERANT EXCEPT THE ONE FOR
WHICH A SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED SHOULD
EVER BE INTRODUCED INTO THE SYSTEM.
Check the equipment nameplate or the manufacturer’s
technical manual to determine the proper refrigerant
type and charge. Putting the wrong refrigerant into a
system may cause a violent explosion.
7. When a cylinder is empty, close the cylinder
valve immediately to prevent the entrance of air,
moisture, or dirt. Also, replace the valve protection cap.
8. NEVER use cylinders for other than their
intended purpose. Do NOT use them as rollers and
supports.
9. Do NOT tamper with the safety devices in the
valves or cylinders.
10. Open cylinder valves slowly. NEVER use
wrenches or other tools except those provided by the
manufacturer.
11. Be sure the threads on regulators or other
connections are the same as those on the cylinder valve
outlets. NEVER force connections that do not fit.
12. Regulators and pressure gauges provided for use
with a particular gas must NOT be used on cylinders
containing other gases.
13. NEVER attempt to repair or alter cylinders or
valves.
14. NEVER fill R-12 cylinders beyond 85 percent
capacity.
15. Store cylinders in a cool, dry place, in an
UPRIGHT position. If the cylinders are exposed to
excessive heat, a dangerous increase in pressure will
occur. If cylinders must be stored in the open, protect
them against extremes of weather. NEVER store a
cylinder in an area where the temperature will be above
125°F.
16. NEVER ALLOW R-12 TO COME IN
CONTACT WITH A FLAME OR RED-HOT
METAL! When exposed to excessively high
temperatures, R-12 breaks down into phosgene gas, an
extremely poisonous substance.
AIR CONDITIONING
Air conditioning is a field of engineering that deals
with the design, construction, and operation of
equipment used to establish and maintain desirable
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