Technician Safety Information

Refrigerant R-134a is transparent and colorless in both the liquid and vapor state. Since it has a boiling point of - 29.8 °C (- 21.7 °F), at atmospheric pressure, it will be a vapor at all normal temperatures and pressures. The vapor is heavier than air, non-flammable, and nonexplosive. The following precautions must be observed when handling R-134a.

CAUTION: Do not heat R-134a above 40 °C (104 °F)

In most instances, moderate heat is required to bring the pressure of the refrigerant in its container above the pressure of the system when charging or adding refrigerant.

A bucket or large pan of hot water not over 40 °C (104 °F) is all the heat required for this purpose. Do not heat the refrigerant container with a blow torch or any other means that would raise temperature and pressure above this temperature. Do not weld or steam clean on or near the system components or refrigerant lines.

CAUTION:
1. Keep R-134a containers upright when charging the system.
2. Wear safety goggles when servicing the refrigeration system.

R-134a evaporates so rapidly at normal atmospheric pressures and temperatures that it tends to freeze anything it contacts. For this reason, extreme care must be taken to prevent any liquid refrigerant from contacting the skin and especially the eyes. Always wear safety goggles when servicing the refrigeration part of the A/C system. Keep a bottle of sterile mineral oil handy when working on the refrigeration system. Should any liquid refrigerant get into the eyes, use a few drops of mineral oil to wash them out. R-134a is rapidly absorbed by the oil. Next splash the eyes with plenty of cool water. Call your doctor immediately even though irritation has ceased after treatment.