REFRIGERANT R134A SAFETY

Purpose/Why: Provide knowledge & safety awareness of R134a Refrigerant

Where can you use this knowledge: Workplace, in the field, Home, Office

Definition, use, characteristics

What is a refrigerant?

Refrigerant = a substance that is used to transfer heat energy.

What is R134a?

R134a is a refrigerant that is primarily used in domestic refrigeration and automobile air conditioners.

My fridge at home uses R134a refrigerant

My car's A/C uses R134a refrigerant as well

Chemical name: Tetrafluoroethane

Characteristics: Non-flammable, Non-explosive, Non-toxic, Colorless, Odorless  gas

Hazards

1.       Frost bite – may result when it contacts your skin

2.      Eye damage – may result when it contacts your eyes

3.      Inhalation of too much vapour can cause headaches, unconsciousness, or suffocation.

­First Aid

1. Skin contact:

·         Take off all contaminated clothing immediately.

·         Flush skin with lukewarm water.

·         Call a physician.

2. Eye contact:

·         Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

·         Get medical attention.

3.Inhalation:

·         Move away from exposure to an area of fresh air.

·         Keep the patient warm and at rest.

·         Consult a physician.

Safety Precautions

1.       Always wear PPE.      ---  (Safety glasses, gloves)

2.      Avoid breathing vapours or mist.

3.      Avoid contact with skin and clothing.

4.      Ventilate work area. Provide sufficient air exchange and/or exhaust.

Storage of Refrigerant Cylinders:

5.      Keep cylinder upright and valves tightly closed.

6.      Store cylinders in cool, dry well ventilated place.   (Temperature:  45 C/113 F)

Conclusion

R134 is a useful refrigerant in domestic refrigeration and automobile air conditioners, however there are also hazards that we need to be aware of. To minimize injuries, all safety precautions must be followed.

R134a other info:       

Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0
Global Warming Potential (GWP): 1.2

Other uses:

• Domestic air-conditioners
• Commercial refrigeration
• Aerosol propellant in pharmaceutical, pesticide, cosmetics and cleaning industry
• Flame retardant
• Blowing agent

Chemical formula	CH2FCF3
Molar mass	102.03 g/mol
Appearance	Colorless gas
Density	0.00425 g/cm3, gas
Melting point	−103.3°C (−153.9°F; 169.8 K)
Boiling point Boiling point	−26.3 °C (−15.3°F; 246.8 K)
Solubility in water	0.15 wt%
Hazards
Main hazards	Asphyxiant
Flash Point Flash point	250°C (482°F; 523 K)