Volkswagen Polo Service & Repair Manual: Product Characteristics

Handling Refrigerant

WARNING There is a danger of ice-up. The refrigerant can then escape as a fluid or vapor. Do not open containers which store refrigerant. If refrigerant vessels are opened, the contents may escape in liquid or vapor form. This process is intensified the higher the pressure in the vessel. The pressure level is governed by two factors: The type of refrigerant in the vessel. “The lower the boiling point, the higher the pressure.” The temperature level. “The higher the temperature, the higher the pressure.”

Protective Eyewear

Put on protective goggles. They prevent refrigerant getting into the eyes, as this could cause severe injury from exposure to cold.

Protective Gloves and Clothing

Greases and oils dissolve readily in refrigerants. They would therefore destroy the protective layer of grease if allowed to come into contact with the skin. Degreased skin is however sensitive to the cold and germs.

Fluid Refrigerant and Skin Precaution

The refrigerant draws heat for evaporation from the surrounding area. Even if this is the skin. This may cause extremely low temperatures. Local frost bite may result (boiling point of R134a: -26.5 °C (-15.7 °F) at ambient pressure).

Do Not Breath In Refrigerant Vapor

Note If highly concentrated refrigerant vapor escapes, it mixes with the surrounding air and displaces the oxygen necessary for breathing.

A burning cigarette can cause refrigerant to decompose. The resultant substances are toxic and must not be inhaled.