What basic safety steps should you take before servicing a Type I appliance?

• A. Wear casual clothing
• B. Disconnect power, depressurize if safe, and wear appropriate PPE (eye protection and gloves)
• C. Start the system to test
• D. Only disconnect power

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to remove hazards before you touch the system: kill power, reduce potential refrigerant release, and protect your eyes and hands. Disconnecting power stops electricity and prevents accidental startup. Depressurizing the system, if it’s safe and you have the proper recovery tools and procedures, lowers the risk of a refrigerant release or frostbite; do this only when it’s safe to do so. Wearing appropriate PPE, such as eye protection and gloves, guards you from refrigerant burns, flying debris, and sharp edges. Wearing casual clothing offers no protection, starting the system to test can cause injury or releases, and just disconnecting power leaves the system pressurized and hazards present.