Regulations & SafetyQuestion 51 of 240
A technician is brazing near a line that still contains R-22 vapor. Why is exposing refrigerant to an open flame or very high heat dangerous?
a.It turns the refrigerant into harmless water vapor
b.The refrigerant can decompose into toxic gases such as phosgene and hydrogen chloride
c.It permanently improves the refrigerant's cooling ability
d.It has no effect because refrigerants are inert
Explanation
When refrigerant contacts an open flame or very high heat, it can thermally decompose into toxic and corrosive gases such as phosgene, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen fluoride, which are hazardous to breathe. It does not become harmless water vapor, improve performance, or stay inert. Systems should be recovered and purged before any hot work is performed nearby.
Practice all 240 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- While transferring liquid refrigerant, a technician gets a splash on bare skin. What injury is most likely, and what is the correct first aid?
- Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is most appropriate whenever a technician handles pressurized refrigerant?
- A technician needs to warm a refrigerant cylinder to raise its pressure during charging. Which method is safe?
- Which toxic gas is a well-known decomposition product formed when a chlorinated refrigerant contacts a flame?
- A technician is filling a recovery cylinder with liquid refrigerant and it is approaching the 80 percent mark. Why must the cylinder never be overfilled?
- To avoid overfilling a recovery cylinder past 80 percent, the most reliable method is to:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Exam · How we review