While brazing near a refrigerator's tubing, a technician notices a sharp, acrid smell. What should be done?

Safety · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Decomposition products of refrigerants at high temperatures, and safe handling.

The question

While brazing near a refrigerator's tubing, a technician notices a sharp, acrid smell. What should be done?

• AShut off the torch, ventilate the area and move to fresh airCorrect answer
• BKeep working, since the smell is only flux
• CAdd refrigerant to dilute the fumes
• DClose the windows and doors to keep the fumes from spreading

Why “Shut off the torch, ventilate the area and move to fresh air” is correct

A sharp, irritating odor near a torch can be a sign that refrigerant is decomposing into acids or phosgene. The safe response is to remove the heat source, ventilate and get out of the fumes.

Source: EPA: Test Topics

Why the other answers are wrong

• Keep working, since the smell is only flux — An acrid smell near refrigerant can mean toxic decomposition, so work should stop.
• Add refrigerant to dilute the fumes — More refrigerant near a flame would make more decomposition products.
• Close the windows and doors to keep the fumes from spreading — Closing up the room traps the toxic gases with the technician.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.