Be careful when handling refrigerant containers. Never drop, strike, puncture, or burn the containers. Always use DOT-approved refrigerant containers.
Never expose A/C system components to high temperature. Heat will cause the refrigerant’s pressure to increase. Never expose refrigerant to an open flame. A poisonous gas, phosgene gas, will result and if breathed, can cause severe respiratory irritation. This gas also occurs when an open flame leak detector is used. Phosgene fumes have an acrid (bitter) smell. If the refrigerant needs to be heated during service, the bottom of the refrigerant container should be placed in warm water (less than 125ºF [52ºC]).