What is a significant health risk associated with improper handling of refrigerants?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Frostbite
• C. Asphyxiation
• D. Heat exhaustion

Answer: (B)

The significant health risk associated with improper handling of refrigerants is frostbite. Refrigerants can be extremely cold, and exposure to them can cause skin and tissue damage, leading to frostbite. This condition occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold substances, which can happen if refrigerants leak or are mishandled during servicing.

Understanding the properties of refrigerants is key; many are stored at low temperatures and under pressure. If they come into contact with skin, they can cause rapid freezing of the tissue, resulting in frostbite.

The other options, while health concerns in various scenarios, do not accurately represent the specific risks posed by refrigerants. Hypothermia typically arises from prolonged exposure to cold air, while asphyxiation can occur in certain circumstances involving gases in confined spaces, but it is not the primary risk with refrigerant handling. Heat exhaustion is related to overheating rather than exposure to cold substances. Thus, frostbite stands out as a direct and appropriate answer regarding the risks of handling refrigerants.