Use caution when manually defrosting a refrigerator. We do not recommend using anything other than a flat plastic scraper to "chip away" or scrape off the frost or ice. If the refrigerant line (sealed system) is punctured, the unit would need service to determine if the unit can be repaired. With compact and undercounter refrigeration products, the unit will need to be replaced since there is not repair for these units.
Refrigerants (R12, R134A, and R600a) are considered non-toxic, odorless and tasteless, and should not cause harm if the sealed system is punctured and there is a leak. Prolonged, direct contact could cause frostbite, however.