fridge defrosting disaster

[silvertaff]

I have been defrosting my fridge this morning. Due to time constraints I have been pouring on boiling water, chipping away with a screwdriver etc.
I was hacking away at the wall of ice on the back wall of the freezer compartment with a sharp knife when suddenly there was a puncture sound and a jet of air or some gas emerged (like an aerosol spray) for a minute or so. There's now a small puncture hole on the back wall.
Is this poisonous? Have I killed the fridge? Is it able to be repaired?
Please advise.

[mxyzptlk]

Its dead, buy a new one and be more careful in future

[Baldric]

silvertaffs fridge, R.I.P.

[chelle7272]

It won't be enough gas to do you harm but it does mean the fridge won't work now.

[superduper]

I have no idea - it certainly sounds very serious - but next time (next fridge!) use a hairdrier!!

[silvertaff]

Thanks for your quick response, mxyzptlk. The letting agency are going to LOVE me! :(

[chas2008]

oops, its dead !!! lost all its gas, dont worry its a similiar gas as used on car air con etc. supposedly blamed for the hole in the ozone layer.
http://ehso.com/ehshome/chemicals_freon.htm

my wife managed to d exactly the same thing a few years, we actually claimed on our household insurance and got a new freezer..

[silvertaff]

I just discovered my Tenant's Insurance Policy covers 'accidental damage of the landlord's property'. Here's hoping!

[deggers316]

hardly accidental !!!

[craft1948]

I think that's classed as an 'attack' as opposed to an 'accident'.

[rocky46]

next time use a hair dryer to drfrost i think you have killed the poor beast

[albaqwerty]

be very careful with the hairdryer attack. I warped a seal once. (Behave you lot)
The seal around the door expanded and the door didn't shut properly.

[heathfield]

You could damage not just the seal. Some fridge manufacturers warn against applying excessive heat since it can damage some fridge temperature sensing devices. Best to defrost at room temperature.

[rowanwitch]

I just keep putting pans of hot water in mine always have ... Never managed to stab a fridge to death though

[boxtops]

I use a wooden spatula to attack mine - see if you have accidental damage cover on your household insurance though, they might laugh but if you have AD cover it is worth a try.

[dickythecook]

There are always the defrosting sprays from the likes of Lakeland and Scotts of Stowe to name but a couple. (other mail order businesses are available)

[atalanta]

I use one of those thingies you scrape windscreens with

[Nibble]

Aaaaarghhh! Fridge Murderer Help poilce!!!