Abstract: A refrigeration system leak containment apparatus and method comprises a control circuit and a flow continuity measuring means. The flow measuring means uses an infrared light source and an infrared light detector adjacent a fluid viewing window to detect the continuity of liquid flow as measured by the change in index of refraction through the window. If a test condition is not met, the control circuit activates various peripheral devices which sound an alarm and cause the refrigerant fluid to be contained within a predetermined portion of the refrigeration system.