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Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant. The
label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment
contains flammable refrigerant.
Recovery
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing or decommissioning, it is recommended
good practice that all refrigerants are removed safely.
When transferring refrigerant into cylinders, ensure that only appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders
are employed. Ensure that the correct number of cylinders for holding the total system charge is
available. All cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant and labelled for that
refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders shall be complete with
pressure relief valve and associated shutoff valves in good working order. Empty recovery cylinders are
evacuated and, if possible, cooled before recovery occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concerning the
equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for the recovery of flammable refrigerants. In addition,
a set of calibrated weighing scales shall be available and in good working order. Hoses shall be
complete with leak-free disconnect couplings and in good condition. Before using the recovery machine,
check that it is in satisfactory working order, has been properly maintained and that any associated
electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition in the event of a refrigerant release. Consult
manufacturer if in doubt.
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the refrigerant supplier in the correct recovery cylinder,
and the relevant Waste Transfer Note arranged. Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially
not in cylinders.
If compressors or compressor oils are to be removed, ensure that they have been evacuated to an
acceptable level to make certain that flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant. The
evacuation process shall be carried out prior to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric
heating to the compressor body shall be employed to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from
a system, it shall be carried out safely.
Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the
equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are recovered safely.
Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis which is
required prior to re-use of reclaimed refrigerant. It is essential that electrical power is available before
the task is commenced.
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure ensure that:
. Mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders.
. All personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly.
. The recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person.
. Recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
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Automated Environmental Systems Ltd., Unit 1, 1 Wimbledon Avenue, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NZ
01842 819130 | [email protected]
