a) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigerating system unless it has been
cleaned and checked.
1. Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant.
The label shall be dated and signed. For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, ensure that
there are labels on the equipment stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
2. 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 shut-off 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 all appropriate refrigerants
including, when applicable, 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.
