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Prior to recharging the system it shall be pressure tested with OFN. The system shall be
leak tested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning. A follow up leak test shall
be carried out prior to leaving the site.
9. 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 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.
d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from
various parts of the system.
f) Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
g) Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
h) Do not overfill cylinders. (No more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
i) Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
j) When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that
the cylinders and the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on
the equipment are closed off.
k) Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system unless it has
been cleaned and checked.
10. Labeling
Equipment shall be labeled stating that it has been decommissioned 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.
11. 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
