SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 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 refrigerating system unless it
has been cleaned and checked.
14. Labeling
Equipment shall be labeled 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.
15. 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
labeled 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
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