10
2 - Safety
n
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.
n
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 over fill 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.
n
Electrostatic charge may accumulate and create a hazardous
condition when charging or discharging the refrigerant. To
avoid fire or explosion, dissipate static electricity during transfer
by grounding and bonding containers and equipment before
charging/discharging.
Labelling
n
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-
commissioned and emptied of refrigerant.
n
The label shall be dated and signed.
n
Ensure that there are labels on the equipment stating the
equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
Recovery
n
When removing refrigerant from a system, either for servicing
or decommissioning, it is recommended good practice that all
refrigerants are removed safely.
n
When transferring refrigerant into cylinders, ensure that only
appropriate refrigerant recovery cylinders are employed.
n
Ensure that the correct number of cylinders for holding the total
system charge are available.
n
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).
n
Cylinders shall be complete with pressure relief valve and
associated shut-off valves in good working order.
n
Recovery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled before
recovery occurs.
n
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.
n
In addition, a set of calibrated weighing scales shall be available
and in good working order.
n
Hoses shall be complete with leak-free disconnect couplings and
in good condition.
n
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.
n
The recovered refrigerant shall be returned to the refrigerant
supplier in the correct recovery cylinder, and the relevant Waste
Transfer Note arranged.
n
Do not mix refrigerants in recovery units and especially not in
cylinders.
n
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.
n
The evacuation process shall be carried out prior to returning the
compressor to the suppliers.
n
Only electric heating to the compressor body shall be employed
to accelerate this process.
n
When oil is drained from a system, it shall be carried out safely
