8
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 LABELLING
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refri-
gerant.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 are
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 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
