Important Safety Information
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential
that the technician is completely familiar with the
equipment in 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 the manufacturer’s instructions.
H. Do not overfi ll 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 fi lled correctly
and the process is completed, make sure that the
cylinders and the equipment are removed from
the 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.
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 fl ammable refrigerant.
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 recovers cylinders
are employed. Ensure that the correct number of
cylinders for holding the total system charge are
available. All cylinders to be used are designed
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 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 fl ammable 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 is it 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 leak.
Consult the 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 shall be
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 fl ammable 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 form a system, it shall be
carried out safely.
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