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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 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.
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