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
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.
• Electrostatic charge may accumulate
and create a hazardous condition
when charging or discharging the
refrigerant. To avoid fi re or explosion,
dissipate static electricity during
transfer by grounding and bonding
containers and equipment before
charging/discharging.
11. Labelling
• Equipment shall be labelled 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 fl ammable refrigerant.
12. 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.
• 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 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 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 from a system,
it shall be carried out safely.
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