SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
the equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the equipment are
closed off.
k) R ecovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another refrigeration system unless it h as
been cleaned and checked.
15.Labelling
Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied o f
refrigerant. The label shall be dated and signed. Ensure that there are labels on the equipme nt
stating the equipment contains flammable refrigerant.
16.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 recover y
cylinders are employed. Ensure that the correct number of cylinders for holding the total syste m
charge is available. All cylinders to be used are designated for the recovered refrigerant a nd
labelled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant). Cylinders sha ll
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 occu rs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good working order with a set of instructions concernin g
the equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for the recovery of flammable refrigerant s.
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. Befo re
using the recovery machine, check that it is in satisfactory working order, has been proper ly
maintained and that any associated electrical components are sealed to prevent ignition in t he
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 recover y
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 flamma ble
refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant. The evacuation process shall be carried o ut
prior to returning the compressor to the suppliers. Only electric heating to the compresso r
body shall be employed to accelerate this process. When oil is drained from a system, it sh all
be carried out safely.
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