SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
14. Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the equipment and 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 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.
15. 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 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 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 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
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