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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
12.Charging procedures
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be
followed. Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using
charging equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount
of refrigerant contained in them. Cylinders shall be kept upright. Ensure that the
refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant. Label the
system when charging is complete (if not already). Extreme care shall be taken not to
overfill the refrigeration system. Prior to recharging the system it shall be pressure tested
with OFN. The system shall be leak tested on completion of charging but prior to
commissioning. A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to leaving the site.
13.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.
14.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.
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
labelled for that refrigerant (i.e. special cylinders for the recovery of refrigerant).
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