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1. Safety precautions
• Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been
de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant. The
label shall be dated and signed. For appliances con-
taining flammable refrigerants, ensure that there are
labels on the equipment stating the equipment con-
tains flammable refrigerant.
• 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 la-
belled 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 recov-
ery cylinders are evacuated and, if possible, cooled
before recovery occurs.
The recovery equipment shall be in good work-
ing order with a set of instructions concerning the
equipment that is at hand and shall be suitable for
the recovery of all appropriate refrigerants includ-
ing, when applicable, flammable refrigerants. In ad-
dition, 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 ma-
chine, check that it is in satisfactory working order,
has been properly maintained and that any associ-
ated 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 evac-
uated to an acceptable level to make certain that
flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lu-
bricant. 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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