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- 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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. 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
