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 disconnect
couplings and in good condition. Before using the recovery
machine, check that it is in satisfactory working order, has been
properly maintained and that any associated 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 evacuated to an acceptable level to make certain
that flammable refrigerant does not remain within the lubricant.
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.
If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed/
extinguished.
If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the
refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or isolated (by
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