Safety precautions
9. 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 minimize the amount of
refrigerant contained in them.
-Cylinders shall be kept in an
appropriate position according to
the instructions.
-Ensure that the refrigerating
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
over fi ll the refrigerating system.
• Prior to recharging the system it
shall be pressure tested with OFN
(refer to #7).
• 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.
• Electrostatic charge may
accumulate and create a hazardous
condition when charging and
discharging the refrigerant.To
avoid fi re or explosion, dissipate
static electricity during transfer by
grounding and bonding containers
and equipment before charging/
discharging.
14
10. Decommissioning
• Before carrying out this procedure,
it is essential that the technician
is completely familiar with the
equipment and all its details.
• 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 recovered
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
instructions.
h) Do not over fi ll cylinders. (No
more than 80 % volume liquid
charge).