15. 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 the appropriate
purging gas. The system shall be leak-tested on completion of charging but prior to
commissioning. A follow up leak test shall becarried out prior to leaving the site.
16. 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 reuse 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 always supervised 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.
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