13. Charging procedures
（
Annex DD.10
）
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 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.
14. Decommissioning
（
Annex DD.11
）
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.
15. Labelling
（
Annex DD.12
）
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.
16. Recovery
（
Annex DD.13
）
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 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.
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