Use personal protective equipment, such as side shield glasses, gloves, safety shoes and hard hat, when filling and handling cylinders.
Avoid skin contact with liquid refrigerant since it may cause frostbite.
Be aware that inhalation of high concentrations of refrigerant vapor is harmful and may cause heart irregularities, unconsciousness or death. Since vapor is heavier than air. avoid low areas without suitable ventilation.
Do not apply open flame or heat cylinder above 125° F (52° C).
Do not artificially cool cylinder.
Use only cylinders designed and marked for refrigerant recovery service. DO NOT REUSE cylinders intended for virgin refrigerant service. Make certain the cylinder is charged only with the refrigerant for which it is designated and labeled. DO NOT mix different refrigerants in the same cylinder.
PRE-FILL PROCEDURES
Prior to filling a recovery cylinder, identify the refrigerant to be recovered and make certain the cylinder is marked and labeled for that refrigerant. Read all labels.
Make certain the cylinder retest date has not expired. Do not fill if the present date is more than 5 years past the most recent marked test date.
Inspect cylinder for signs of damage, such as dents, gouges, corrosion. Do not fill damaged cylinders.
Inspect valve for damage and ease of operation.
Determine maximum allowable gross (filled) weight—this should be prominently marked on the side of the cylinder.
FILLING PROCEDURE
Be sure you have an accurate scale suitable for weighing the cylinder and contents, a proper gauge set manifold and proper hoses and connectors.
Be sure cylinder is free standing on the scale with no restriction of free movement caused by hoses, connections, etc.
Monitor pressure during filling carefully. DO NOT exceed maximum service pressure which is stamped on shoulder or collar of the cylinder.
Monitor gross weight during filling to assure that overfilling does not occur.
Shut off valve if maximum gross weight or service pressure is reached. DO NOT OVERFILL.
After recovery, close cylinder valve securely.
Check weigh cylinder.
PRE-SHIPMENT PROCEDURES
Leak check. DO NOT ship a leaking cylinder.
Apply outlet cap.
Apply steel valve protector cover.
Make certain cylinder bears appropriate DOT (TC) label and refrigerant identification/ precautionary labels and markings.
Inspect valve for damage and ease of operation.
Determine maximum al lowable gross ( filled) weight—this should be prominently marked on the side of the cylinder.
