2 Safety and Preparation for Recovery

Identify the refrigerant and assess hazards

Before connecting hoses, identify the refrigerant and review its hazards. Refrigerants differ in pressure, toxicity, and flammability, so do not assume they present the same risks. Check the appliance label and the refrigerant’s safety data sheet (SDS), and prepare the work area, equipment, technician, and cylinder for the job.

Confirm the refrigerant from the appliance nameplate. When needed, use an appropriate refrigerant identifier. Check that the recovery machine, hoses, fittings, and cylinder are compatible with the refrigerant and its operating pressures.

Protect against exposure

Wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves that protect against cold liquid refrigerant. Liquid refrigerant can cause severe frostbite on contact. Use a face shield if a substantial liquid release is possible; long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy footwear help limit skin exposure.

Select Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the refrigerant and task, following the SDS and workplace hazard assessment. Respirators are not a substitute for ventilation. If respiratory protection is needed, it must be selected and used under an appropriate respiratory-protection program.

Ventilation and ignition safety

Work outdoors or provide effective ventilation, especially in small rooms, pits, and other low areas where released vapor may collect. Refrigerant vapor can displace oxygen and create an asphyxiation hazard even when it has little or no odor. If a significant release occurs, leave the area. Do not enter a suspected oxygen-deficient space to attempt a rescue without appropriate training and equipment.

Determine whether the refrigerant is flammable. For flammable refrigerants, use recovery equipment and tools specifically suitable for that refrigerant, follow the equipment and appliance instructions, and control ignition sources such as flames, sparks, and hot work. Ordinary recovery equipment should not be assumed suitable; equipment standards distinguish equipment intended for flammable and nonflammable refrigerants.

Handle recovery cylinders safely

Use a suitable, approved recovery cylinder, not a disposable refrigerant supply cylinder. Before use, inspect the cylinder, valve, connections, and markings. Do not use a cylinder that is damaged, corroded, or out of date.

Keep cylinders upright and secured against tipping. Fit the valve-protection cap for transport, use a suitable hand truck, and do not drop, drag, or roll cylinders. Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight, and never heat a cylinder to raise its pressure.

Weigh the cylinder during recovery and stop before its marked allowable fill is exceeded. Allow for liquid expansion and follow the cylinder and equipment instructions. Identify the refrigerant in each cylinder, keep different refrigerants separate, and use a designated container for unknown or contaminated refrigerant rather than mixing it with known refrigerant.

Prevent contamination

Use clean, dry equipment. Keep hoses capped when they are not in use, and avoid transferring refrigerant, oil, or air between systems. These practices help prevent cross-contamination. Keep recovered refrigerant segregated by type and mark cylinders clearly.

If refrigerant is unidentified or suspected to be contaminated, isolate it and follow the equipment manufacturer’s and receiving reclaimer’s instructions. Recovered refrigerant must not be mixed indiscriminately and may require reclamation before it can be sold to a new owner.

Follow applicable service requirements

For stationary air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, Section 608 generally requires technicians to hold the appropriate EPA certification when they service equipment in ways that could release refrigerant. Use recovery equipment certified for the relevant appliance and refrigerant, and do not intentionally vent refrigerant.

The required evacuation level depends on appliance type and other regulatory details. Check the applicable EPA requirements rather than treating one vacuum target as universal. Motor-vehicle air-conditioning service is subject to separate Section 609 requirements.