Compressed Gas Association
Safety Bulletin

SB-18—1992
USE OF REFRIGERANT (HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS) RECOVERY CYLINDERS

SCOPE:

This document is intended as a recommended guide of good practice to be used on a voluntary basis by all who supply, use, store or transport refrigerant recovery cylinders. Serious personal injury and property damage can result from improperly filled cylinders.

The following precautions are recommended for the safe handling of used refrigerant:

1. Use personal protective equipment, such as side shield glasses, gloves, safety shoes and hard hat, when filling and handling cylinders.
2. Avoid skin contact with liquid refrigerant since it may cause frostbite.
3. 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.
4. Do not apply open flame or heat cylinder above 125° F (52° C).
5. 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.

PLEASE NOTE:

The information contained in this document was obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is based on technical information and experience currently available from members of the Compressed Gas Association, Inc. and others. However, the Association or its members, jointly or severally, make no guarantee of the results and assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the information or suggestions herein contained. Moreover, it should not be assumed that every acceptable commodity grade, test or safety procedure or method, precaution, equipment or device is contained within, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or suggest further requirements or additional procedure.

This document is subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest edition. Comments and suggestions are invited from all users for consideration by the Association in connection with such review; any such comments or suggestions will be fully reviewed by the Association after giving the party, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

This document should not be confused with federal, state, provincial, or municipal specifications or regulations, insurance requirements or national safety codes. While the Association recommends reference to or use of this document by government agencies and others, this document is purely voluntary and not binding.

FIRST EDITION: 1992
COPYRIGHT 1992 BY THE COMPRESSED GAS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
1725 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY ARLINGTON VA 22202

CGA GRANTS PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS SAFETY BULLETIN

Compressed Gas Association 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 1004 Arlington, Virginia 22202-4102 Phone: (703) 412-0900 Fax: (703) 412-0128   CGA Canada Office 57 Tradewind Drive Oakville, ON    L6L 6K8 Canada Phone: (905) 465-2043 Fax: (905) 465-2044

Last updated: March 04, 1998 Comments, suggestions, questions? CLICK HERE TO SEND CGA A MESSAGE