What must be done, at a minimum, before a system can legally be opened up for repairs while adhering to the prohibition against the venting of halogenated fluorocarbon refrigerants to the atmosphere?

Correct Answer: Option B — recovery of the refrigerant

Clean Air Act regulations and marine environmental protection rules strictly prohibit venting halogenated fluorocarbons. Before opening any refrigeration system for service, technicians must evacuate and capture the refrigerant using certified recovery equipment to prevent atmospheric release.