New regulation's have now come into force throughout the UK and Europe regarding the use of refrigerant's and their associated equipment. This 'F-Gas Regulation' is an attempt to reduce our impact on Global Warming and monitor any release of Ozone Depleting Substances into atmosphere. It imposes legal obligations on both the operators and users of refrigerant systems, so we have provided a list of key points to consider. Should you require any further information then please use the links below or contact us directly.

New regulation's have now come into force throughout the UK and Europe regarding the use of refrigerant's and their associated equipment. This 'F-Gas Regulation' is an attempt to reduce our impact on Global Warming and monitor any release of Ozone Depleting Substances into atmosphere. It imposes legal obligations on both the operators and users of refrigerant systems, so we have provided a list of key points to consider. Should you require any further information then please use the links below or contact us directly.

1. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
   Operators or end users have new legal obligations related to refrigerant containment, gas recovery and record keeping. HFC refrigerants commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration are now subject to EC Regulation 842/2006 designed to limit emissions by containment and responsible use. HCFC's are covered by EC Regulation 2037/2000.
2. INSTALLING AND COMMISSIONING SYSTEMS TO BE LEAK FREE
   HFC and HCFC refrigerant based systems need to be checked for leaks before being put into operation. in addition to BS EN 378 and the manufacturer's recommendations, it is important that during installation the pipework is pressure tested to ensure it is leak-tight. All pressure testing must be recorded.
3. INSTALLATION OF FIXED LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS
   Leak detection systems must be installed on applications with 300kg or more of F-Gases. With these, checking requirements are halved.
4. PERSONNEL
   The operator or end user must ensure that employed or sub-contracted staff carrying out installation, leak checks or repairs are qualified to City and Guilds 2078 or CITB refrigerant handling equivalent.
5. CUSTOMER HANDOVER
   New products and field assembled  systems where HFC refrigerant is added to the circuit must be labelled with the type and quantity of refrigerant. Makers manuals must identify the gas contained,and whether the equipment is hermetically sealed.
6. MAINTENANCE
   All systems containing over 3kg of refrigerant need to be tested regularly for leaks following a standard proceedure. Operators are responsible for ensuring checks are carried out and leaks are repaired. Checks must be done by qualified persons and recorded. If a leak is found on a system containing HFC gases,a check must be done on the adjacent area within one month to ensure the repair has been effective.
7. SYSTEM RECORDS
   Equipment containing over 3kg of HFC requires a system record of leak checks and refrigerant service activity. This must include the name of the qualified service personnel who carried out the work. For equipment where the refrigerant charge is not known, a qualified person must estimate it. Guidance is available from DEFRA.
8. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN REFRIGERANTS
   R22 (an HCFC) remains a common refrigerant in airconditioning and process engineering applications. Use of HCFC's for maintenance is banned from 2010 (for virgin fluid) and 2015 (for recycled fluid). Owners of such systems should now be planning for future cooling needs.
9. FURTHER GUIDANCE
   See the website of ACRIB, the Airconditioning and Refrigeration Industry board , www.acrib.org.uk
10. HELP
    For specific technical queries contact F-Gas Support on 0161 874 3663,or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it