F-Gas Regulations

Is your air conditioning and refrigeration equipment compliant?

The new F-Gas regulations became law on 4th July 2006 with the majority of measures taking effect from 4th July 2007.

The main objective of this regulation is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of the fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto protocol. The regulation addresses containment, use, recover, destruction, reporting, labelling, training and certification on the market prohibitions for the fluorinated gases.

The relevant parts affecting refrigeration and air conditioning are detailed below:

Containment

Operators of stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment shall use all measures which are technically feasible and do not entail disproportionate cost to prevent leakage of HFCs and as soon as possible repair any detected leakage

An operator is defined as the natural or legal person exercising actual power over the technical functioning of the systems covered by this regulation. A member state may in specific situations designate the owner as being responsible for the operator’s obligations.

These operators shall ensure systems are checked for leakage by certified personnel, as defined by the training and certification requirement.

Leakage Inspection

• Systems shall be checked for leakage dependant on refrigerant charge
• 3kg charge and above – check at least every 12 months
• 30kg charge and above – check at least every 6 months
• 300kg charge and above – check at lease every 3 months
• A system shall be checked for leakage within 1 month after a leak has been             repaired to ensure the repair was effective
• Operators of equipment containing 300kg or more shall install leakage detection    systems – these must be checked every 12 months
• “Checked for leakage” means that the system is examined for leakage using          direct and indirect methods.

Record Keeping

Operators of equipment with more than 3kg will need to maintain records on the quantity and type of HFC installed. Any quantities added or recovered during maintenance, servicing and disposal will need to be recorded along with leak checks and any actions taken. These records need to be made available upon request by the authority.

Recovery

Operators of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment are responsible for putting in place arrangements for the proper recovery by certified personnel who comply with the training and certification requirements.

Refcom

From 4 July 2011 it became a legal requirement for all businesses that install, maintain or service stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and/or heat pump equipment containing or designed to contain F gas refrigerants to obtain a Full F Gas Company Certificate) It is now a criminal offence to carry out the above activities without a Company Certificate.

Also from 4 July 2011 it became a legal requirement that all engineers that install, maintain or service stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and/or heat pump equipment containing or designed to contain F gas refrigerants require to have completed the F Gas Handling assessment and hold a City and Guild 2079 (or CITB equivalent) qualification.