F-Gas Regulation

SERVICE OVERVIEW

Who does it apply to?

Owners and operators of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems.

When did it come into force?

4th July 2007

Are you the owner or operator?

The owner is responsible for the operator’s actions; the operator is the person responsible for ensuring that the equipment is compliant under the regulation.

What is the regulation intended to control?

This legislation is aimed at the release of global warming gasses used in refrigeration and air conditioning by containment through regular leak checking.

How often do these checks need to be done in order to comply?

Only certified personnel can carry out these checks. The frequency is determined by the refrigerant charge in the system.

Does anything else have to be done to meet the requirements of this regulation?

1. Operators have to keep records of the quantity and type of refrigerant that is

Installed
Added and recovered during service & maintenance
Recovered during final disposal

2. The above information must be readily accessible for inspection by the relevant authority including the details of who is responsible for service and maintenance and dates of any leaks and checks of equipment containing F-Gas.

3. Proper recovery and disposal of gas must be undertaken. This has to be carried out by certified personnel to ensure recycling, reclamation or destruction of any cooling circuits.

4. When a refillable/non-refillable container is ready to be disposed of the person who last used it is responsible and must follow the appropriate procedure.

5. An operator must ensure that any purchased refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump systems are clearly labelled as containing fluorinated gasses as well as the quantity using the industry categorisation.

For a full copy of the F-Gas regulation visit:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/air/fgas/documents/fgassupport-rac1.pdf