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The F-Gas Regulation (EC 842/2006) came into
force on 4th July 2007 and imposes obligations on end users
of equipment for regular leak testing and requires that operatives
handling refrigerant are qualified.
It will also bring to an end the availability of non
refillable (or "disposable") containers of HFC
refrigerants, and from 4th July 2009 restrict who can purchase
HFC refrigerants.
The main elements of the Regulation applied in the UK from
4th July 2007, although restrictions on who may handle R22
applied from 9th April 2007.
There is a considerable amount of information available from
the DEFRA, the BERR,
the FETA , ACRIB,
the IOR or EPEE.
The DEFRA website
has a section dedicated to F-Gas support with downloadable
documentation, a help line and a help desk.
The regulation itself is available at www.dti.gov.uk/file30123.pdf
Additional guidance notes can be downloaded from www.dti.gov.uk/files/file34176.pdf.
This document includes an example record sheet for the recording
of leak tests, refrigerant useage etc.
EPEE have produced an FAQ document, which is available for
download.
ACRIB have also produced a guidance document, again available
for download and the BRA have
produced a practical guide called Fact
Finder 13.
Our refrigerant supplier, IDS, has also produced a summary
document.
The current interim qualifications
for operatives handling refrigerants are either the City &
Guilds Certificate in Handling Refrigerants Scheme 2078, or
the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Safe Handling
of Refrigerants Reference 206710. From 4th July 2011 a new
European qualification will be required.
Note please: this information is correct as at 29th July
2008, but may be subject to change.
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