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The F-Gas Regulation (EC 842/2006) came into
force on 4th July 2007 and imposed obligations on end
users of equipment for regular leak testing and required that
operatives handling refrigerant are qualified.
It also brought to an end the availability of non
refillable (or "disposable") containers of HFC
refrigerants, and from 4th July 2009 will 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.
Real Zero, an IOR
initiative, offers guidance on reducing leaks.
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.
F-Gas Support, a Government funded body, have issued a guidance
note for RAC contractors, which is available for download.
From 4th July 2009 Government restrictions applied
to who can purchase refrigerants; purchase is only permitted
by companies or persons holding certification. It does not
necessarily mean that only a qualified craftsman within a
company may collect or take delivery of refrigerant. But it
does mean that the company taking delivery must employ qualified
personnel and only allow personnel with the correct qualification
to use the refrigerant. The BRA have issued a practical guide
called Fact Finder 15
on this topic.
A key obligation is that all companies involved in refrigerant
handling activities required an interim company certificate
by 4th July 2009.
All companies that use F gas refrigerants (HFCs) during installation,
maintenance or servicing need an interim company certificate.
This covers refrigeration and air-conditioning contractors
of all sizes, including sole traders. It also covers end-use
companies if they employ their own refrigeration personnel.
Those using sub-contractors to maintain their refrigeration
equipment are not affected. To help companies understand their
responsibilities DEFRA fund a helpline run by F-Gas Support,
details can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/fgas
the help line number is 0161 874 3663.
F-Gas also required that all HCFC refrigerants, except reclaimed
or recycled HCFC refrigerants, be withdrawn from the UK market
on 31st December 2009. The BRA
Fact Finder 14 provides information on this, as does the
F-Gas Support information sheet RAC8.
From 1st January 2015 reclaimed or recycled HCFC refrigerants
will also be banned.
HCFC refrigerants include R22, R403A, R403B, R401A, R401B,
R402A, R402B, R408A, R409A, R409B, R411B, R416A, R123 and
R124.
The end to the availability of virgin R22 is expected to
have a big impact, however we can assist in advising on how
to deal with this. Please download our document "R22
phase out - what we can do to help"
Note please: this information is correct as at 1st January
2010, but may be subject to change. We are unable to accept
any responsibilty for any errors within this summary.
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