Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply in the following ways:

• Contact us for an application pack
• Postal application

Business will need to provide:

• Information about the business
• Proof that employed engineers holding an appropriate stationary equipment qualification (City and Guilds 2078 or 2079 or ConstructionSkills J01 or J11-J14) in handling F-gases in sufficient number to cover the expected volume of activities
• Proof that employed engineers are ACRIB SKILLcard registered or hold a blue or gold Engineering Services SKILLcard in a refrigeration and air conditioning occupation
• Proof that the business is a registered carrier of controlled waste
• Proof that appropriate recovery systems and refrigerant handling procedures are in place and in use

All fees shown are subject to VAT at current rate.

Businesses are re-inspected every three years to make sure they continue to meet the scheme standards. The three yearly inspection is carried out in the same way as the initial site inspection.

For members of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES formerly HVCA) inspection will form part of the B&ES triennial Inspection and Assessment regime.

See Refcom Elite Operation Booklet for full details

No, membership of Refcom Elite is entirely voluntary.

Yes, as long as the business meets membership criteria of Refcom Elite and can prove they have valid F-Gas Certification with an approved Certification Body.

Businesses will be issued with a Refcom Elite company certificate which is valid for twelve months. Businesses will also appear on the public listing of Refcom Elite members on Refcom’s website.

Every 12 months.

Refcom Elite membership demands higher standards than those set out in the F-Gas Regulations and sets businesses apart from their competitors.

Refcom Elite membership proves to owners/operators that, following independent third party inspection, refrigeration or air conditioning businesses:

• Can competently install, commission or maintain a system containing refrigerant
• Are licensed waste carriers
• Handle refrigerants safely
• Are compliant with all current legal requirements
• Operate auditable procedures for the proper control of refrigerants and can account for all refrigerant used and recovered
• Use appropriate, purpose-designed refrigerant recovery equipment
• Perform refrigerant transactions with minimum emissions and are environmentally aware

No, to enable your business to comply with the F-Gas Regulations a separate application for Refcom F-Gas Certification must be made. This can be done on-line or by post.

Application Part	Detail	F-Gas Certification Scheme	Refcom Elite Membership
Part 1	Ensure sufficient numbers of certified employees/subcontractors engaged to carry out refrigerant handling
Part 2	Ensure suitable tools and procedure in place to carry out refrigerant handling (sub-contractors via their own registrations)
Part 3	Ensure company possesses waste carrying licence.
	Ensure company has refrigerant movement audit in place with transfer notes.
	Ensure company uses properly calibrated tools.
	Ensure company maintains correct records to meet user legal obligations of site based refrigerant log book.
	Ensure company meets ozone depletion regulations standards.
	Ensure company operates to approved industry Codes of Practice and good working practice.
	Ensure company operates health and safety policy and meets CDM requirements.
	External QA audit every 3 years to ensure obligations maintained for Parts 1, 2 and 3.
	All operatives registered with ACRIB SKILLcard on the Refrigerant Handling Register or possess a blue/gold RAC occupational related Engineering Services SKILLcard.

Mandatory Scheme (F-Gas Certification) - achieves Parts 1 and 2

Voluntary Scheme (Refcom Elite) - achieves Part 1, 2 and 3