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Refrigerant gases
Legislation
Following the phase out of CFCs and the current preparations for the planned phase-out of HCFCs, HFCs have become the most widely used refrigerants in the UK A/C & R industry; their stability, non-flammability and energy efficiency being key in their advantages. With zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), HFCs are suitable for a wide range of applications either in a pure form,such as R134a, or as blends such as R407c and R410a.
These gases have a high global warning potential (GWP). However, this is only of concern if the refrigerant is released to atmosphere. Good refrigerant handling practice, ensures that this eventuality is kept to a minimum.
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MacWhirter AC
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Increased industry attention is also being devoted to systems using ammonia, which is a long-standing, efficient refrigerant. Traditionally, ammonia has been used in large industrial plants where appropriate safeguards can be built in. Recent developments in the use of ammonia systems have concentrated on isolating the ammonia circuit from the area to be cooled and using a secondary refrigerant such as water or glycol, which is chilled by the ammonia system and circulated around the space to be cooled.
Absorption systems are also available, and these are particularly suitable where there is a source of waste heat available.
REFCOM standards are applicable to operatives using HFCs, HCFs & CFCs, where still in use.
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"Compliance with F-GAS Legislation in the UK is now a legal requirement. There is
now an ever increasing responsibility on end users to ensure that they employ suitably
competent and qualified contractors, who fully comply with exisiting legislation.
End users are now wholly responsible for all aspects of RAC Plant under their control."
Stephen Crocker, REFCOM Technical Officer
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There are four key pieces of legislation concerned with refrigerant emissions to atmosphere. Scroll down to read about them in detail. You will find a
list of further relevant legislation at the bottom of the page.
The fluorinated gas regulation entered the EU official journal in July 2005 and
became a mandatory requirement in July 2007. For equipment using the quoted HFC refrigerants
regular inspections are now demanded along with more regulated leakage repair procedures
and more accurate monitoring of refrigerant usage.
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“A mandatory
national refrigerant handling scheme will mean the end-user has legal liability
in preventing leakage and ensuring proper recovery during servicing and
replacement of cooling systems. Installers, maintenance contractors,
sub-contractors, equipment manufacturers or distributors of products containing
HFC refrigerants will all therefore also be affected.”
John Barlow, past chairman of the HVCA’s RAC Group executive committee.
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This regulation contains obligations to minimise emissions of
F-Gases and will therefore have a dramatic effect on the whole refrigeration
and air conditioning sector. Major construction contractors are already asking
for detailed proof that refrigerants are being handled responsibly as a
condition of appointment. Businesses across the sector will have to cease to
trade in refrigerants if standards are not raised.
REFCOM registered company, MacWhirter Air Conditioning, has
implemented tightly run refrigerant tracking procedures.
Ultimately, the end-user has legal liability in ensuring that
refrigerant does not leak and is recovered properly during servicing and
replacement of cooling systems. Installers, maintenance contractors, equipment
manufacturers or distributors of products containing HFC refrigerants will also
be affected.
The best way to ensure compliance with existing legislation is for a company
to
register with REFCOM.
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Following the introduction of this regulation on substances that deplete the
ozone layer, the regulatory position on refrigerants is as follows:
· CFCs
Supplying of CFCs, virgin, recovered, recycled or reprocessed during servicing
was banned from 1 October 2000. Supply is defined as change of ownership, even
without payment.
CFC use was banned from 1 January 2001. Use is defined as use in the
production, maintenance or servicing of equipment. Running an existing CFC
appliance, without the need to top up with refrigerant, does not constitute
use.
· HCFCs
Use of HCFCs in all new refrigeration or air conditioning equipment produced
after 1 January 2001 is now banned.
The use of virgin HCFCs will be banned in the maintenance of existing
refrigeration systems from 1 January 2010.
The use of all HCFCs, including recycled materials, will be banned from 2015.
All operatives working on equipment containing ODS refrigerants must be certified competent by the holding of a safe handling certificate. This became law on 9th April 2007.
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All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise leakage.
During service and maintenance or prior to disposal, all ozone depleting refrigerants must be removed for destruction by an approved technology, recycled or reclaimed.
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HFCs have been identified as a greenhouse gas. Emissions must therefore be minimised by preventing leaks and stopping venting to the atmosphere.
(Ammonia is highly toxic and slightly flammable and should only be handled as a refrigerant by trained operatives with due regard for safety issues associated with Ammonia)
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are highly flammable and should only be used in systems designed to cope with this risk. Operatives must have received appropriate training on such systems.
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Building Regulations
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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (as amended)
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Control of Pollution (Hazardous Waste) Regulations
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Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 2000
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Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC)
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Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Requirements for Electrical Equipment
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Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) wiring Regulations of Buildings
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Environmental Protection Act 1990 and subsequent additions and amendments
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The Factories Act 1961The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 (as
modified by subsequent regulations S.I. 1943, 1011, and 2005)
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Food Hygiene Regulations
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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
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Local authority bylaws
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Local water authority requirement
See
Links
for more information.
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