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The Refrigeration Tracking Database was successfully
launched at RAC05. The database, which enables the user to track refrigerant
movement, has been deemed “a priceless instrument” for the ACR
industry in the lead-up to F-Gas legislation.
The Refrigerant Database, an interactive piece of
software that tracks refrigerant movement from supplier to cylinder to plant,
is based on standards already aligned with proposed Government F-Gas
initiatives and recognised by ACRIB. The automated monitoring system provides a
highly accurate audit trail to prove that the user’s company is fully
compliant with regulations.
The software was formally launched to invited industry guests
by Graeme Fox, vice chairman of the HVCA’s RAC Group executive committee.
“The Refrigerant Tracking Database will be indispensable for
businesses under the emerging EU F-Gas regulations. We firmly believe any
business serious about its future in the industry should be using the database.
It will save money, win business, streamline procedures, safeguard against
incoming legislation, promote environmental responsibility and, most
importantly, set the end-user’s mind at rest … [it] will be a
priceless instrument in raising industry standards as a whole,” he said.
Speaking about the immediate importance of refrigerant
tracking, Graeme stressed that, “A national mandatory refrigerant
handling scheme is closer than people think, refrigerant tracking is
undoubtedly something firms must consider now.”
Justification for this came with a warning of the financial
implications of new legislation: “Major contractors are already asking
for detailed proof that refrigerants are being handled responsibly as a
condition of appointment. Businesses across the sector are likely to lose out
if standards are not raised,” he stated.
Registered REFCOM companies will automatically be accepted onto
any new national mandatory refrigerant handling scheme without the need for
costly re-assessment. Fox also predicted immediate cost savings and an overall
‘tighter ship’ for companies using the database since it will
streamline procedures by implementing a much more cost-effective refrigerant
tracking system. “Labour-intensive and costly manual record-keeping will
virtually be eradicated and cylinder hire charges will be monitored much more
closely,” he said.
Scheme administrators and originators of the database concept,
Welplan Ltd, also placed commercial and environmental concerns high on the
agenda. Chief executive, Bruce Kirton, said: “The emerging F-Gas
regulations stem from mounting environmental concerns and the new Refrigerant
Tracking Database allows every installer, contractor, manufacturer and
distributor involved in refrigerant movement to meet their environmental
responsibilities and still gain commercial advantage”.
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