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The EU F-Gas Regulation (No. 842/2006) imposes obligations on equipment operators to minimise emissions of fluorinated gases, including HFCs, the most common type of refrigerant. These gases contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere. The legal responsibility for compliance rests with the equipment operator, as they have control over the technical functioning of the equipment.
Disclaimer: We advise sensibly, we do not provide legal advice. For definitive guidance on your obligations, consult the relevant regulatory bodies or a qualified legal professional.
Operator Obligations
For stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment, operators must:
- Prevent leakage and repair any detected leaks as soon as possible, using certified personnel
- Maintain records of all refrigerants in equipment with a charge of 3 kg or more (6 kg or more for hermetically sealed equipment)
- Keep specific records for equipment containing a charge of 30 kg or more, including the quantity and type of F-gas and the dates and results of leakage checks
- Follow the prescribed leak checking schedule (see below)
Leak Checking Schedule
The required frequency of leak checks depends on the refrigerant charge in the equipment:
| Refrigerant Charge | Leak Check Frequency |
|---|---|
| 3 kg or more (6 kg for hermetically sealed) | Annually |
| 30 kg or more | Every 6 months |
| 300 kg or more | Every 3 months (halved if a leak detection system is installed) |
For operators with equipment totalling over 300 kg of refrigerant, it is advisable to arrange an initial leak service with a specialist so that all equipment can be plotted and monitored systematically.
Even for equipment under 3 kg charge, regular checks are recommended on the basis that prevention is better than cure. Addressing smaller leaks early prevents more serious failures later.
R22 Phase-Out
If your site uses R22 or another HCFC refrigerant, you need a plan of action. Since 31 December 2014, recycled or reclaimed HCFCs can no longer be used for plant maintenance. There are two main options:
Replace the Entire System
This is the more expensive route, but it allows the operator to minimise leakage potential and maximise energy efficiency with modern equipment. For compressor systems, Airmech can advise on replacements that deliver lower running costs and better environmental performance.
Change the Refrigerant
Switching to a suitable alternative refrigerant is the lower-cost option. However, additional investment may still be required to ensure leakage is minimised and reliability and efficiency are maintained.
How Airmech Can Help
Airmech provides practical advice and support to help operators conform with F-Gas Regulations. Whether you need leak checking, system upgrades, or guidance on compliance requirements, our team can help.
For further advice, contact us or call 02476 345 658. You can also email [email protected].