THE REGULATIONS OF FGAS

Only the refrigerant charge in excess of 3kg qualifies for these checks but systems that have over 300kg must have fixed leak detection and this actually halves the number of checks required. This systems function must, however, be checked and recorded every 12 months and have an output that informs the user of alarms. Please note that any leaks detected must be repaired and then checked within a month to ensure the repair was effective with all maintenance carried out recorded. Does anything else have to be done to meet the requirements of this regulation? 1. Operators have to keep records of the quantity and type of refrigerant that is; · Installed · Added and recovered during service and maintenance · Recovered during final disposal. 2. The above information must be readily accessible for inspection by the relevant authority including the details of who is responsible for service and maintenance and dates of any leaks and checks of equipment containing F-Gas. 3. Proper recovery and disposal of gas must be undertaken. This has to be carried out be certified personnel to ensure recycling, reclamation or destruction of any cooling circuits. 4. When a refillable/non-refillable container is ready to be disposed of the person who last used it is responsible and must follow the appropriate procedure. 5. An operator must ensure that any purchased refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump systems are clearly labelled as containing fluorinated gasses as well as the quantity using the industry categorisation. What will the consequences be if these regulations are not complied with? Penalties for not meeting the requirements of the legislation will be confirmed by 4th July 2008. The regulation states that these 'shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive'. It is therefore recommended that steps are taken as early as possible to comply with the legislation to avoid any such penalties being enforced at a later date.