News
The future is changing. We the refrigeration industry and you the
customer have an obligation to be in the know and implement legislation.
Currently consultation on a new EEC regulation aimed at containment
of HFC refrigerants is taking place. Once passed by the EEC, it
will be necessary for the Government to introduce UK Legislation
to implement the proposals and the earliest implementation date
is likely to be during 2005. This proposed legislation is commonly
known as the "F Gas Directive".
There will also be some need to harmonise the two regulations as
they will need to co-exist for some time.
At present there is a complete ban on the use of CFC refrigerants
for servicing and maintenance. These must be completely destroyed
and alternatives used.
New Equipment
The previous ban on the use of HFC refrigerants had been extended
to 1st January 2004 for manufacture of reversible air conditioning/heat
pump systems. Existing stock only will continue to be available
in the future.
Existing Equipment
1st January 2010
Ban on the use of Virgin HCFC's for maintenance of refrigeration
and air conditioning systems.
1st January 2015
Ban on use of all HCFC's including re-cycled materials for servicing
existing equipment.
These two dates are to be reviewed prior to 21st December 2008.
Recovery and Destruction
All CFC's and HCFC's must be recovered during maintenance. Any
recovered CFC's must be destroyed by an approved technology.
Recovered HCFC's can be either destroyed or reused until 2015.
F Gas Directive
The aim of the regulations will be to prevent and minimise emissions
of fluorinated gases. The key proposals are as follows:
Leakage Inspections
The mandatory inspection of all systems containing 3kg or more
of refrigerant at the following frequency:
- 3kg or more, annually
- 30kg or more, four times a year
- 300kg monthly
Maintenance of Records
The maintenance of records of refrigerant added or removed during
installation and serviceing of equipment containing 3kg or more
of HFC refrigerants.
Leak Detection Systems
Installation of leak detection systems for systems containing 300kg
or more of refrigerant.
Recovery
Recovery of HFC refrigerants for recycling, reclamation or destruction
from all refrigeration systems.
Training and Certification
Introduction of training and certification program for all personnell
involved in making inspections, recovery, recycling, reclamation
and destruction of HFC refrigerants.
Automotive Air Conditioning Systems
The phasing out of R134a in new cars and small commercial vehicles
from 1st January 2009 and ending 31st December 2013.
|