What are the F-Gas Regulations?
The F-Gas regulations refer to the European Union regulations aimed at reducing emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gases). Currently the EU and UK legislation revision process are running separately but almost in parallel.
These regulations are designed to combat climate change by controlling the use and emission of these gases. Fluorinated gases encompass a range of synthetic compounds, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are commonly found in air conditioning systems, perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
So what is Global Warming Potential?
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is how bad something is compared to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which is rated at 1. It’s a measurement of how much effect the given refrigerant will have on global warming in relation to Carbon Dioxide, where CO2 has a GWP of 1. This is usually measured over a 100 year period. In this case, the lower the value of GWP the better the refrigerant is for the environment. So, something with a GWP of 100 is 100 times worse than the same amount of CO2.
Understanding The Legal Framework
The aim of the F-Gas legislation is to reduce the emissions of fluorinated gases by placing restrictions on their use, promoting responsible handling and encouraging the adoption of low-GWP alternatives. It sets specific targets for the phasedown of HFCs and imposes regulations on leak checks, reporting and labelling.
The primary legislation still governing F-Gases in the UK is the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015. This legislation reflects the European Union’s F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and the UK continues to maintain its commitment to these regulations, aligning its policies with international efforts to combat climate change.
Post Brexit the GB regulations came into effect on 1st January 2021. Where it effectively transferred the requirements of the current EU regulations directly into GB legislation, ensuring a continuity of the day-to-day requirements on contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
The EU recently updated its F-gas Regulation to (EU) 2024/573 which was adopted on 7 February 2024 and started to apply on 11 March 2024, It is not yet known whether the UK may decide to have different rules.
Key Objectives:
Phasedown of high GWP gases – Similar to the EU regulations, the UK’s F-Gas regulations outline a phasedown approach, targeting the reduction of HFC’s with high GWPs. This involves a gradual decrease in the allowable quantity of these gases placed on the market, promoting the adoption of low GWP alternatives.
Leak Prevention and Reporting - The regulations require regular leak checks for systems containing certain quantities of F-Gases. Businesses must promptly repair any leaks and keep detailed records, contributing to the reduction of emissions and ensuring responsible handling of these gases.
Training and Certification - To enhance industry expertise and compliance, the UK regulations stipulate that anyone handling F-Gases undergo proper training and certification. This helps ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle, recover and dispose of these responsibly.
So what exactly are your legal obligations?
1. You need to conduct regular documented refrigerant leak checks as required by the regulations and ensure that any leaks are properly repaired.
The frequency of leak checks is determined by the CO2 equivalent (CO2e) of F-Gases contained within the equipment. The CO2e is calculated based on the global warming (GWP) of the refrigerant and quantity of F-Gas present. The F-Gas regulations specify different leak check frequencies based on the CO2e:
- Equipment containing less than 50 tonnes of CO2e is exempt from routine leak checks, although leaks must still be repaired promptly if detected.
- For equipment containing 5 tonnes or more of CO2e, leak checks must be conducted at least once every 12 months.
- For equipment containing 50 tonnes or more of CO2e but less than 500 tonnes, leak checks must be conducted at least twice every 12 months.
- For equipment containing 500 tonnes or more of CO2e, leak checks must be conducted at least twice every 12 months and fixed leak detection must be installed.
As there is a vast variety of equipment out there, there is also a variety of checks that can be carried out, the check is to be decided by the engineer on site, they are the most appropriate and skilled person to make this judgment!!
F-Gas leak checks are put into three stages; you start at stage one, moving on to further stages if needed.
Stage 1 Indirect leak check
Stage 2 direct leak check
Stage 3 mandatory repair & pressure test
If a leak is detected during a leak check, it must be repaired promptly by qualified engineers. The repaired equipment must then undergo verification to ensure that the leak has been successfully addressed. If the leak cannot be repaired within a certain timeframe, the equipment may need to be taken out of service until repairs can be completed.
F-Gas Regulation CHAPTER II Article 3 Section 3 states that “Where a leakage of fluorinated greenhouse gases is detected, the operators shall ensure that the equipment is repaired without undue delay” and “Where the equipment is subject to leak checks under Article 4(1), and a leak in the equipment has been repaired, the operators shall ensure that the equipment is checked by a certified natural person within one month after the repair to verify that the repair has been effective.”
2. You need to keep records of F-Gas usage, and any maintenance and servicing activities
If your equipment contains F-Gas equivalent to 5 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide, you must keep the following records for 5 years:
- The quantity and type of gas in the equipment when its installed.
- The quantity and type of gas added during maintenance (for example, in leak repairs)
- The dates and results of all mandatory leak checks
- What you’ve done to recover and dispose of the gas e.g. record the registered waste carrier you use to dispose of it.
If the gas used in the equipment has been recycled or reclaimed, record the
- Quantity of gases recovered.
- The name, address and certificate number of the recycling or reclamation facility.
If you’re a user or operator of the equipment, keep records of the name, address and certificate number of any companies used to install, service or decommission your equipment.
The Environment Agency may ask to see your records during an inspection.
3. You need to use qualified personnel to install, service and maintain your air conditioning systems.
Professionally Qualified Technicians
It is a legal requirement for anyone working on equipment containing or designed to contain HFC and HCFC refrigerants to hold an F Gas Certificate.
Under the GB F Gas Regulations of 2014 existing individual certificates remain valid and do not require reassessment or renewal unless they were issued with an expiry date.
There are three options for Individual Certification:
- City & Guilds for 2079 Level 2 F gas Certificates
- BESA accredited courses FG Cat 1 - 4
- LCL/Logic Certification 603/1917-1920 Cat 1 – 4
However, it is recommended and good practice that technicians with certificates older than 5 years retake their course.
F Gas Company Certification for employers
In addition, the company that employs the technicians, including sole traders and subcontractor's, must be certified by an approved body to service and install stationary equipment containing F gas operated by others.
There are three company certification bodies available. The company must hold a certificate if it employs technicians to carry out work on F Gas systems and wants to be able to buy F Gas refrigerant:
Note - If your company services only your own equipment, it doesn’t need to be certified. For example, if a supermarket directly employs someone to service its own refrigeration system, the supermarket does not need to be certified. If it contracts another company to service the refrigeration system, that company must be certified.
Can We Help?
The air conditioning and refrigeration sector has undergone significant changes in response to F-Gas regulations. The adoption of low GWP refrigerants, improved leak detection methods and the transition to more environmentally friendly technologies have become industry priorities.
It’s essential for owners of air conditioning units to stay informed about relevant legislation, regulations and standards to ensure compliance with their legal responsibilities. In the case of the F-Gas Regulations, this means ensuring leak checks are conducted in line with the regulations by professionally qualified F-Gas engineers and records are kept for the necessary amount of time.
Here at Mattair, all of our engineers have completed their F-Gas training, proving their competency, knowledge and understanding and have the necessary certification to comply with the F-Gas Regulations. If you would like to arrange a leak check or require any further information, please call 01246 414922 or email [email protected]
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