F-GAS CERTIFIED
At Core Air Conditioning, all our engineers are F-Gas approved and qualified to the standards set out by the European Fluorinated Gases Regulation, EC 842/2006. To ensure that your company and equipment complies with the EU regulations controlling F-gas and ODS, contact our Service Department for further information.

F-GAS REGULATIONS
The European Commission F-Gas and ODS Regulations are European Regulations that are directly enforced in all EU Member States. They came about as a result of two global environmental agreements:

• The Kyoto Protocol
• The Montreal Protocol

The purpose of these two protocols is to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases, including fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) on climate change and ozone depleting substances (ODS) on the ozone layer, by reducing emissions of F-Gases and ODS respectively.

The relevant parts affecting refrigeration and air conditioning are detailed below:

CONTAINMENT

Operators of stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment shall use all measures which are technically feasible and do not entail disproportionate cost to prevent leakage of HFCs and as soon as possible repair any detected leakage.
These operators shall ensure systems are checked for leakage by certified personnel, as defined by the training and certification requirement.

LEAKAGE INSPECTION

Systems shall be check for leakage dependant on refrigerant charge

• 3 kg or more: at least once every 12 months – except for hermetically sealed systems containing less than 6 kg
• 30 kg or more: at least once every 6 months (12 months with an appropriate leakage detection system)
• 300 kg or more: at least once every 3 months (6 months with an appropriate leakage detection system – which is mandatory).

RECORD KEEPING

Operators of equipment with more than 3kg will need to maintain records on the quantity and type of HFC installed. Any quantities added or recovered during maintenance, servicing and disposal will need to be recorded along with leak checks and any actions taken. These records need to be made available upon request by the EPA.

RECOVERY

Operators of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment are responsible for putting in place arrangements for the proper recovery by certified personnel who comply with the training and certification requirements.

DOWNLOADS

F-Gas Company Certification
F-Gas Regulation EC842/2006
Download Guidance on Leak Checking
Guidance Note for Contractors in the Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heat Pump Sector
Guidance Note for Operators in the Hospitality and Leisure Sector
Guidance Note for Operators in the Industrial Sector
Guidance Note for Operators in the Office and Public Buildings Sector
Guidance Note for Operators in the Retail Sector
Download EPA Position Paper on Waste Refrigerant Gases (November 2009)