REFCOM - the register of companies competent to handle refrigerants in the UK.

REFCOMs’ mission statement is to recognise and safeguard the role of the employer so that they can be encouraged to operate entirely to industry best practice; for them to be environmentally aware and to operate entirely in compliance with current legislation; for their operatives to be suitably trained and competent to carry out their work in accordance with company procedures. The REFCOM scheme, is a set of high professional standards recognised by The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board ACRIB and the RAC Industry.

Following the phase out of CFC’s and the current preparations for the planned phase-out of HCFCs, HFCs have become the most widely used refrigerants in the UK Air Conditioning and Refrigeration industry; their stability, non-flammability and energy efficiency being key in their advantages. With zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), HFCs are suitable for a wide range of applications either in a pure form, such as R134a, or as blends such as R407c and R410a.

These gases have a high global warning potential (GWP). However, this is only of concern if the refrigerant is released to atmosphere. Good refrigerant handling practice, ensures that this eventuality is kept to a minimum.

REFCOM standards are applicable to operatives using HFCs, HCFs & CFCs where still in use.

Legislation existing and incoming

The key pieces of legislation concerned with refrigerant emissions to atmosphere are:-.

Fluorinated Gases Regulation EC842/2006

The fluorinated gas regulation entered the EU official journal in July 2005 and became a mandatory requirement in July 2007. For equipment using HFC refrigerants regular inspections are now demanded along with more regulated leakage repair procedures and more accurate monitoring of refrigerant usage.

Ultimately, the end-user has legal liability in ensuring that refrigerant does not leak and is recovered properly during servicing and replacement of systems. Installer, maintenance contractors, equipment manufacturers or distributors of products containing HFC refrigerants are also affected.

Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulation EC2037/2000

Following the introduction of this regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer, the regulatory position on refrigerants is as follows:

CFCs
CFC use was banned from 1 January 2001. Use is defined as use in the production, maintenance or servicing of equipment. Running an existing CFC appliance, without the need to top up with refrigerant, does not constitute use.

HCFCs

Use of HCFCs in all new refrigeration or air conditioning equipment produced after 1 January 2001 is now banned.

The use of virgin HCFCs will be banned in the maintenance of existing refrigeration systems from 1 January 2010.

The use of all HCFCs, including recycled materials, will be banned from 2015.

All operatives working on equipment containing ODS refrigerants must be certified competent by the holding of a safe handling certificate. This became law on 9th April 2007.

Prevention of leakage of ozone depleting substances

All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise leakage.

During service and maintenance or prior to disposal, all ozone depleting refrigerants must be removed for destruction by an approved technology, recycled or reclaimed.

Non-ozone depleting refrigerants

HFCs have been identified as a greenhouse gas. Emissions must therefore be minimised by preventing leaks and stopping venting to the atmosphere.

Ceilite have been competent in accordance with the Requirements of REFCOM since March 2004, our registration number is 174.

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