Phase out dates and controls on Ozone depleting substances

• There is a ban on the use of virgin HCFCs from 1st January 2010 and a ban on the use of all HCFCs including recycled materials, from 1st January 2015.
• All ODS used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment must be recovered during service and maintenance of equipment prior to dismantling or disposal of equipment. Recovered HCFCs can be destroyed or re used until 2015.
• All precautionary measures practicable must be taken in order to prevent and minimize leakage.
• Fixed equipment containing ODS refrigerants which has a fluid charge greater than 3kg must be checked annually for leakage.
• A minimum qualification level for personnel servicing and maintaining equipment and handling of ODS refrigerants has been introduced and will be mandatory for all personnel from 9th April 2007.

The EU F-gas regulation - 4th July 2007

• If you operate stationary refrigeration or air conditioning systems, you must prevent leakage and repair any leaks as soon as possible.
• You must arrange proper refrigerant recovery by certified personnel.
• You must ensure that only certified competent personnel carry out leakage checks, and that these are done to the laid down schedule.
• Where leakage detection systems are used on large systems, these must be checked at least annually.
• You will need to maintain records of all refrigerants in equipment with a charge of 3kg or more (if hermetic, 6kg or more).
• You must keep detailed service records for equipment containing a charge of 30kg or more.

Contractor Responsbilities:

You will be affected by minimum requirements for training and certification of companies and personnel involved in installation, maintenance, ser vic ing, containment, and recovery activities. By 4 July 2008 at the latest, the Government will establish training and certification requirements based on EC requirements.