F Gases – What are they and how can industry comply?
The F-gas Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 aims to reduce the emission of the following greenhouse gases to atmosphere;
- HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons)
- PFCs (perfluorocarbons)
- SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride)
The Regulation has been in force since 2006 but was brought into Irish law in June 2011 by S.I. No. 279/2011 — Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations 2011. The EPA has been designated as the competent authority.
In general the equipment below may contain F-gas;
- refrigeration
- air conditioning
- heat pumps
- fire protection
- high voltage switch gear
The following summarises the main requirements;
- a register must be kept of all equipment charged with more than 3 kg
- an annual leak check must be undertaken of all equipment charged with more than 3 kg (6 kg if hermetically sealed)
- a six monthly leak check must be undertaken of all equipment charged with more then 30 kg
- automatic leak detection must be installed on all equipment charged with more then 300 kg
- personnel installing, maintaining and servicing equipment must be appropriately qualified and certified
Remember it is the responsibility of the facility owner to ensure that the regulations are being complied with, even where the maintenance of the equipment has been subcontracted.