Latest Legislation
Reliable, Efficient & Professional Maintenance services.
Regular maintenance and scheduled servicing to refrigeration and air conditioning equipment can not only save money and ensure reliable and efficient operation, it is now fundamental requirement under the F-Gas regulations that equipment with 3Kg of refrigerant within the system is leak tested in accordance with the 4th IPCC assessment values, (usually once a year minimum).
REGULATION EC517/2014
This is the regulation commonly referred to as the ‘F-Gas Regulations’ as reviewed and adopted in 2014.
The implementation of an EU regulation is confirmed by a series of implementing acts or implementing regulation’s, each covering different aspects of implementation such as training and certification requirements, determination of quota levels, or, in the case of leakage checking requirements, EC1516/2007 which establishes ‘standard leakage checking requirement’s for SRACHP equipment’.
Mandatory documented leak checks apply to air conditioning and refrigeration equipment based on according to how much damage could be caused to the atmosphere if the whole charge were released. The frequency of the test inspections is based on the GWP of the refrigerant multiplied by the estimated volume contained in each individual system – this gives the CO2e figure. If the system contains between:
• 5 and 50 tonnes CO2e it requires one inspection per year.
• 50 to 500 tonnes CO2e require inspection every six months.
• Greater than 500 tonnes CO2e require quarterly inspections.
The leak checking frequency can be halved if permanent leak detection systems are fitted. Permanent leak detection systems are mandatory for system charges of 500 tonnes CO2 equivalent and above.
It is a legal requirement now that all sites have an F-Gas asset register of equipment on their site holding refrigerant, and MUST be kept on site and made available on request to:
• Attending service engineers
• Building Inspectors,
• Trading standards Officers
• Air conditioning TM44 energy efficiency inspectors.
• In relation to 2003 European Parliament Directive 2002/91/EC on energy performance in Buildings, (EPBD)
Any changes or repairs carried to the equipment must be recorded within the applicable pages of this F-Gas register log sheets by the attending engineer.
Any refrigerant reclaimed and removed should be noted and the waste transfer licenses should be kept in the relevant section of this file.
User obligations:
The responsibility of the air conditioning systems owner / operator is to:
• Make sure the site has an up to date F-Gas register
• Systems are inspected and leak tested in accordance with the legislation
• Inspections and testing is logged within the register.
• Ensure that all engineers/companies working on the equipment have the correct and current safe handling certificate and is registered with a regulatory body.
As part of a service /maintenance agreement we will construct the site register and inform you of any further obligations in relation to the site equipment to assist in becoming complaint.
A maintenance contract with Response Mechanical Services will ensure peace of mind and total compliance with all F-Gas regulations.
• Same day response
• Monthly payment option
• Fixed pricing for the next two years
• Preferential breakdown assistance
• Full F-Gas registered
• Checks carried out by engineers that hold current F-Gas refrigerant qualification
• Nationwide coverage
• FREE SITE SURVEY and competitive quotation
Response is certified and registered with REFCOM
TM44 Air Conditioning Inspection
Response are accredited energy assessors and have the TM44 accreditation.
It is now a requirement of the 2003 European Parliament Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy Performance in Buildings (EPBD) that buildings with air conditioning systems with rated outputs of 12 kw are inspected in accordance and compliant with the TM44 methodology by a fully qualified assessor.
If your building has a combined total of 12kw of cooling or more, then you are now legally required to carry out and register an air conditioning inspection certificate (TM44), also known as an air conditioning energy assessment.
This should be completed every five years from installation to ensure you are in accordance with new regulations. If your system was installed on or after 1st January 2008 you have up to 5 years before carrying out your first inspection.
F-Gas Registered
REFCOM – F-Gas – Rest Assured, we comply.
Before employing the services of any company to handle or manage your stationary refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump equipment, you need to be sure they comply with all legal requirements.
At Response, we make sure that our company and team are always up to date with the latest industry requirements and this includes having an F-Gas Company Certificate. All businesses handling stationary refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump equipment that contains or is designed to contain F-Gas refrigerants, needs a Company Certificate.
It is vital that you check as enforcement checks are being carried out throughout the country. Not having this certification is now illegal.
R22 Phase Out
Did you know? R22 is now a banned substance.
As R22 is an ozone depleting HCFC its use or the recycling of this is now prohibited. If you still use R22 in your daily business whether within air conditioning or refrigeration systems, it is time to plan for the removal and replacement of your existing systems.
Because many older systems which are perhaps part way through their life generally require modifying, it makes sense for most companies to phase R22 out of their business, rather then simply replacing everything in one go. The good news is, the Government offers enhanced tax relief as part of Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) covered by their pledge towards energy and climate.
For more information on R22 phase out, get in touch.
Contact Response
Contact Response today, one of the team will be happy to assist with your enquiry.
Unit 19,
Soloman Rd,
Ilkeston,
Derbyshire
DE7 5UA
0115 944 4898
