F-Gas: Non-compliance costs

What is an F-Gas?

Most F-gases are powerful greenhouse gases which contribute towards global warming if emitted to the atmosphere. F-Gases are used in air conditioning, heat pumps and refrigeration systems used in most retail, office, hospitality, industry and cars. These are HFCs or Hydrofluorocarbons. F-Gases are also found in other areas particularly specialist manufacturing.

The most significant sectors affected are supermarket and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems in buildings.

What is an ozone-depleting substance?

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are chemicals that can damage the earth's ozone layer if they escape to the upper atmosphere. The ozone layer protects all living things from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. ODS include HCFCs (Hydrochloroflourocarbons) which are still widely used as refrigerants in building air conditioning systems and industrial and commercial refrigeration.

What are the regulations?

EU regulations are the most direct form of EU law. As soon as they are passed they have binding legal force throughout every European member state.

F-Gas EC regulation 842/2006 aims to reduce emissions including HFCs.

The Ozone regulation 1005/2009 came into force on 1 January 2010 to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals including R22 refrigerant, still in use in many AC systems.

Who is responsible for compliance?

In the UK the person having control of the equipment containing the F-Gas refrigerant (the operator) - typically a company - is likely to have responsibility. 'Operator' means the person exercising actual power over the technical functioning of the equipment and systems covered by the regulation. In other words, the person who switches it on and off.

What action should be taken now?

If you haven't done so, you need to carry out a review of all aspects of F-Gas and ODS. We are happy to advise you on what you need to so please get in touch.