F-Gas Regulation

Is your air conditioning equipment compliant ?

The new F-Gas regulations became law on 4th July 2006 with the majority of measures having already taken effect from 4th July 2007.

The main objective of this regulation is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of the flourinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto protocol. The regulation addresses containment, use, recover, destruction, reporting, labelling, training and certification on the market prohibitions for the flourinated gases.

Operators of stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment shall use all measures which are technically feasible and do not entail disproportionate cost to prevent leakage of HFCs and as soon as possible repair any detected leakage.

An operator is defined as the natural or legal person exercising actual power over the technical functioning of the systems covered by this regulation. A member state may in specific situations designate the owner as being responsible for the operator’s obligations.

These operators shall ensure systems are checked for leakage by certified personnel, as defined by the training and certification requirement.
Leakage Inspection



  • Systems shall be checked for leakage dependant on refrigerant charge

  • 3kg charge - check at least every 12 months

  • 30kg charge - check at least every 6 months

  • 300kg charge - check at lease every 3 months

  • The application shall be checked for leakage within 1 month after a leak has been repaired to ensure the repair was effective

  • Operators of equipment containing 300kg or more shall install leakage detection systems - these must be checked every 12 months

  • "Checked for leakage" means that the system is examined for leakage using direct and indirect methods.

Operators of equipment with more than 3kg will need to maintain records on the quantity and type of HFC installed. Any quantities added or recovered during maintenance, servicing and disposal will need to be recorded along with leak checks and any actions taken.

Cool Solution are members of REFCOM Elite providing a total solution for end users to keep in line with legislation. For further information contact our Service department on 02920 493111 or Email Us or alternatively the governments web site www.defra.gov.uk/fgas