F-Gas Regulations 2014 – Do your refrigeration systems comply?

The 2014 F-Gas regulations aim to reduce F-Gas emissions by two-thirds of today’s levels by 2030 through encouraging the use of alternatives. The new regulations build on the requirements of the 2006 regulations; the new regulations bring in a number of significant changes.
CRS’S Head of Environment highlights ‘Many organisations are still not aware that refrigerant gases in chiller systems and air handling units contain gases that can contribute to climate change. The 2006 F –GAS regulations saw the final phase out of R22 and other ozone depleting gases whilst the new 2014 regulations, which are now in force, focuses more on global warming potential. For most organisations compliance will be about selecting the right contactors to maintain, record and dispose of refrigerant gases correctly for air conditioning systems. But I recommend that organisations review their current compliance status and take action where required.'
The key changes are summarised below.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
The regulations introduce a change to the calculation of threshold values for F-Gases. Rather than being based on physical quantities (kg) of F-Gases, the new regulations introduce threshold values based on the GWP of a refrigerant as equivalent tonnes CO2 i.e. CO2(e).
Phase-Down Mechanism
A phase-down mechanism, a gradually declining cap on the placement of bulk HFCs on the EU market (in tonnes of CO2 equivalent), has been introduced. The aim of phasing down is to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly technologies and substances.
Restrictions & Prohibitions
The regulations introduce restrictions and bans on the use of F-Gases in some new equipment, such as air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, technical aerosols, and insulating foams, where more environmentally friendly alternatives are available.
Additionally, F-Gases with a GWP of greater than 2,500 that are used for the servicing and/or maintenance of refrigeration equipment that have a charge size of 40 tonnes CO2 equivalent, will be prohibited from 1st January 2020. There are also restrictions on the use of reclaimed and recycled F-Gases for servicing and maintenance.
Use, Containment, Recovery and Destruction of F-Gases
The regulations implement requirements on the use, containment, recovery and destruction of F-Gases. Certain F-Gas containing equipment must be subject to maintenance and servicing, and the recovery of the F-Gas is required at the end of equipment life.
Leak Testing
The 2014 regulations change the F-Gas quantity limits and leak testing frequencies. From the 1st January 2015 operators of certain equipment containing F-Gases of 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent or more (and not contained in foams) must ensure that the equipment is leak tested at regular intervals, as detailed in the regulations. Leaking equipment must be repaired without delay and, following the repair, must be checked by a certified person within one month to verify effectiveness of that repair (exemptions apply for certain equipment).
Until 31 December 2016, equipment containing less than 3 kg of F-Gases and also hermetically sealed equipment which is labelled accordingly and contains less than 6 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases, will not require leak testing. Electrical switchgear is also not subject to leak checks provided it complies with one of the conditions detailed in Article 4 of the regulations.
Record Keeping
As per the previous regulations, operators of equipment which are subject to leak testing must establish and maintain records for each piece of such equipment. These records must be retained for at least 5 years.
Training and Certification
Article 10 of the regulations requires Member States to establish or adapt certification programmes, including evaluation processes, for individuals who install, service, maintain, repair, leak test, recover F-Gases, and decommission F-Gas containing equipment.
Market Restrictions
Placement on the market of equipment and products containing/relying on F-Gases is also controlled by the regulations. The regulations allocate annual quotas, beginning 2015, for the placement of certain F-Gas containing equipment on the market by producers and importers. By 31 October 2017, and every three years thereafter, the EU will recalculate the reference values for producers and importers. From 1st January 2017 certain F-Gas containing equipment cannot be placed on the market unless the F-Gases used in the equipment are accounted for within the EU quota system.
Reporting
With regard to the production, import, export, feedstock use and destruction of F-Gases listed in Annexes I or II of the regulations, equipment manufacturers/producers who meet the criteria as detailed in Article 19, must annually declare conformity; this declaration must be verified by an independent external auditor.
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Source CRA Europe