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CFC and HCFC Phase-out

Disclaimer and acknowledgement
Air Options Ltd would like to point out that the following should not be relied upon as a definitive interpretation of legislation affecting refrigeration and air conditioning or provides a substitute for seeking legal advice. Interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts and Air Options Ltd therefore accept no liability for any loss resulting from reliance on anything stated below.

It should also be acknowledged that information below was sourced from a document published by the Department of Trade and industry (the DTI) titled 'Refrigeration & Air Conditioning CFC and HCFC Phase Out'.  For further information, refer to the DTI's website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/access/refrigeration.htm for the latest information.

EC Regulation 2037/2000
EC Regulation 2037/2000, which applied from 1st October 2000 and replaced EC 3093/94, introduced bans on the supply and use of ozone depleting substances chloroflurocarbons (CFCs), halons, 1,1,1 trichloroethane, hydrobromoflurocarbons and bromoflurocarbons. The Regulation also introduced controls for hydrochloroflurocarbons HCFCs and its use (including for maintenance purposes) as well as stricter requirements for the recovery of ozone depleting substances and the prevention of leakage from equipment.

Equipment using CFCs should by now have been replaced. Those responsible for any equipment still in existence using CFCs MUST take immediate action to replace them.

Refrigerants affected
Most equipment will be labeled with the type of refrigerant used. A list below details the refrigerants affected by the Regulation. It should be noted, however that, that some of the prefixes (ie CFC) may have been replaced with a trade name or an 'R'. If you are in any doubt, contact your equipment supplier. It may be necessary for a suitably qualified technician to carry out an analysis of the refrigerant used.

CFCs
CFC 11, CFC 12 ( R12 ) , CFC 13, CFC 113, CFC 114, CFC 115, CFC 500, CFC 502, CFC 503 and R 13B1.

HCFCs
HCFC 123, HCFC 22 ( R22 ), R401A, R401B, R402A, R402B, R403A, R403B, R406A, R408A, R409A, R409B, R411B

The vast majority of air conditioning plant affected will contain R22 refrigerant.

Recovery and destruction
Ozone depleting substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment MUST be recovered during servicing and maintenance of equipment or prior to dismantling or disposal of equipment. Recovered CFCs MUST be destroyed via a recognised environmentally friendly process. Recovered HCFCs, however, can either be destroyed or reused until 1st January 2015.

Leakage prevention
All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise leakage.

Equipment containing ozone depleting substances with a fluid charge exceeding 3 kg MUST be checked annually for leakage.

Only suitably qualified personnel are PERMITTED to carry out the recovery of ozone depleting substances and any required leakage prevention corrective action.

What should be done (if not already)
Action required to comply with the Regulation will depend upon the type of equipment, which fall into two categories:

CATEGORY 1 ( Domestic / Light commercial )  
Small self contained units such as domestic fridges and freezers, display units, for example and through-the-wall air conditioners which are usually leak-free.

In the case of category 1, action only needs to be taken in the case of breakdown or disposal at the end of its working life. Contact your local authority, many offer facilities or a service to collect and dispose of such equipment.

CATEGORY 2 ( Commercial / Industrial )
Systems comprising equipment that required or require on-site assembly and refrigerant filling. Such systems are susceptible to leakage and usually require regular maintenance.

In the case of category 2, the action required may vary depending upon the equipment and refrigerant used which may involve a combination or repair and maintenance to new installation.

It is suggested you begin with identifying the equipment in situ and the types of refrigerants each uses and plan a strategy of action to comply with the Regulation.

How can we help?
Why not contact Air Options Ltd who are able to offer consultation and offer a full managed service to ensure compliance with the EC Regulation. Air Options Can offer the following:

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