The UK Environmental Agency has launched a final publicity campaign to raise awareness of the R22 ban and F-Gas regulations.
The Environmental Agency’s campaign reiterates important information on the ban and Regulations including the fact that from January 1 it will be illegal to use any HCFCs to service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment as opposed to just being illegal to use virgin HCFCs. Within the Regulations, existing equipment that contain HCFCs can legally continue to operate, however no additional HCFC gas can be added to the equipment’s system.
The Environmental Agency’s campaign also reiterates the information that businesses need to provide to refrigeration and air conditioning contractors to ensure that their system is able to operate with HCFC alternatives as well as additional obligations. These additional obligations include taking precautionary measures to prevent and minimise leaks, ensuring leak checks are completed regularly, ensuring that any detected leak is repaired within 14 days and that contractors are qualified to work on equipment containing HCFCs.
The R22 ban and F-Gas Regulations come into effect on January 1 (next Thursday) and are spread throughout Europe.
More information on the Environmental Agency’s campaign and requirements can be found here.