An important new Code of Practice designed to ensure the leak tightness of refrigeration systems across the UK has been published by the British Refrigeration Association and supported by the Institute of Refrigeration.
The guidance is designed to help end-users, designers, installers and service companies comply with the requirements of the law, with particular reference to the F-Gas Regulation. It sets out key recommendations on the design and installation of systems, and procedures for carrying out mandatory tightness testing for leakage in fluorocarbon refrigeration plant in commercial and light industrial applications.
Ben Brown, BRA president, said: “The new requirements may appear exhaustive. However, as the new guidance shows, they are well within the industry’s technical capabilities and understanding.
“The purpose of the new code is to provide a straightforward, jargon-free overview of what is required. This excellent new document will help the industry and clients meet the requirements of the law – and protect the environment.”
The key aim is to eliminate, or reduce as far as practicably possible, leaks of fluorinated refrigerant from systems. The F-Gas Regulation is based upon the principle of containment; on the basis that refrigerant locked within plant cannot harm the environment.
The code identifies the competence requirements for those performing leak detection tasks in accordance with industry standards and to legislative requirements.
It stresses the need for everyone involved to consider the safety and environmental requirements in relation to every stage in the process – including system specification and design, installation, commissioning, servicing and maintaining, and subsequent refrigerant detection tasks.
Copies of the ‘Code of Practice for Refrigerant Leak Tightness in Compliance with the F-Gas Regulation’ can be obtained from the BRA: Tel 0118 940 3416; email info@feta.co.uk
