At the same time, the energy used within our built environment is under scrutiny as never before as the price of fuel rises rapidly and Government legislation focuses owner's attention on energy consuming plant.  That places a unique focus on the building services industry and on the mechanical plant at the heart of our buildings. 

So what does a manufacturer do to ensure that the engineers who install and maintain its equipment are trained to the appropriate standards?

There often seems little time for personal development and training in today's hectic world of business, but actually, the focus on energy efficiency in the built environment presents a real opportunity for building services installers and engineers to enhance their knowledge and capabilities.

The recent introduction of tough new competence standards as part of the F-Gas Regulation requires anyone who handles refrigerants to undertake a mandatory examination and practical assessment.

From July 2009, engineers will need to demonstrate that they have undergone training and assessment in specific aspects of the technology such as compressors, heat exchangers and other components. 

Contractors will also have to show they are accredited in safe refrigerant handling, face a test of their understanding of underpinning theory and understand the role this can play in protecting the environment.

At Mitsubishi Electric we have long pioneered the drive to increase installation and maintenance standards across the industry as we believe that this will help to maximise efficiency and minimise energy consumption, so we applaud the increase in standards and efficiency that REFCOM will lead to. 

We see real growth potential in energy efficient equipment, supplied and maintained by the most qualified people possible and this was one of the major themes at our annual sales conference because an early commitment to REFCOM shows a seriousness and commitment to the standards necessary to be able to deliver on that.

Come next summer, it is a sad fact that there will still be many companies out there who are not accredited and who will struggle to make the grade.  Without adequate policing of the F-Gas regulations, there is a danger that these unregulated contractors will jeopardise far more than just their own businesses.

This is where we are calling for the regulations to be rigorously policed.  Like other responsible manufacturers, and our suppliers, we need to ensure that F-Gas is enforced and that leakage rates improve. 

Failure to do this could lead to UK and European legislators looking at HFCs in general which would be bad for the whole industry.

Building owners are also part of the process as they will be legally bound to ensure that the operatives they use to handle refrigerants on their behalf are F-Gas qualified and that the contractor's company is registered with the approved accreditation body.

It is therefore down to individual engineers, contractors and building owners to ensure the highest levels of compliance and all credible manufacturers are doing what they can to help.

So the legislation is coming and you will need training and accreditation if you handle refrigerants.  If your company is unaware of this, then you have an individual responsibility to look into it yourself, otherwise far from being an opportunity to enhance your career, it could actually put a block on it.

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