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UK consults on F-Gases Regulation |
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Stakeholders are invited to submit their views on the implementation of a piece of EU legislation that obliges operators of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment to minimise emissions of high global-warming fluorinated gases.
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2007-05-23
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The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation to receive input from key stakeholders in the area of stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment on the containment and recovery of fluorinated gases (F gases). It calls on all individuals and organisations dealing with the manufacturing, installation, servicing and recovery of F gases, as well as on retailers, consumers organisations, public authorities and non-governmental organisations to submit their views on any impact the EU F-Gases Regulation would have on consumers, the industry and the environment.
EU Regulation to limit F-Gases emissions
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The current consultation was launched to carry forward the implementation of an EU Regulation that entered into force in June 2006 to reduce emissions of high global warming fluorinated gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Affected by the legislation, to take effect from 4 June 2007, are all commercial and domestic appliances that contain pure F gas refrigerants and blends containing HFCs, such as R134a, R404a or R22.
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Given that over 30 million refrigeration systems are used in Great Britian, the country is now seeking to establish concrete legislation on how to minimise leakage of such substances during operation and servicing, as well as to optimize their recovery at the end of life. The on-going consultation is expected to cover also the application of fixed and individual penalty schemes for British operators committing an offence under the F-Gases Regulation.
Consultation questions
Issues addressed by the consultation are, among others:
- Qualification & Training schemes for servicing staff of refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment
- Leakage checking & detection systems for appliances containing more than 3 kg of F gases
- Recovery & Labelling of F gases in stationary applications
- Reporting requirements
Next steps
The consultion is open until 14 August 2007. A summary of responses, including next measures to be taken, will be published after the closing date.
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More information:
 Consultation Paper, Defra, May 2007 (104 KB)
Guidance on F-Gases Regulation, Defra, February 2007 (162 KB)
EU F-Gases Regulation - legal text, May 2006 (98 KB)
› Consultation website Defra
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