A good practice guide designed to reduce leaks of refrigerant from the UK's air conditioning and refrigeration systems has been published by the British Refrigeration Association.
The code of practice sets out 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.
The guide is designed to help end users, designers, installers and service companies comply with legal requirements, in particular the F-Gas regulations.
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 global warming 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.
Copies of the 'Code of practice for refrigerant leak tightness in compliance with the F-Gas Regulation', can be obtained from the BRA. For a copy email terrys@feta.co.uk