Leading awarding organisation, Logic Certification, has launched a new range of F-Gas qualifications, essential for engineers working with fluorinated greenhouse gases in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industries.

Following recognition by DEFRA as a certification and evaluation body, Logic Certification now offers Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications from approved centres throughout the UK.

Developed in partnership with industry experts Business Edge, Logic Certification has reviewed the existing F-Gas qualification framework and introduced a Level 3, splitting out the four different categories to make learning more suitable for operative requirements. Logic Certification's Level 2 qualifications cover Categories 3 and 4, designed for those checking the leakage and recovery of F-Gas systems. Level 3 focuses on Categories 1 and 2, the more complex tasks of installation, servicing and maintenance, testing and decommissioning.

Kelvin Kelly, training director for Business Edge, said: 'We have found working with Logic Certification on this project an absolute pleasure. Throughout the process they have been extremely professional and most importantly wished to ensure that the qualification was what the industry needed.

'The fact that the F-Gas Category 1 and 2 qualifications are of a Level 3 is of the utmost interest. We felt that since its inception the F-Gas course should have been a Level 3 qualification, given the complexity of the subject, wide range of practical skills demonstrated and that technicians are legally obliged to hold the qualification to allow them to work within the industry.'

Mark Krull, director of Logic Certification, commented: 'We are proud to announce the launch of the new F-Gas qualifications, in particular the Level 3, which will provide enhanced learning opportunities for those working in the sector. Logic Certification has worked extremely hard to gain DEFRA recognition, and with Business Edge's guidance and support, we have further developed the F-Gas framework to make it more suitable for installers and businesses overall.

'The addition of F-Gas qualifications to our extensive range further strengthens Logic Certification's position as one of the UK's leading building services certification bodies.'

Formal qualifications are a requirement for all those who install, maintain, commission, work with or purchase products or equipment containing F-Gas and other ozone depleting substances. Once qualified, sole traders or companies need to become F-Gas company certified by law.