IE F-Gas Category III cheat sheet

F-Gas Regulation (EU) 517/2014 applies to HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and blends containing these; ODS Regulation (EC) 1005/2009 covers CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and methyl bromide.

Placing on the market of HFCs is subject to a phase-down quota measured in CO2e; quota allocations are managed via the European Commission's F-Gas Portal.

Certification under F-Gas Regulation is mandatory for personnel handling refrigerants in equipment above certain charge sizes; Category III covers servicing and maintenance of equipment containing less than 3 kg of F-Gas (or 5 tCO2e if hermetic).

Leak checks are required at intervals based on CO2e charge: at least every 12 months for 5–50 tCO2e, every 6 months for 50–500 tCO2e, and every 3 months for >500 tCO2e; with leak detection systems, intervals double.

Record keeping: operators must maintain records of refrigerant quantity and type, leak checks, repairs, and recovery for at least 5 years.

Labelling: equipment containing F-Gases must be labelled with the refrigerant type and CO2e charge; ODS containers must be labelled accordingly.

Ban on use of HFCs with GWP ≥ 2500 for servicing equipment from 1 January 2020, except for reclaimed refrigerant or equipment intended for export.

ODS phase-out: production and use of HCFCs banned except for feedstock and specific essential uses; recovery and destruction required for ODS.

Penalties for non-compliance vary by Member State but include fines and certification withdrawal.

ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is relative to CFC-11 (ODP=1); HCFC-22 has ODP 0.055, CFC-12 has ODP 1.

GWP (Global Warming Potential) is relative to CO2 over 100 years; R-404A GWP=3922, R-410A GWP=2088, R-134a GWP=1430.

CO2e = mass of refrigerant (kg) × GWP; used for leak check thresholds and quota calculations.

ODS destroy stratospheric ozone, increasing UV radiation; HFCs do not deplete ozone but are potent greenhouse gases.

Atmospheric lifetime affects overall impact; CFC-12 lifetime ~100 years, HFC-134a ~14 years.

TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) = direct emissions (refrigerant leaks) + indirect emissions (energy use).

Recovery and destruction of ODS and F-Gases prevents emissions; incineration with energy recovery is common for ODS.

Leakage of 1 kg R-404A equals 3922 kg CO2e, equivalent to driving ~15,000 km in an average car.

Recovery cylinders must be dedicated, labelled, and never filled above 80% of capacity by volume; use a calibrated scale.

Before recovery, identify refrigerant type; never mix refrigerants in the same cylinder unless the blend is specified.

Recovery efficiency: for systems with charge <3 kg, recover at least 90% of refrigerant; for larger systems, recover at least 95%.

Use recovery equipment with a certified efficiency; evacuate hoses and equipment to minimise emissions.

When transferring refrigerant, use proper hoses with low-permeation and shut-off valves; purge with nitrogen if necessary.

Recovered refrigerant must be analysed if to be reused; reclaimed refrigerant must meet standard purity (e.g., AHRI 700).

Never vent refrigerant to atmosphere; it is illegal and harmful.

For flammable refrigerants (e.g., R-290, R-600a), use recovery equipment rated for flammables and follow safety procedures.

Record the quantity of refrigerant recovered and the destination (recycled, reclaimed, destroyed).

Leak checking methods include: visual inspection, soap bubble, electronic leak detector, and UV dye (where permitted).

Electronic leak detectors must be calibrated for the refrigerant type and sensitivity (e.g., 5 g/yr).

If a leak is detected, repair must be completed within 14 days; if repair is not feasible, a plan must be documented and leak check frequency increased.

After repair, a follow-up leak check must be performed within 1 month.

Records must include: date, refrigerant type, quantity added, leak check results, repairs, and technician ID.

Safety: use PPE (gloves, goggles), ensure ventilation, avoid inhalation; refrigerant vapours can cause asphyxiation.

For flammable refrigerants, eliminate ignition sources, use gas detectors, and follow ATEX requirements.

Cylinders must be stored upright, secured, and away from heat; temperature limits per cylinder specification.

Leak detection systems must be checked annually and alarm function tested.