IE F-Gas Category IV study guide
IE F-Gas Category IV · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The F-Gas Category IV certificate is the entry-level qualification for people in Ireland who handle fluorinated greenhouse gases while carrying out basic tasks - typically recovering refrigerant from small stationary equipment, checking for leaks with suitable instruments, and keeping the associated records. It suits service technicians, maintenance staff, appliance fitters and facilities personnel who touch refrigerating, air-conditioning or heat-pump systems but do not yet work at the higher categories covering installation, commissioning or major servicing. The IE F-Gas Category IV study guide has 5 sections and about 1,440 words.
01Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases
This domain tests how EU and Irish F-gas law regulates HFCs and other fluorinated gases, and how to convert charge and GWP into tonnes CO2 equivalent. Expect questions on the phase-down, bans, certification and the operator’s legal duties.
304 words, about 2 min02Properties, identification and safe handling of refrigerants
This domain tests whether you can identify a refrigerant from labels and pressure-temperature data, state its safety class, and handle it without fractionating a blend, overpressurising a system or creating an ignition hazard. Refrigerants are identified by ASHRAE safety class (A1, A2L, A3, B1 and so on), GWP, glide and oil compatibility.
296 words, about 1 min03Leak checking, record keeping and reporting obligations
This domain examines the frequency and quality of leak checks, the records an operator must keep, and what must be reported and to whom. It rewards precise use of tCO2e thresholds.
282 words, about 1 min04Recovery, containment and disposal of refrigerant and equipment
This domain tests recovery before opening a circuit, containment of refrigerant during service, and legal disposal of gas, oil and equipment. The core rule is simple: fluorinated refrigerant must not be vented.
283 words, about 1 min05Health and safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures
This domain covers the hazards that make refrigerant work dangerous-pressure, extreme cold, toxicity, flammability and oxygen displacement-and the PPE and emergency actions that control them. Liquid refrigerant causes frostbite and eye damage; wear cryogenic gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a protective apron.
275 words, about 1 min