IE F-Gas Category IV study plan
IE F-Gas Category IV · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases & Properties, identification and safe handling of refrigerants
Explain how GWP values translate into CO2-equivalent tonnes and calculate the CO2e for at least five refrigerant charges of varying size
List the main obligations placed on operators by the EU F-Gas Regulation (leak checks, record keeping, certified personnel, recovery) and state which apply to Category IV work
Distinguish the refrigerant families (HFCs, HFOs, HCFCs, natural refrigerants) and classify ten common refrigerants by family and GWP band
Define the terms ODP, GWP, TEWI and quota in your own words without reference material
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet with CO2e worked examples and a table of ten refrigerants showing family, GWP and legal status
Properties, identification and safe handling of refrigerants & Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases
Describe the pressure-temperature relationship for at least three common refrigerants and explain what saturation, superheat and subcooling mean in practice
Identify refrigerant hazards: flammability (A2L/A3), toxicity (B classifications), asphyxiation risk and oil compatibility
Read a cylinder label and safety data sheet to extract GWP, hazard statements and filling ratio limits
Match each refrigerant to its typical application and the correct lubricant type
Your checkpoint
A completed comparison table of six refrigerants covering PT behaviour, safety class, lubricant and typical use, plus five label-reading questions you wrote and answered
Leak checking, record keeping and reporting obligations & Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases
State the leak-check frequency rules by CO2e threshold and the conditions that allow extended intervals
Explain how leak detection systems and the associated inspection exemptions change the schedule
Draft a compliant equipment log entry from a simulated service visit, including all mandatory fields
Calculate the CO2e threshold at which a given refrigerant charge first triggers a leak-check obligation
Your checkpoint
A model equipment record sheet and a one-page leak-check schedule decision tree covering the main thresholds
Leak checking, record keeping and reporting obligations & Properties, identification and safe handling of refrigerants
Demonstrate correct use of at least two leak detection methods (electronic detector, soap solution, UV dye) and state the limitations of each
Describe the procedure for a systematic leak test on a split system from service valves to indoor unit
Record a found leak accurately, including location, severity and corrective action taken
Explain the reporting chain after a leak is detected and what must be documented if repair is deferred
Your checkpoint
A written leak-detection procedure for one equipment type plus a filled-in mock leak report with findings and follow-up actions
Recovery, containment and disposal of refrigerant and equipment & Leak checking, record keeping and reporting obligations
Explain the recovery, recycling and reclaiming distinction and when each is permitted
Describe the recovery procedure for a small split system, including hose connection order, purging and cylinder handling
State the legal requirements for evacuating and decommissioning equipment before disposal, including who may handle the refrigerant
List the documentation required when refrigerant is transferred to another party
Your checkpoint
A step-by-step recovery and decommissioning checklist for a domestic split system with the associated paperwork template
Recovery, containment and disposal of refrigerant and equipment & Health and safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures
Identify the correct recovery cylinder type, filling limits and the reason overfilling is dangerous
Explain how to prevent refrigerant release during hose disconnection and cylinder changeover
Describe safe storage and transport rules for recovered refrigerant cylinders
Outline the hazards of mixing refrigerant types and how to avoid cross-contamination in recovery equipment
Your checkpoint
A recovery practical self-assessment: a numbered procedure you can perform unaided, with a list of five error scenarios and the correct response to each
Health and safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures & Recovery, containment and disposal of refrigerant and equipment
Select the correct PPE for handling refrigerants and explain the protection each item provides
Describe first aid for frostbite, eye contact and inhalation exposure, and the actions to take on suspected asphyxiation in a plant room
Explain the risks of working in confined spaces and the precautions required before entering
State the safe working practices for brazing, pressure testing and handling pressurised cylinders
Your checkpoint
A personal emergency response card covering five incident types with immediate actions, plus a PPE selection checklist
Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases & Properties, identification and safe handling of refrigerants & Leak checking, record keeping and reporting obligations & Recovery, containment and disposal of refrigerant and equipment & Health and safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures
Answer a full set of mixed practice questions across all five domains under timed conditions
Review every incorrect answer and write the underlying rule or fact it tested
Re-derive the key thresholds, frequencies and CO2e calculations from memory
Identify your two weakest areas and complete targeted revision on each
Your checkpoint
A timed mock result with a written error log and a final one-page summary of thresholds, formulas and procedures
Milestones
Week 2: Without notes, name the GWP band and safety class of five common refrigerants and calculate the CO2e of a 5 kg charge of one of them
Week 4: Given a charge size and refrigerant, state the leak-check interval and list the mandatory fields of the equipment record, scoring at least 80% on a self-made quiz
Week 6: Walk through the recovery procedure aloud from memory, including cylinder filling limits and hose disconnection order, with no critical step missed
Week 8: Score at least 80% on the timed mixed mock and show a completed error log covering every missed question