C&G 2079-11 F-Gas Category I key terms

A synthetic gas containing fluorine that traps heat in the atmosphere, used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Common examples include HFCs, HFOs, PFCs and SF6.

A substance such as CFC or HCFC that destroys stratospheric ozone when released. Their use in new refrigeration equipment is banned or tightly restricted.

A number showing how much one kilogram of a gas contributes to global warming over 100 years compared with carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1.

A relative score for how strongly a substance destroys ozone in the stratosphere, with CFC-11 set at 1.0. Lower values indicate less ozone damage.

The mass of refrigerant multiplied by its GWP, giving a common unit for comparing climate impact. It is used in F-gas records, leak thresholds and carbon reporting.

Legal approval for a business to carry out F-gas activities such as installation, servicing or recovery. It requires competent staff, written procedures and proper record keeping.

A personal qualification showing that a technician has passed the required assessment to handle fluorinated refrigerants legally and safely. Category I covers the widest range of activities.

The amount of refrigerant contained in a system, usually stated on the nameplate in kilograms. Charge size determines leak-check frequency and CO2e reporting.

The legally required interval for inspecting an F-gas system for leaks, based on its CO2e charge. Larger charges need more frequent checks and automatic leak detection.

Fixed or portable equipment that senses escaping refrigerant and raises an alarm. Fixed systems are mandatory for some large F-gas charges and must be tested regularly.

A leak that must be recorded, repaired and rechecked under F-gas rules. The threshold and repair deadline depend on charge size and system type.

A factory-sealed refrigeration circuit with no service valves or accessible connections. It is treated differently for leak checks because its charge is small and release risk is lower.

A record of refrigerant added, recovered, leak checks, repairs and cylinder movements. It provides an audit trail for legal compliance and environmental reporting.

A formal record listing equipment containing F-gases, charge sizes, CO2e, leak checks and repairs. It must be kept available for inspection by the regulator.

Practical measures that prevent refrigerant from escaping, such as tight joints, regular leak checks, proper recovery and prompt repair of faults.

A documented process that identifies hazards, evaluates who could be harmed and sets controls before work starts. It must cover refrigerant, pressure, electricity and confined spaces.

Clothing and equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, such as safety glasses, gloves, boots and breathing protection. It is the last line of defence after engineering controls.

A supplier document giving hazard, handling, first-aid, storage and disposal information for a refrigerant or chemical. It must be consulted before using an unfamiliar product.

The danger that escaping refrigerant displaces oxygen in a confined space, causing dizziness, unconsciousness or death. Work areas must be ventilated and gas detection used where needed.

A refrigerant classification for lower-flammability gases such as R32. A2L refrigerants burn weakly but still require ignition-source control, ventilation and leak detection.

A pressure vessel designed to store and transport refrigerant. It must be within test date, correctly labelled, upright and protected from heat and impact.

A periodic pressure test confirming that a refrigerant cylinder remains safe to use. The test date is stamped on the cylinder; out-of-date cylinders must not be filled.

The manual valve at the top of a refrigerant cylinder that controls flow. It must be opened slowly, kept clean and closed before moving or storing the cylinder.

A test that pressurises a system with dry nitrogen or inert gas to prove strength and tightness. Oxygen-free nitrogen is used; oxygen and refrigerant mixtures must never be used.

A tightness check using dry nitrogen and a pressure gauge or bubble solution, often after brazing. It must be done before evacuation and charging.

Removing air and moisture from a refrigeration circuit with a vacuum pump to a specified low pressure. Proper evacuation prevents ice, acid and poor performance.

A dehydration method that pulls a vacuum, breaks it with dry nitrogen, and repeats the cycle three times. It removes moisture and non-condensable gases more reliably than a single evacuation.

A vacuum instrument that measures very low absolute pressure in microns. It is used to confirm that evacuation has reached the required level before charging.

The process of checking, adjusting and documenting a newly installed system so it operates safely and efficiently. It includes pressure testing, evacuation, charging and performance checks.

Removing refrigerant from a system into a suitable container without releasing it to the atmosphere. Recovery is required before service, repair or decommissioning.

Cleaning recovered refrigerant on site by removing oil, moisture and particles so it can be reused in the same or similar equipment. It does not restore the refrigerant to virgin specification.

Reprocessing recovered refrigerant to a specified standard, usually by an off-site specialist, with analysis and certification. Reclaimed refrigerant can be used as a replacement product.

Permanently taking a refrigeration system out of service. It includes recovering all refrigerant, isolating utilities, removing the equipment and recording the final refrigerant fate.

A cylinder specifically used to receive recovered refrigerant. It must be clearly labelled, not overfilled, and have a valid test date.

Passing dry nitrogen through a pipe while brazing to stop oxidation inside the system. It prevents scale and contamination that damage compressors and valves.

A safety device that opens automatically to release excess pressure from a refrigerant circuit or vessel. It protects against rupture and must never be blocked or capped.

Someone with the training, knowledge and experience to carry out a task safely and legally. In F-gas work, competence must be demonstrated through recognised certification.