The F Gas Regulations aim to contain, prevent and reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases, covered by the Kyoto Protocol, to help combat climate change and global warming. On March 9th 2009 the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009 came into force.

From 4th July 2009 it is an offence to carry out the installation, servicing or maintenance of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Hertfordshire equipment containing F Gases without a company certificate issued by an appointed certification body.

In Great Britain, the person having control of the equipment containing the F gas refrigerant (the “operator”), typically a company, is likely to have responsibility for compliance. Also, any business employing personnel involved in refrigerant handling must ensure that they have the appropriate qualifications.  Local Authorities will act as enforcing bodies.

DEFRA has designated REFCOM as a provider of the mandatory F gas company certification scheme and it can issue full certificates and interim certificates.

Between July 4th 2009 and July 4th 2011 an Interim Company Certificate will be sufficient.  To apply for interim certification a company must provide information about the business and a list of employed engineers who hold an appropriate qualification of City & Guilds 2078 or CITB J01.

By July 4th 2011 all companies will need a Full Company Certificate (valid for 3 years).  A company must provide information about the business and a list of employed engineers who hold an appropriate qualification of City & Guilds 2079 or CITB J11-J14, and proof that appropriate recovery systems and refrigerant handling procedures are in place and in use.

Once a company is registered, REFCOM issues a Certificate and the Company details, along with their registration number, appear in the public listing on REFCOM’s website http://www.refcom.org.uk