Air-conditioning industry applies pressure to comply with F-gas certification
Suppliers of air-conditioning systems and spares are starting to join forces with F-gas certification body Refcom not to do business with installers that are not F-gas registered. By 4 July 2011, anyone carrying out service, maintenance, recovery or leak checking on stationary refrigeration equipment containing refrigerants covered by the F-gas Regulation must have obtained one of the updated national qualifications (C&G 2079 or CITB J01).
One supplier, Cool Designs of Sunderland, has informed Refcom that it is refusing to sell air-conditioning systems or spares to businesses that are not F-gas registered. Managing director Darrel Birkett, said, ‘We believe that manufacturers, wholesales and agents have a responsibility and duty of care to ensure that only those who are registered with Refcom [or other certification bodies] are allowed to handle, install or repair their equipment.
‘As a matter of policy, we will no sell to any business that can’t provide evidence of being F-gas registered, and I believe this should be a requirement by law. Our policy is not negatively affecting sales; if anything, it’s marked us out as being committed to high professional standards.’
Refcom secretary Steve Crocker comments, ‘Supplying only to F-gas registered companies and contractors is a great demonstration of professionalism and environmental responsibility. It wouldn’t surprise me if air-conditioning manufacturers were looking at this policy too. Our industry has often been ahead of the legislators in recognising the need to do our bit to fight climate change; that’s currently being demonstrated by the success of the Refcom Elite voluntary scheme, which requires higher standards than those stipulated by the F-gas regulations and demonstrates a commitment to best practice in refrigerant handling.’
