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What are F-gases and why are they harmful?

Fluorinated gases, commonly known as F-gases, are synthetic greenhouse gases with a potent global warming effect. These human-made compounds play a significant role in modern industries and applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.

However, their widespread use has raised concerns about their adverse impact on the environment and climate change. In this blog post, we will explore what F-gases are, why they are harmful, and the F-gas regulations in place to address their environmental consequences.

What are fluorinated gases?

Fluorinated gases – or F-gases – are a family of man-made gases that contain fluorine. They are a type of greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere. The two primary types of F-gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).

HFCs and PFCs were initially introduced as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) due to their ozone-friendly nature. However, although they don’t deplete the ozone layer, they do have significant global warming potential, making them a crucial target for environmental regulations.

HFCs

HFCs contain hydrogen, fluorine and carbon. They’re commonly used in applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps, and blowing agents for foams, fire extinguishers, aerosols and more. As HFCs are so prevalent in refrigeration, any and all commercial refrigeration should receive regular service and maintenance to ensure they remain compliant with F-gas regulations.

PFCs

PFCs, although slightly less common than HFCs, are still a very prominent type of F-gas. They consist of just fluorine and carbon, and were originally used as fire extinguishants – you can find PFCs in many older fire protection products. These gases find extensive applications in industries such as electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. When combined with other gases, they are also commonly used in refrigeration.

Additionally, PFCs are a bi-product of aluminium smelting, meaning any company that deals with this should be well aware of the risks of F-gases and take the proper precautions to manage them. Working with an expert Facilities Management service can help businesses to manage their production of F-gases and ensure everything is up to code.

A guide to F-gas regulations

F-gas regulations apply to anyone who:

  • Engages in activities involving F gases, including the use of equipment like refrigeration and air conditioning systems, solvents, or aerosols.
  • Is involved in the production, import, export, or sale of F gases or equipment containing F gases.

F-gas regulations are wide and varied, encompassing multiple processes that everyone who operates with F-gases must follow. We’ll provide a brief overview of the most important F-gas regulations below, but bear in mind that the regulations are incredibly complex and thorough. Most companies do not handle their own F-gas responsibilities purely due to the time-consuming and complicated steps and procedures that must be taken. For F-gas management that is guaranteed to be completely safe, legal and environmentally sound, you should enlist the help of Facilities Management.

Producing, importing or exporting F-gas and equipment

When it comes to producing, importing and exporting F-gases and equipment, you must apply for a quota with the governmental environment agency. This states how much F-gas you are able to produce, and thus must be monitored closely to ensure you stay within these limits. Doing so can become complicated, which is why expert energy and data analytics services will be your best friend in this case. Additionally, you must keep records of equipment charged with F-gases, including invoices, declarations of conformity, customs declarations, and more. There are also strict regulations in place with regard to exporting F-gases, with cases of F-gas exports being rejected at EU border controls.

As well as producing F-gas, you must also keep tight records of any F-gas destroyed or supplied to third parties. You must complete and provide extensive verification documents – but don’t worry, a Facilities Management team can take care of all of this for you.

Using and/or servicing F-gas equipment

When using and servicing F-gas equipment, there are multiple qualifications and company certifications required to work with F-gases. Whether it’s checking equipment for leaks or recycling F-gas, you must enlist technicians with qualifications to work alongside F-gases. Thermatic Technical FM technicians ensure full compliance with F-gas regulations and are suitably qualified to work alongside F-gases.

When you enlist a qualified technician, they can help with the regulations that F-gas operators are required to upkeep, such as:

  • Preventing leakage
  • Carrying out leak checks
  • Repairing leaks as soon as possible
  • Arranging proper refrigerant recovery
  • Maintaining a record of any refrigerant losses, additions and servicing for each and every machine

Why do we need F-gas regulations?

So, why do we need such extensive F-gas regulations? F-gases can be very harmful to the environment when not controlled and managed properly. Learn more about the most problematic impacts of F-gases below.

1. Greenhouse effect

F-gases have a high global warming potential (GWP), which means they are extremely effective at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Some F-gases have GWPs thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. When released into the atmosphere, they absorb and trap infrared radiation, leading to an intensified greenhouse effect. This trapped heat results in global warming and contributes to climate change.

2. Long atmospheric lifespan

F-gases have long lifespans in the atmosphere, ranging from several years to thousands of years, depending on the specific compound. Once released, they persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, continuously adding to the greenhouse effect and exacerbating climate change.

3. Ozone layer depletion

While not all F-gases contribute to ozone layer depletion, some compounds, such as CFCs and HCFCs, are both ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases. These compounds can lead to the thinning of the ozone layer, which is crucial for shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone layer depletion poses serious health risks and can harm ecosystems.

How long does the F-gas certificate last?

In the UK, F-gas certificates last for three years before they must be renewed. To work with F-gases and associated equipment, you must hold a qualification from an accredited organisation recognised by the EU. Full F-gas compliance is essential to avoid legal issues, as well as to remain environmentally conscious and responsible as a business. Thermatic Technical FM can help you to stay on top of F-gas certificates – we have plenty of experience handling our own.

F-gases and their accompanying regulations are difficult to manage, especially when balanced with countless other business operations in your day-to-day performance. At Thermatic Technical FM – we provide proactive and reactive maintenance for AC, advice around F-gas requirements and ensure our clients are compliant with their reporting. That’s why the smart decision is to enlist expert Facilities Management to provide tailored solutions for all of your business needs. Get in touch with Thermatic Technical FM now for help with all things F-gases and more.

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