SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
reduce the effect leaking refrigerant gases have on the environment, the European Commission brought in F-gas regulations as part of a policy to combat climate change. The plan, which came into effect in early 2020, aims to phase down the CO2 equivalent emissions from Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79% (relative to 2015) by 2030. As the UK has now left the EU, the UK government has specified that businesses will have to apply for a new GB HFC quota while they follow the same CO2 phase down as was specified by the European Commission. These regulations place a greater focus on carrying out regular gas leak checks on systems. Operators of stationary refrigeration equipment, heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigeration units of refrigerated trucks and trailers that contain F-gases in quantities of 5 tonnes CO2 equivalent, or more, must ensure that equipment is routinely monitored. For apparatus without gas leak detection installed, the period between mandatory gas leak checks lessens. This legislation not only supports environmental concerns but also offers a level of safety to employees, without whom you would not have a successful operation. Safety
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and sustainability unite together to create a long-term and positive outlook to customers, stakeholders and the public.
While most legislation seems to focus more on the environment there are mandatory regulations to protect employees specifically, such as the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
The key to limiting exposure to F-gas and risk of injury lies in the early detection of any gas release. The latest generation of sophisticated yet compact gas leak detectors can pinpoint a comprehensive range of refrigerants including Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). This ensures not only a company’s workforce remains safe but also the environment. It is worth considering that a small continuous leak, left unrepaired for three months, could use an extra 10kW in electricity – equivalent to approximately £1,400 in energy bills – once the leak becomes critical. This is why some leading detection systems on the market have a proven return-on-investment of just two years, and that is without taking into consideration the cost of repairs to an existing faulty system.
As well as leak detectors, sophisticated refrigerant sensors equipment is available with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor and also audio/visual alarms to alert staff of trapped personnel. All this technology minimises the risk to the health and safety of employees, complies with the requirements of the EU F-Gas Regulations, supports the DSEAR legislation and can save businesses money.
In an age where so many businesses are being made accountable for general health, safety and environmental concerns it makes sense to invest in robust gas detection and alert systems to help manage ongoing risk, maintain compliance and maintain a strong positive reputation. Sustainability competences and environmental awareness is a priority in many organisations now.
Integrating health and safety into sustainability provides an opportunity to better protect workers, improve productivity and achieve a truly sustainable organisation. In short, sustainability looks to protect our natural environment, human and ecological health, while driving innovation for your business.
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