FEATURE GAS DETECTION
KEEPING A COOL HEAD
RECOGNISING AND BEATING REFRIGERATION GAS LEAK HAZARDS
Refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are often raised as an environmental and health hazard, owing to the chemicals and gases used in their operation and the risks should disaster happen. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, discusses how the potential risks from refrigerant leaks and stringent legislation have led to companies in many sectors seeking out the latest gas detection systems.
T
he use of refrigeration systems is an area of extreme importance for many businesses
in many sectors. From electricity production, data centres, chemical, pharmaceutical and of course food and beverage sectors, it plays a key role and one that has inherent risks. One often-overlooked hazard is gas leaks, not to mention the subsequent compliance with environmental legislation.
SAFETY MATTERS Businesses understandably look for the best price for equipment in their operations but do not always consider the suppliers’ safety standpoints. The refrigerant gases used in all HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and refrigeration systems can pose a significant threat to the health and safety of workers should a leak occur. If exposed to these leaking gases for
prolonged periods of time employees may be at risk of frostbite, chemical burns and even organ damage. However, it is not just the gases that are a concern as extended periods of
32 SUMMER 2021 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
time in cold environments, without the suitable protective clothing, can lead to arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis and more seriously, hypothermia. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1992 covers a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues. However, it doesn’t take in to account the fact that a lot of the dangers mentioned above are often the result of poorly maintained equipment, leading to a gas leak, or from human error and employees becoming trapped within a refrigerated space.
REGULATION AND LEGISLATION In early 2020 the European Commission brought in F-gas regulations as part of a policy to combat climate change. The plan is to phase down the CO2
equivalent emissions from
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79 per cent (relative to 2015) by 2030. As the UK have 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. As HVAC and refrigeration manufacturers
commit to developing environmentally compliant products without compromising on performance they are also seeking to address health and safety concerns as are their customers. 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 five 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. While this legislation seems, on the surface, to
focus more on the environment they also offer a level of safety to employees, without whom you would not have a successful operation. Safety and sustainability also unite together nicely to create a long-term and positive outlook to customers, stakeholders and the public.
/ INDUSTRIALCOMPLIANCE
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