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An industry-wide analysis of the F Gas Regulation in the UK carried out by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) has found that the single most significant barrier to effectiveness of the Regulation is the lack of visible enforcement, policing and mechanisms to guarantee compliance or report non-compliance.  

“The consensus of industry, many elements of which have made considerable investment in compliance, is that containment works, but improved enforcement is necessary to fully achieve the emissions reductions possible under the Regulation,” stated Mike Nankivell, Chairman of the ACRIB F Gas Implementation Group.  

An ACRIB position paper reviewing F Gas Regulation in the UK, based on industry’s practical experience to date has been endorsed by the various industry groups represented by ACRIB. In addition to calling for increased support from UK Government in raising awareness of leakage issues amongst equipment owners, the ACRIB position paper emphasises that sufficient time is necessary to fully assess the positive impact of industry initiatives to reduce leakage such as the IOR’s REAL Zero.  

ACRIB Chairman, David Bostock, said: “We can see in the many positive steps taken by supermarket groups and retailers to comply with the Regulation that there has been a definite reduction in emissions from these sectors. We now need increased Government support in raising awareness of leakage issues and ensuring compliance across all industry sectors.”  

The paper makes seven key recommendations which industry believes will increase the effectiveness of the F Gas Regulation in the UK.  

• The introduction of mandatory individual registration and public databases of company certification scheme members   
• That refrigerant suppliers be responsible for ensuring that only appropriately certified individuals can be supplied with F Gas refrigerants.
• An awareness campaign aimed at equipment operators covering enforcement in combination with a ‘non-compliant’ operator reporting service. 
• Government to ensure that standards are maintained by the UK’s two bodies appointed to issue individual training certifications. 
• Government actively monitor all three company certification bodies to ensure common standards industry-wide.  
• Company certification bodies be authorised to carry out greater verification of applicants. 
• More active enforcement and increased policing of operators’ legal obligations under the Regulation to take place.

ACRIB is calling for an open dialogue with all relevant policy makers into its findings, and recommends that they form the basis of UK input into the EU review of the Regulation in July 2011.  

The ACRIB full position paper including an executive summary, “Assessment of the effectiveness of the EU F Gas Regulations in the UK based on experience of application by the stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in the UK” is available to download here.

The IOR REAL Zero initiative broke new ground with the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in 2009 when it addressed directly the technical issues related to reducing refrigerant leakage. It led to a series of guidance notes, published articles, new refrigerant logging tools and training courses which although launched in 2009 continue to be popular today. Raising the profile of such a controversial issue as refrigerant leakage and its impact on the environment had to be handled very sensitively. The Institute of Refrigeration was successful in using the research and tools developed to highlight what the industry is doing to improve containment and therefore has focused on improving our environmental image and most importantly reducing our environmental impact.

But how successful has the project been? As well as the main published outcomes there has been follow up research on leakage reduction, two international projects led by the IOR and a series of Carbon Trust events. International and UK recognition of these efforts has been achieved through the Cooling Awards Gold Award, acknowledgement through international organisations such as EPEE and AREA and interest from as far away as California and Japan. But the proof of success has to be measured in terms of real carbon savings achieved.

One year on from the initial research and investigations which underpinned the REAL Zero approach, the IOR has conducted follow up analysis of what has been learned and what actions have taken place. The collated results are very encouraging. Follow up activity conducted in March this year focused on seeking updated information from the original refrigeration equipment sites surveyed 12 to 18 months ago. The sites were asked for information on refrigerant use and actions carried out as a result of their work with REAL Zero.

In total 27 systems at 10 of the original 24 sites were reviewed. Feedback showed that the REAL Zero concept has changed practice on these sites and as a result there has been significant reduction in leakage related to that equipment.

The carbon savings realised equates to nearly 8,000 tonnes CO2(e) per annum, based on a net reduction in refrigerant leakage of 4,900 kg over a corresponding 12 month period. This represents an impressive 43% reduction in annual leakage, averaged across the 10 sites.

“REAL Zero originally projected around 25% improvement in refrigerant use across the sample sites, so these results at 43% have really exceeded all expectation. But it doesn’t mean that there isn’t still more that can and must be done to reduce emissions. The IOR has always seen REAL Zero as a process rather than a one off initiative. The industry is making massive steps in recognising the financial, practical and environmental benefits of refrigerant containment and these results show its commitment to achieving even further improvements in the future.” Prof Graeme Maidment F Inst R, REAL Zero Steering Group Chairman

The IOR REAL Zero training is just one element of the project which continues to gain momentum. Through a series of one day workshops at various UK locations held with the support of the Carbon Trust, we are helping to embed this knowledge within industry. The events are open to equipment owners, service and maintenance managers and contracting companies. The next series of workshops are taking place on: 9th September in London, 19th November in Manchester and 1st February in the Midlands. Registration including the assessment and certification fees is just £50+VAT. So far over 50 individuals have experienced the one day event and worked with the project team to improve our collective knowledge on why leakage occurs and how to prevent it.

Full details of the REAL Zero guidance notes, training materials and courses are available at www.realzero.org.uk

Due to the high demand for the previous Real Zero training days the Carbon Trust have sponsored three additional regional workshops. These will be held on:

09th September 2010 in London

19th November 2010 in Manchester

01st February 2011 in Tewkesbury.

The workshops are based on the award winning REAL Zero training modules and offer delegates the opportunity to receive additional coaching to enhance and support the self study training modules. The 4 training modules are:

• Module 1 - Environmental, cost and legal aspects of refrigerant leakage.

• Module 2 - Reducing leakage through appropriate maintenance and service.

• Module 3 - Minimising leakage in new systems

• Module 4 - Reducing leakage through site specific surveys and advice.

The workshops are free of charge, however there is an administration fee payable to the IOR of £50 + VAT to cover the cost of the online assessments that form an integral part of the course. On successful completion of all four training modules you will receive a CPD certificate and may be eligible to become a registered REAL Zero assessor.Places at the workshops are limited so early booking is recommended.

For further details and to book your place please visits http://www.realzero.org.uk/events

The REAL-SKILLS-EUROPE project has been established as a EU Leonardo Funded Transfer of Innovation project to develop tools and techniques to help reduce refrigerant leakage through improved education and training.  The first project newsletter has now been published and gives an overview of current activity and future work packages including:

• a multi-lingual website, containing information and tools to help minimise refrigerant emissions and improve our knowledge of refrigerant management techniques
• a pan-european multi-lingual e-learning education system
• recognition and certification of training in all participating countries
• opportunities for individuals to become specialists in reduction of refrigerant leakage

REAL-SKILLS-EUROPE is lead by a consortium of European educational institutions, teaching, membership and research organisations, which perform leading roles in their own countries in training and supporting RAC professionals, research and innovation. They are all well placed to involve a range of stakeholders including the current providers of RAC VET. The project is managed by the IOR as a development of the UK based REAL Zero work.

Help shape this European training programme by taking part in the online training survey.

Download the newsletter now or visit the website to sign up for future updates at www.realskillseurope.com

The Carbon Trust Refrigeration Road Map introduces the main energy saving opportunities for refrigeration use in the retail sector and demonstrates how simple actions save energy use, cut costs and increase profit margins.

Developed in association with the Institute of Refrigeration and British Refrigeration Association in 2010, the Road Map is key reading for anyone involved in the design, specification, purchasing or innovation in retail refrigeration.

Download your copy here (this will take you to the Carbon Trust website and you will need to register with them if you have not already done so to obtain your copy)

The programme for the next session of IOR evening meetings has been announced and details are available on the Events page of the website. The programe this session features presentations on themes as diverse as compressor design, cooling of aircraft, hydrocarbons in commercial applications, innovations in food freezing and carbon dioxide with heat recovery and ammonia heat pumps.  In addition, on 7th October Andy Pearson will give a Presidential address on the topic of Managing Innovation. With two events in Birmingham the programme will feature something for everyone. The programme card detailing dates, venues and topics will be sent to IOR members later this month (July).

Help us to identify the most noteworthy practical contribution to refrigeration technology. The IOR aims to promote achievement and innovation through a number of annual awards including the IOR J&E Hall Gold Medal. This most prestigious award which comes with a £5,000 prize fund and a Gold Medal is recognised throughout the world as a pointer to the individual or team who has made the most significant contribution to our field. Past Awards have been made to those involved in compressor design, carbon dioxide technology, component innovation or application of ground breaking refrigeration technology. The contributions must be practical and recent.  It is awarded by J&E Hall International to the candidate considered by the Institute to be most worthy from submissions received by 1st September.  Find out more about how you can nominate and read about past winners at the Awards page.

SIRAC, the network for Sustainable Innovation in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, has published its latest newsletter online. The network holds regulation meetings to review innovation and research hosted by businesses and academic institutions. The most recent meetings focused on commercial cabinet innovation at Carters and built environment research at Brunel University.  The newsletter features reviews and updates on future events.  To receive regular news updates from SIRAC join on line at www.sirac.org.uk - membership is free.

Download the latest newsletter here.

The Institute of Refrigeration is a partner in the international REAL SKILLS EUROPE project, aimed at enhancing containment and reducing leakage from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, through improving awareness, education and training.

The training material for the project is currently being drafted and we at the Institute believe that it is vital to engage people with an understanding of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector to provide feedback on what our industry wants from a training course of this nature.

Please follow this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2WT8Y8K  and take a few moments to complete the survey so that the training programme being designed can reflect the wants and needs of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

The survey will be available until the 02nd of July.

National Heat Pump Award scheme has been launched by ACR Today to reward and celebrate the best new advances in heat pump technology and outstanding applications in buildings and industry.

Launched with the backing of key organisations and leading companies, the new annual awards will provide a national showcase for the latest developments in this rapidly developing area of sustainable technology. To find out how you can enter for the new awards www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk

Wondering how your fridge works? The Institute of Refrigeration has an education website with information all about the processes which are used to create "cooling" or refrigeration.  At the site you can:

• explore an animated refrigeration circuit demonstrating basic thermodynamic principles and pressure, temperature and gas relationships
• follow the development of the refrigerator from the use of natural ice to widespread use of domestic cabinets
• Find out about the three states of matter and how matter changes from one state to another by researching the gas laws and the scientists who discovered them
• explore the impact of refrigeration on global warming and ozone depletion and find out what is being done internationally to mitigate this impact
• find out how the development of many industries and most countries has been influenced, at least in part, by refrigeration. 

Enter the world of FANTASTIC FRIDGES

An overview of the 1st IIR International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold chain has been published on the conference website at www.icccuk2010.com. Read about the key note presentations and the next steps for those who took part..

The professional qualifications – CEng and IEng - are well known, and have for some time been available to suitably qualified members of the IoR. The professional qualification of EngTech is also available and although not yet widely adopted in this industry it looks set to become more prominent for a number of reasons.

Surveys have repeatedly shown that individuals with the letters – EngTech - after their name (e.g. John Smith EngTech) have improved career prospects. They achieve higher earnings than their unregistered counterparts and further more, the EngTech award demonstrates to existing and potential employers and clients that the holder has experience, drive and commitment.

The EngTech professional qualification is open to anyone that can demonstrate the required professional competences and commitment, including, individuals without professional qualifications who can demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary competence through substantial working experience. Getting registered may be more straightforward if one has the relevant educational or vocational qualifications, or have completed an advanced apprenticeship, but the IoR recognises that one can develop the knowledge and skills in other ways and therefore, there is a route to suit all competent individuals.

If you are an individual developing the skills and experience that make you a valuable member of your team and this industry; if you find yourself working in a role where your understanding and application of engineering principles make a real difference, and want your efforts to be properly recognised and appreciated, then you should be seriously thinking about gaining the professional title (EngTech, CEng, or IEng) that demonstrates your personal and professional commitment to society, this profession, and to the environment.

For more information about how IOR members can register via CIBSE for the Engineering Council see our Professional Development pages

The IOR evening papers offer a wealth of information on technical innovation.  Members can now browse through and download copies of all evening papers published by the IOR since 2004, with the older material soon to be added to the list too.  If you missed presentations such as the Presidential Address on Pumping Heat by Guy Hundy,  the debate on whether refrigeration is essential to modern life between Andrew Gigiel and Forbes Pearson or the numerous papers on carbon dioxide, compressor development, energy reduction and refrigerant development, find the papers at the new Conference and Technical Papers page.

The Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Institute, an affiliated group of the IOR, has published three bulletins this month:

• newseltter on the heat pump market
• practical considerations for replacing R22 in air conditioning systems
• VRV/VRF Variable refrigerant volume (or flow) technology

These bulletins can be download from the ACHPI webpage (free to IOR members).  Non members can join the ACHPI to receive bulletins by post as they become available at just £30 for UK members. see http://www.ior.org.uk/ior_filter_technical.php?r=34EZB01TAA

During the next membership year ACHPI bulletins will cover: Performance and efficiency measurement tools; Retrofilling considerations; Regular routine maintenance schedules; Inverters for capacity control; Charging and evacuation good practice; Safety in using pressure on site. In addition members have requested practical guidance on sizing and load calculations; performance testing; simple psychrometry; pressure enthalpy and regular updates on regulatory issues such as Building Regulations, Environmental Legislation, Waste Regulations, Pressure Equipment Directive and Refrigerant Legislation.

IOR, SES and ACHPI member annual subscriptions are now due.  Members can pay their subscription using our secure on line shop on this website. You must be logged in order pay on line. 

If you know you are registered as a member to use this website (when you log in the message will come up "logged in as a member" ) you can go direct to the payment log in screen http://www.ior.org.uk/ior_membership_renewal.php

If you have registered as a member on the website in the past but cannot remember your password you can request a reminder here

If you have not registered as a member on the website apply for a password now

If you pay by direct debit you will have received a receipt recently. Contact the IOR if you wish to set up or amend direct debit payments.

From 29-31 March 2010, the reverend buildings of the Cambridge university campus hosted the first International Conference on Cold Chain and Sustainability organised by the UK Institute of Refrigeration with 150 delegates from 22 countries participating and over 80 papers presented. Read a personal view from inside the conference to the ammonia21.com community from one of the delegates at the Ammonia21.com website

If you missed the conference the proceedings are available on cd rom from the on line shop

A list of Refrigerant Handling and F Gas Training centres is available on the ACRIB website or you can search the two recognised awarding bodies:

City and Guilds  for Level 2 Certificates in F Gas (known as 2079)

CITB Construction Skills  for F Gas qualifications J11

Full information about the F Gas Regulation and ODS Regulation training, certification and interim qualifications for companies and individuals are available in F Gas Support Guidance Note 5.

For queries contact DEFRA F Gas Support at www.defra.gov.uk/fgas

The IOR Service Engineers Section has published a series of guidance notes on basic refrigeration cycles, leak detection good practice and the practical application of F gas regulation requirements.  Released throughout 2009, the latest in this series covered brazing leak-free connections, fault diagnosis using a p-h chart and selection of refrigeration piping.

"Over the past 8 years the Service Engineers' Section has helped to raise standards by providing practical guidance on the wide range of technical competencies required of today's service and maintenance engineer." commented Gordon Adams of Climate Centre, the Chairman of the Steering Panel for the Section.  "A membership led service like the SES is able to respond quickly to industry needs – for example last year we launched a new series of bulletins on Refrigeration Fundamentals, to help support the increased theory knowledge required as engineers prepare for the new F Gas qualifications".

The SES Fundamentals Series so far has focused primarily on the Basic Vapour Compression system and the Pressure Enthalpy Diagram. This series will continue in 2010 with more in depth fault diagnosis scenarios.  Whilst a strong understanding of these principles is important for those taking the new assessment, it is even more important that technicians can know how to apply this knowledge in the field when they encounter system problems.

This year a new Good Practice series on Refrigeration Pipework will also be published, covering issues such as pipe sizing, support and insulation.  The usual legislative and regulatory updates will still be provided to make sure no one misses out on changes to F Gas and ODS Regulations, Waste Regulations, Health and Safety matters and so on.

The Section membership now numbers around 900 individual members and benefits from the on-going support of contracting companies who organise bulk subscriptions for their technicians as a cost effective way of keeping engineers up to date with best practice and technical changes. Members can also access a complete on line library of technical bulletins issued by the Section over the past eight years – that's 100 updates and good practice guides at your fingertips. Membership costs just £29.00 a year and includes regular quarterly technical mailings as well as free website downloads.

See www.ior.org.uk/service-engineers for details.

You can now follow the Institute of Refrigeration on Twitter. The twitter page is called "the cooling hub" reflecting IOR as the central place for information and news about refrigeration and air conditioning. Twitter is a way to keep in touch with short bites of news or developments related to the IOR and the cooling industry. We plan to have daily "tweets" on what is happening and links to interesting sources of information. Visit the link below to follow us and link to your own Twitter pages!

The IOR Technical Committee have published an Introduction to Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) - Guidance Note 19. DSEAR applies to workplaces where dangerous substances are present, used, or produced.  The types of activities covered by DSEAR include anything that involves the exposure of people to flammable substances in the workplace. This includes a wide variety of industries but is also applicable to hydrocarbon, ammonia refrigerating system design, installation, and maintenance or service activity including ownership including the use of acetylene for welding.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 implement in the UK the requirements of the European Directive on Minimum Requirements for Improving the Safety and Health Protection of Workers Potentially at Risk from Explosive Atmospheres (commonly referred to as "ATEX workplace".)  DSEAR also includes requirements from European Directive on the Protection of the Health and Safety of Workers from the Risks Related to Chemical Agents at Work (or "CAD"). The Guidance note is available free to IOR members, there is a charge of £5.00 for non members to download from the website.

IOR Safety Code of Practice for Refrigerating Systems Utilising Groups A1, A2 & A3, Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide Refrigerants (ADDENDUM issued 11th November 2009)

Recommended replacement intervals for high side bursting disks

The Technical Committee has revised the paragraph below in all of the IOR Refrigerating Safety Codes.  Where the previous recommendation was that high side bursting disks be replaced on a two yearly basis it is now considered that a five yearly basis is adequate. Therefore the paragraph in Section 7 "Stop valves, Safety Valves and Control Devices" should now read:

"At least every five years relief valves and cartridges shall be removed for retest or replacement as applicable. At least every five years, all high side and low side bursting discs shall be replaced.  However, compressor internal relief valves that vent to the low pressure side need not be examined and tested except as recommended by the compressor manufacturer." 

The table in the Appendix "Typical Schedule for Service and Maintenance" has also been amended as follows

 High side Bursting discs Every 5 yrs   Replace as stated

The Cooling Awards Gold Award recognises those who make a significant impact on the environemental performance of the industry.  The judges awarded this to the IOR REAL Zero project in a commendation reproduced below:

"In a surprisingly short time, REAL Zero (Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage Zero), has been taken to the industry's heart and has already had a part in improving UK standards, and is now poised to spread that example througout Europe.

It is a great testimony to the IOR that when faced with the prospect of the industry being held to account for its poor record on refrigerant leakage, the IOR set about putting its house in order swiftly and comprehensively.  Equally notable is the fact that the response was led decisively by the Institute - at a stroke sweeping away any suggestion that institutions dont lead from the front.

REAL Zero was conceived last year with a team of experts to work on improving undersatnding of the impact of leakage, and providing advice on addressing it.  The Carbon Trust recognised its potential to reduce carbon emissions and together with Marks & Spencer, BOC and HRP, funded the development of a larger project.

REAL Zero now encompasses a comprehensive range of elements, taking in practical guidance on reducing leaks; tools that can measure the impact of leakage in business terms; training courses, an interactive website and an on going dialogue within industry. 

The achievements should not be underestimated. By talking in terms the industry can understand, REAL Zero has been able to get its message across to all levels of industry, and it is creating real and lasting changes in the way that industry works - both to address leaks and to prevent them.

The result is that the UK refrigeration industry has moved from being in President Jane Gartshore's words "mid-table at best" - to a point where it is now seen as leading on containment."

The IOR REAL Zero also won the Training programme of the year and Marketing initiative of the year.

Young people looking for a different career can now visit the IOR's Careers in Cooling website.  The Institute has launched a nationwide campaign to raise the profile of refrigeration and air conditioning engineering as a career.  Members, industry bodies, trade press, employers and manufacturers can join in the campaign by distributing leaflets or linking to the www.careersincooling.org webpage. 

The page hosts a short film which gives a flavour of the variety of job options and entry levels through interviews with people working as trainee engineers, designers, researchers and managers as well as those now running their own successful businesses.  

Guy Hundy, Past President and driving force behind the project comments."It's all too easy to forget about the needs of the future, especially in the current economic climate.  But more legislation, new technology, environmental pressures, global competition and increasing complexity  are demanding that our industry develop the very best skills now and for the years to come.  The refrigeration and air conditioning sector has something to offer everyone whether they aspire to becoming a service technician, system designer, chartered engineer, researcher or salesperson.  The IOR Careers in Cooling initiative reflects this diversity and dynamism". <

The IOR is contacting over 1,000 schools specialising in science and technology and the Connexions careers advice centres to promote the website. 

New government guidance has been published by on:

• Availability and Permitted Use of Recycled HCFCs
• Other Proposed Amendments to the EC Ozone Regulation

The guidance clarifies the permitted use of recycled and recovered HCFCs ( eg R22). It also explains the new legal obligations due to come into force in January 2010 which bring end user requirements somewhat into line with the F Gas Regulation requirements eg changes to the leak checking frequency.  The free guidance (RAC9) and help desk service for detailed queries are available from F Gas Support.

For queries or more details contact: (www.defra.gov.uk/fgas)

1. Company Certification

DEFRA have now designated three bodies are now able to issue Company Certificates – Refcom, Bureau Veritas and Quidos.

It is now a legal requirement for all businesses that install, maintain or service stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat-pump (RAC) equipment that contains or is designed to contain "F gas" refrigerants to hold a Company Certificate issued by an appointed Company Certification Body. It is an offence to carry out these activities without a Company Certificate. This legal requirement applies to RAC maintenance contractors and installers, including sole traders, and to RAC end users and facility managers that employ their own qualified staff to carry out the activities described above.  The details of Company Certification requirements are also set out in the supporting Commission Regulation 303/2008 as are the definitions of the listed activities.

For an interim company certificate you need:

•Basic information about the business.

•Details about employed engineers - to work on equipment over 3kg charge size they must hold a valid qualification either City & Guilds 2078 or 2079 or CITB J01 or J11-14. Please see note below in relation to expired CITB J01 certificates.

To apply for a Company Certificate contact one of the following:

•Refcom:     Website: www.refcom.org.uk telephone: 01768 860409 or email: info@refcom.org.uk

•Bureau Veritas:  Website: www.bureauveritas.co.uk/fgas, telephone: 0207 661 0726 email: fgas.mail@uk.bureauveritas.com

•Quidos:     Website: http://fgasregister.com, telephone: 01225 318400 or email fgas@quidos.co.uk      

2. Expiry of Construction Skills CITB J01 qualifications

The European Commission has just agreed (14 July 2009) that CITB J01 certificates valid on 9 March 2009 (i.e. when the GB F gas Regulations came into force) but which have since expired, or are due to expire count as interim certificates for the entire transitional period through to 3 July 2011. Therefore, personnel holding a valid CITB J01 certificate on 9 March 2009 are deemed to be holders of an appropriate interim personnel certificate and would meet the requirements for the issue of an interim company certificate. However, those personnel whose CITB J01 certificate had already expired prior to 9 March 2009 are not deemed to be holders of an interim personnel certificate and an interim company certificate cannot be issued unless they have either refreshed their expired J01 or obtained one of the new F gas qualifications meeting the minimum requirements of EC/303/2008. 

3. RAC Information Sheets updated

F-Gas Support's Information Sheets have been updated for the RAC sector. Please visit their website at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/air-atmos/fgas/sectors/rac.htmto download current copies.

4. European Commission publishes its own guidance on EC F gas Regulations

The Commission have now published their leaflets relating to each sector on their website and these are available via the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/fluor/publications_en.htm

The latest newsletter showing developments in the UK and throughout the International Institute of Refrigeration is now available (download here)

The IIR is an intergovernmental organisation which promotes the development of refrigeration technology and responds to key global issues.  Find our more about the work of the IIR at www.iifiir.org . In the UK the national membership is co-ordianted by the Institute of Refrigeration's International Committee, which organises conferences, promotes new technical guidance and provies representation on key IIR commissions.

As part of the IOR Carbon Trust funded REAL Zero project, four self study training booklets are now available:

• Environmental, cost and legal aspects of refrigerant leakage; covering elements such as calculating the financial and environmental aspects of refrigerant leakage and making a case for leakage reduction.
• Reducing leakage through appropriate maintenance and service; covering system maintenance regimes, how to reduce leakage potential in existing systems and maximising effectiveness of direct and indirect leak test methods.
• Minimising leakage in new systems; covering relevant system design, installation and commissioning issues
• Reducing leakage through site specific surveys and advice; covering a recommended site survey methodology, proformas for site audit reports and strategies for equipment owners.

The self study training booklets are suitable for everyone including service engineers and end users.  The first two booklets are available free of charge as downloads. There is also an option to take on line assessments and apply for an IOR CPD (continuous professional development) Certificate. End users interested in using the services of someone who is familiar with the REAL Zero approach to leakage reduction and has passed the assessments will be able carry out an on line search for individuals on the REAL Zero website in the near future. To find out more about the training booklets see the REAL Zero website.

Personnel whose work involves handling of refrigerants within the scope of the F Gas Regulation need to take the new City & Guilds 2079 Assessment, or the CITB J11/J12 by July 2011. The current qualifications City & Guilds 2078 and CITB J01 provide only temporary evidence of qualification in the mean time.

These new F Gas qualification are based on the Commission Regulation (EC) No 303/2008 which established minimum requirements for the certification of companies and personnel as regards stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment containing certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. They provide Europe-wide acceptable qualifications.

The length of the training and method of delivery of the theory knowledge vary from centre to centre however to achieve the qualification all individuals have to take a multiple choice theory paper and carry out a detailed practical assessment.

A list of approved training centres and the types of course they are offering is available at www.acrib.org.uk

More centres have applied for approval and details are awaited. For more up to date information on centres see:

www.cityandguilds.com

www.cskills.org/uploads/bes-refrigeration_tcm17-5560.pdf

From 4th July 2009 it will be illegal to take delivery of F gas refrigerant unless the company is certified and has confirmed that it employs qualified personnel.  Details of how companies can gain this certificate are awaited from Government.

Leakage is everyone's problem, and its up to all of us to solve it.

The IOR has identified some key drivers leading change in how leakage issues are addressed:

• Legislation and Regulation - "It is our duty to tell people the consequences of not reducing leakage now because fines and taxes will happen in the future and the threat of an outright ban on the use of HFCs is always present" Barry Lyons, BOC.
• Increased profile of the issue - equipment owners have a growing awareness both of direct and indirect CO2 emissions due to refrigeration and the willingness to reduce them. "We need to be proud of the systems we install" Bob Arthur, Marks & Spencer.
• New technology - the availability of new solutions, components and most importantly the experience of successfully solutions and growing evidence that reductions are achievable.
• Customer satisfaction - the need to offer better value for money and improve the relationship between customer and supplier.
• Training - growing awareness of the need for improved skills in a changing market and the wider availability of training material of all types.

This came out of open meetings hosted by the IOR to discuss the refrigerant emissions and leakage Zero (REAL Zero) project during January and February. Seventy people with different interests including contractors, end users, trainers, wholesalers and manufacturers took part om tpta;. The questions and discussion points raised during the half day meetings are helping to set out the agenda for working towards REAL Zero. 

Chairman Professor Graeme Maidment summed up one of the main strengths of the REAL Zero approach:  "Much of the debate today centred on who's problem is it? Who is going to pay, who is responsible if it isn't done, who should be checking qualifications? But the answer is more basic than this - Leakage is everyone's problem, and its up to all of us to solve it.   REAL Zero was formulated as a set of tools for industry to use to benefit equipment owners.  We hope you will do that.  But this project is just a start.  We want to take on board your comments and move this whole area forward "

The solutions are not difficult technically but will require a number of fundamental changes at each stage of the process from procurement & specification, to design & installation, and finally in service & maintenance:

• Effective maintenance - this is key to reducing leakage on existing systems, it must meet the minimum standards set by legislation but should ensure proper reporting to system owners and continuity of system care so that on-going issues are dealt with
• Design standards - making sure that the good standards and practices already existing are implemented. "We can build plants that are leak tight, and we do it all the time in Ammonia plant" Barry Lyons, BOC
• Competence- qualifications and training are important, but so is checking those qualifications and actual standards of work.. "Industry needs to think about the long term advantages of training personnel - not just to meet their short term legal requirements.  Training must be consistent and it must be strategic.  We have to build on the current standards on a voluntary basis now because they may not be voluntary for very long!" Steve Ward, HRP
• Greater emphasis Whole life costing - decision making based on reliable measures of whole life cost of new systems rather than first cost.
• Working together - accepting that everyone has a shared responsibility at every stage.
• Changing mindsets - a willingness to do things differently from now on. "Our industry is in a position of transition.  If you think things are going to be the same in the next 5-10 years you are kidding yourself.  Industry must rise to the challenge" David Blackhurst, Star Technical Solutions.

So what happens next? Below are some of the good ideas and practical solutions for the next stage that came out of the meeting.   If you don't agree with these, why not add your own or comment on them at the www.realzero.org.uk website.

• The need to share learning from ammonia systems where leakage is not tolerated
• HFCs should have a stanching agent
• Engineers should use torque wrenches for all refrigerants as standard practice not just R410a
• Flare joints should be removed wherever possible from existing systems
• Location of joints should be marked on insulated pipework
• Brazing skills - the whole industry needs to adopt regular assessment to BRA or CITB brazing standard, this is not just for apprentices
• Development of a standard design and performance specification/template for systems by application, as a checklist against what is in place or being proposed
• A means of identifying refrigerant loss at an earlier stage is needed - so that this can be addressed before the 6monthly leak check.

The Institute Technical Committee has updated and republished Codes for Carbon Dioxide (R-744) and Ammonia refrigerant were published as PDF Downloads updated in line with BS EN 378:2008. Requirements for A2 refrigerants have been moved to the Safety Code of Practice for Refrigerating Systems Utilising A2 and A3 Refrigerants.  These two Safety Codes are also available from the IOR Shop as PDF downloads.  Follow the link below for more information:

Individual Codes cost £20 each for members (£40 non members). A compete set of Codes covering all four refrigerant groups is on one CD rom is also now available at £70 for members (£140 for non members)

The IOR system design codes on searchable CD Rom help you to interpret requirements of all relevant legislation, regulations and standards including the new F Gas Regulations, Machinery Directive, Pressure Regulations, ODS Regulations and DSEAR.  Newly updated to conform with the revised European Safety Standard BS EN378:2008, the revised IOR safety codes are a must for anyone involved in specifying, designing, maintaining or decommissioning refrigerating systems over 10kW input power.

Contents include: relevant properties of refrigerants; component design; system design and installation; system testing procedures; commissioning new plant; inspection and maintenance; essential documentation; decommissioning practice; a complete guide to relevant references, standards and legislation.

Includes useful samples and tables for:

• Allowable Pressure and Strength Test Procedure
• Pneumatic Strength Pressure Test Procedure
• Marking and Name Plate Data
• Commissioning of New Installations
• Machinery Rooms and Auxiliary Safety Equipment
• Typical Schedule for Inspection and Maintenance
• Sample Details for Register
• Sample System Log/Compressor Operating Data

The Institute Technical Committee has decided that publication in 2008 of the revised European refrigeration safety standard  BS EN 378:2008  "Refrigerating systems and heat pumps – Safety and environmental requirements" warranted a revision of the original A1/A2 and A3 codes of practice.  Requirements for A2 refrigerants have been moved to the Safety Code of Practice for Refrigerating Systems Utilising A2 and A3 Refrigerants.  These two new Safety Codes are now available from the IOR Shop as PDF downloads at a cost of £20 each to members (£40 non members).  Codes for Carbon Dioxide (R-744) and Ammonia refrigerant are currently being revised for reissue in January 2009. 

The European Ozone Depleting Substances regulation explains the restrictions on new equipment and states that "There will be a ban on the use of virgin HCFCs from 1st January 2010 and a ban on the use of all HCFCs, including recycled materials, from 1 January 2015."

The IOR has a brief guide which helps to outline options for owners of industrial equipment on its site here.

There are also requirements regarding leak testing and qualification of personnel.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions for clarification can be viewed at http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ozone/faqs.htm

A DTI booklet on how the regulation effects users and maintainers of equipment can be download from the site below:

The IOR project to develop a simple measure of refrigeration system efficiency has successfully produced an IOR System Efficiency Index. The tool is available for use by designers, engineers and purchasers of complex refrigeration systems, to indicate their comparative efficiency (rated A-D). A set of guidelines running along side the index outlines how it can be used and how you can improve your rating. A Wizard will take you through all of the steps to calculate your proposed (or actual) system efficiency using some basic measurements. This free tool was sponsored by the CArbon Trust as part of its commitment to helping the refrigeration sector improve its energy use and encourage purchasers to make energy efficient decisions. Register to download the index free of charge from this site.

Members of the Institute of Refrigeration are able to register with the Engineering Council EC(UK) as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician depending on their level of qualifications and experience.

Through a special arrangement with The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), applications from IOR members will be processed by CIBSE. As a licensed body of the Engineering Council UK, CIBSE facilitates the Registration process. They may therefore nominate those who are appropriately qualified and professionally competent for the UK Chartered Engineer register. Applications are assessed against the standard Engineering Council professional requirements and subject to assessments or interviews as necessary.

Registration with the Engineering Council provides IOR members with independent verification of their competence and commitment to professionalism, as well as the right to use designatory letters after their name (C Eng, I Eng, Eng Tech). Standard application fees apply, but the registrants are not required to pay membership fees to CIBSE for their registration to be considered.

For full details and application forms see the Professional Development Pages on this website

One of the most popular outputs from the REAL Zero project has been the set of guides for service engineers on leak testing. These colour illustrated booklets are handy and clear and will help focus activity on fixing and preventing future leaks.  

The guides in A4 format are available as free PDFs from the project website at www.realzero.org.uk. However we have had a lot of requests from employers and training providers for hard copies of the booklets so that they can distribute them even wider within the industry.  As a result we are now able to offer printed versions.

The two pocket guides (10cm x 13cm approx) contain 16 pages each with illustrations of common leaks to look for during leak testing and guidance on how to carry out effective leak testing, checking leak detectors work, and recording checks for F gas regulations. You can see the contents of the guides laid out as A4 publications at the REAL Zero site.

If you are interested in buying copies the Pocket Versions please see the IOR shop below -

To order an individual set of 2 guides

To order larger quantities

UK Government helpline can deal with individual queries about the F Gas Regulations and have a range of useful guidance notes at:

Telephone Helpline: 0161 874 3663

Email: Fgas-support@enviros.com

Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fgas

Address: F-gas support, PO Box 481, Salford, M50