Most of the major refrigeration equipment operators in the fresh produce sector are geared up for F Gas Day next Wednesday, but inevitably, some are burying their heads in the sand.
The application of EC regulation 842/2006 on July 4 covers the containment and recovery of F gases, used by anyone who has refrigeration equipment for storage systems. Operators will have a range of obligations, including speedy repair of any leakage, as well as checks and record keeping. They must also ensure they only use qualified staff.
“All operators of refrigeration equipment that uses F gases must use all available measures, which are technically feasible and that do not entail disproportionate cost to prevent leakage of F gases and to repair any detected leakage,” said refrigeration industry consultant Richard Shepherd-Barron. “Any leakage repair must be checked within a month to ensure that the repair has been effective. In addition, there must be regular checking for leakage to a laid-down timetable.” Careful record-keeping by the operator is vital under the regulation and must include all relevant details - even the details of the contractor who carried out the work.
“There are heavy penalties for the individuals who do not comply with the regulation,” said John Haffenden, managing director of Farm Refrigeration, pictured. “It is also very obvious that major customers will only want to trade with non-polluting suppliers.
“All of our main clients are aware, and now we are interested to see how this will be policed,” he added. “But there are those who bury their heads in the sand. They need to open their eyes to what is going on and they need to listen.”
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