F gases and ODS - Assessing the quantity on my site
If you have established that you are using F gas or ODS in one or more systems on your site, the next step is to find out how much F gas or ODS is in each system. The starting point for establishing the refrigeration charge in a system is to check any attached labels, then check the instruction manual or in commissioning records, finally you might be able to get details from the plant manufacturer or the installation contractor.
If you are still struggling or your company has refrigeration and/or air conditioning equipment that has been built on site you may find it difficult to assess the quantity of refrigerant in each system you operate. A guidance document about refrigerant charge calculation, see below, suggests a number of ways of assessing refrigerant charge plus a spreadsheet to assist you calculate the charge.
The refrigeration calculator can be used where a more careful estimate of refrigerant charge is needed. After inputting some information on the refrigeration system, the Excel document will indicate what obligations are related to the amount of refrigerant in the system. This is based on the rule of thumb work and should be used in conjunction with the guidance document.
More information
You should now read:
- What about voluntary actions?
- Qualifications & certification
- Record-keeping & reporting
- Enforcement and penalties
- (Compliance and enforcement home page)
See also our:
This information is managed by F-Gas Support, a Government funded team set up to provide guidance for manufacturers, operators, contractors and others that make, sell or handle F gases and ODS and associated equipment. We also help regulators promote compliance with these important environmental Regulations.
Page last modified: 12 August, 2008
Page published: 24 July 2008