Refrigerant Handling (F-Gas)

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) are used as refrigerants in air conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps.
Common F-gases include R-410A, R-32, R-134a, and R-407C, each with specific safety and handling requirements.
The F-Gas Regulations require that only certified personnel install, maintain, or recover F-gas refrigerants.
Releasing F-gas refrigerants to atmosphere is a criminal offence under UK and EU environmental law.
Refrigerant leak detection checks must be carried out at intervals based on the system CO2 equivalent charge.
F-gases are heavier than air and displace oxygen in enclosed plant rooms, causing asphyxiation risk.
Some newer refrigerants including R-32 and R-290 (propane) are mildly flammable, changing the safety profile.
Recovery of refrigerant into approved cylinders is mandatory before any system is opened for maintenance.
Pressure testing with dry nitrogen — never refrigerant — must precede charging to detect leaks.
Accurate records of refrigerant type, quantity charged, and any leaks must be maintained for each system.

Asphyxiation	F-gases are heavier than air and accumulate at low levels in plant rooms, displacing oxygen without warning.
Environmental law	Venting F-gas to atmosphere is a criminal offence with substantial fines under the F-Gas Regulations.
Flammable refrigerants	Newer low-GWP refrigerants are mildly flammable, requiring specific safety measures during handling.

Do

Don't

Hold a valid F-Gas certificate before handling any fluorinated refrigerant
Recover all refrigerant into approved cylinders before opening any system component
Pressure test with dry nitrogen before charging to identify leaks in the circuit
Ventilate plant rooms where refrigerant leaks could displace oxygen at floor level
Record the type and quantity of refrigerant charged on the system logbook
Carry out leak detection checks at the regulatory intervals based on charge size
Store refrigerant cylinders upright, secured, and in well-ventilated areas
Use a refrigerant leak detector during and after charging to confirm tightness
Wear safety gloves and goggles when connecting and disconnecting charging hoses
Dispose of recovered refrigerant through licensed waste management contractors

DON'T release refrigerant gas to atmosphere — it is a criminal offence
DON'T handle F-gas refrigerants without a valid F-Gas handling certificate
DON'T enter a plant room where a refrigerant leak alarm is active
DON'T use refrigerant gas for pressure testing — always use dry nitrogen
DON'T mix different refrigerant types in the same system or recovery cylinder
DON'T charge a system until a pressure and leak test has been completed successfully
DON'T store refrigerant cylinders in unventilated rooms or direct sunlight
DON'T ignore frost patches on pipework — they often indicate a refrigerant leak
DON'T use open flames near flammable refrigerants such as R-32 or R-290
DON'T leave charging hoses connected to systems unattended or overnight

See also: Chiller and Cooling Tower Safety | Mechanical Building Services Safety

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