The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has published a new Flammable Refrigerant Training Policy statement, recommending that awareness of both F-gas and non-F-gas flammable refrigerants should be held by all those installing heat pumps.
This guidance comes as the UK government reviews GB F-gas regulations and the European Union moves towards mandatory certification for flammable refrigerants. The HPA describes the timing as “welcome” for the industry.
The policy statement is further supported by findings from a recent ACRIB survey of sector companies, including HPA members, focused on refrigerant handling training, qualifications and skills. The survey revealed strong employer support for mandatory certified training for those handling flammable refrigerants in the UK, reinforcing the need for the sector to support developments in this area.
The survey results show high levels of awareness of available qualifications for handling flammable refrigerants, with many employers already implementing training programmes.
Additionally, the survey highlights the sector’s commitment to avoiding gaps in refrigerant handling, when policies are encouraging the use of lower GWP refrigerants, some of which are not fluorinated gasses, and therefore are not covered by the current regulations, which require operatives to be certified.
Commenting on the new releases, Charlotte Lee, HPA chief executive, says: “Today’s publication demonstrates the strong support from the sector for levelling the playing field in terms of installer training and certification requirements for both F-Gas and non F-Gas flammable refrigerants. The HPA will continue to work with its members, stakeholders and policy officials to call for this alongside the expected review of GB F-Gas regulations.”
To view the HPA’s Flammable Refrigerant Training Policy, click here.
