From 7th March 2015 the Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations 2015 has consolidated the Ozone Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations 2009 AND the
Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-depleting substances) Regulations 2011
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are man-made substances that cause damage to the stratospheric ozone layer and have contributed to the ozone hole over the Antarctic.
Most ODS are also very potent greenhouse gases.
They include:
– Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
– Halons
– Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) (including R22 used in Air Conditioning Units.)”
What Does this Mean?
Organisations need to consider their use of Ozone Depleting substances and while this might seem like the domain of a manufacturer, you might find them in other places.
For example, Air Conditioning units in many offices used R22, a type of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) until the previous regulations outlawed it recently.
All units using R22 gas should now have been replaced.
Minimum Qualifications
Schedule 2 of the new regulations has an updated list of the acceptable minimum qualifications for engineers who:
– Service and Maintain Equipment (inc Air Conditioning, Refrigeration etc)
– Dismantle Equipment (As above)
– Maintain or Decommission Equipment (inc Fire Protection Systems)
and requires the ‘Employer’ to ensure that the staff are competent.
For more information on the new regulations contact our Environmental Team at Assent Risk Management.
entry150324-164414
