F Gases and ODS

As part of the Scottish Governments ambition of net-zero emissions for Scotland by 2045, a ban that will prohibit certain types of fluorinated greenhouse gases ("F-gases") with a global warming potential ("GWP") greater than 2500 being used to service or refill refrigeration systems was introduced in 2020.

This ban will continue following EU Exit with the introduction of the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Visit our 2020 refrigerants gas ban webpage for more about the ban, or read on for further information on F Gases and ODS.

Fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F Gases) are a family of chemicals that contain fluorine however they are also powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The UK has regulation on the use of F Gases like hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexaflouride (SF6).

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are halogen-containing substances that damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Some ODS are also powerful greenhouse gases. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) represent the largest remaining use of ODS, which are mostly banned in the UK. Other ODS include:

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Halons
Methyl Chloroform
Carbon Tetrachloride (the main precursor of CFCs)
Methyl Bromide

Both F Gases and ODS are being phased down and phased out in the European Union (EU). They are used in a number of sectors, including:

refrigeration
air conditioning and heat pumps
fire protection systems and fire extinguishers
mobile air conditioning
high voltage switchgear
solvents and aerosols

Regulations and legislation

There are two United Kingdom regulations for fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances

Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/310)
Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/168)

These regulations were amended via the Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and continue to function following EU Exit.

The F Gases and ODS Regulations place many obligations on the operators of the equipment. They include requirements on:

stopping the use of all HCFCs to maintain refrigerants from 1 January 2015
leak checks on equipment
record keeping
recovery of F Gases/ODS
appropriately qualified personnel
labelling

The Defra website provides guidance for manufacturers, operators, contractors and others that make, sell or handle F Gases and ODS and associated equipment.

Our role

We are one of the enforcing authorities in Scotland for the F Gases and ODS regulations. We ensure compliance with the F Gases and ODS regulations, as part of our wider regulatory duties, that apply to industrial sites permitted under Part A of the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

Other industrial sites, commercial and retail businesses are regulated by local authorities and port health authorities. Scottish Offshore oil and gas installations are regulated by Scottish ministers.

Civil penalties

Operators that have not complied with their legal requirements and have received a penalty.

DSM Nutritional Products (UK) Limited

Failure to comply with Article 5 (1) of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015. A

Operators of stationary refrigeration equipment and containing fluorinated greenhouse gases in quantities of 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more, shall ensure that the equipment is provided with a leakage detection system which alerts the operator or a service company of any leakage.

Following a large unplanned release of R134A an investigation by SEPA concluded that four water chillers on site, each containing R134A with a capacity greater than 500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent did not have a leakage detection system which alerts the operator or a service company of any leakage.

Penalty £75,000

Contact us

If you have any questions or require any further information or advice on any aspect of F Gases or ODS, please contact: