World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

FETA warns on DSEAR responsibilities

UK: With increased use of flammable refrigerants, the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) has warned facilities managers to ensure they have the necessary DSEAR risk assessments in place.

DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres) regulations were introduced to protect people from risks to their safety in the workplace, and to members of the public who may be put at risk by work activity.

When originally written in 2002, DSEAR only applied to A2 and A3 refrigerants defined as flammable (hazard classes H220 and H221) but with the introduction of class A2L refrigerants they also come under the scope of this regulation. However, the regulation was amended in 2015 to include gases under pressure (hazard class H280), which means all classes of refrigerant are within the scope of DSEAR, and hence all refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump installations need to be compliant.

FETA says it has concerns that “employers”, as defined within the regulation, may not be fully aware of their legal responsibilities under DSEAR, as regards risk assessments.

“It has come to FETA’s attention that there may be facilities’ managers in the UK unaware that following revisions to the regulation a DSEAR Risk Assessment is a legal requirement that applies where any air conditioning, refrigeration or heat pump is installed and is required in any situation where there is gas under pressure, not only when the refrigerant is A2L or flammable,” said FETA commercial manager Martyn Cooper. 

FETA has produced a full guidance document on risk assessments for compliance with DSEAR which can be downloaded here.

Latest News

9th July 2025

Systemair to acquire Indian fan manufacturer

SWEDEN: Systemair AB has signed an agreement to acquire NADI Airtechnics Ltd, a leading Indian manufacturer of industrial fans.
9th July 2025

AIT brings low-charge R290 heat pump to market

GERMANY: The Kasendorf-based manufacturer AIT-Group has launched the first refrigerant-reduced R290 heat pumps based on the scientific work of the Fraunhofer Institute’s LC150 project.
8th July 2025

Work begins on expanding heat pump facility 

DENMARK: Johnson Controls has broken ground on an expansion of its Holme heat pump and chiller facility in Aarhus, Denmark. 
8th July 2025

Nordic Climate acquires Dutch firm Climanova

SWEDEN/NETHERLANDS: The Nordic Climate Group has continued its expansion with the acquisition of Climanova, a company offering cooling, climate control, and heating solutions with bases in the Netherlands and Belgium.
8th July 2025

Eurovent guidance on incomplete deliveries 

BELGIUM: Eurovent has released updated versions of its guidance for manufacturers, distributors, and end-users of refrigerated cabinets.
8th July 2025

Daikin and Ghent partner on heat pumps

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has signed a two-year partnership with the City of Ghent and Ghent University to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, circular and liveable city.