HPA backs mandatory flammables certification

UK: The Heat Pump Association has recommended that awareness of flammable refrigerants should be held by all those installing heat pumps.

In a new statement ahead of the review of Great Britain’s F-Gas regulations, the HPA says it is “vitally important” that installation and service personnel are properly trained to handle flammable refrigerants safely. It reflects recent action in the EU to introduce mandatory certification for flammables.

The HPA’s stance is supported by a recent survey of UK heat pump companies, which revealed strong support for mandatory certified training for those handling flammable refrigerants.

The current UK F-gas regulation does not require anyone handling non-F-gas flammable refrigerants, like R290, to be certified.

“For these lower GWP non-fluorinated flammable refrigerants, within the UK, there is currently no minimum or mandatory training and handling requirement for engineers working on the refrigerant circuit of a heat pump, and there is no requirement to hold a flammable refrigerant handling qualification,” the HPA says.

“It should be noted that the Health and Safety at Work Act obliges companies to consider risks and safe working practices,” it adds.

“It is vitally important that installation and service personnel are properly trained to handle these refrigerants safely. It is also important that those who play a role in the installation of such a system have at least a basic understanding of the considerations required.”

HPA chief executive Charlotte Lee commented: “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.”