Guidance

ANNEX 12 - F GAS LEAKS

Updated 31 January 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-code-of-practice-for-the-safety-of-small-fishing-vessels-of-less-than-15m-length-overall/annex-12-f-gas-leaks

How often you must check for F gas leaks

How often you must check for leaks depends on the:

  • amount of F gas in the equipment
  • global warming potential of the F gas (how much the F gas contributes to global warming)

Frequency of equipment leak checks for common HFCs:

Maximum period of time between leak checks Maximum equivalent weight of carbon dioxide (tonnes) HFC 23 (kg) HFC 227ea (kg) HFC 404A (kg) HFC 410a (kg) HFC 134a (kg)
1 year 5 0.3 1.6 1.3 2.4 3.5
6 months 50 3.4 15.5 13 24 35
3 months 500 34 155 127 240 350

Automatic leak detection

You must fit a leak detection system if your equipment contains F gas equivalent to 500 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide.

Mass of gases commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning or fire protection equivalent to 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

F gas Mass of gas equivalent to 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide (kg)
HFC 23 34
HFC 508B 38
HFC 507A 125
HFC 404A 127
HFC 434A 154
HFC 227ea 155
HFC 422D 183
HFC 438A 221
HFC 410A 239
HFC 407C 282
HFC 134a 350

The leak detection system must alert you, or a service company responsible for your equipment, if it detects a leak. You must have your leak detection system checked:

  • every 6 years on electrical switchgear

  • every year on all other equipment containing F gas

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