Guidance

Checking ozone-depleting substances equipment for leaks

How often you must get equipment checked for leaks if it contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - a type of ozone-depleting substance (ODS).

From:
Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
16 October 2019

A qualified technician must check equipment containing ODS (HCFCs) for leaks every:

  • 12 months if it’s charged with (contains) 3kg or more HCFCs and isn’t hermetically sealed
  • 12 months if it’s charged with 6kg or more HCFCs and is hermetically sealed
  • 6 months if it’s charged with 30kg or more HCFCs
  • 3 months, if it’s charged with 300kg or more HCFCs

Equipment is hermetically sealed if a part of the product containing HCFCs is permanently sealed. This means it is welded or brazed shut, even if it has capped valves or service ports.

If you find a leak

If you find a leak you must repair it within 14 days and repeat the test within one month to check the repair worked.

Published 16 October 2019

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