ACRIB register recognises new F Gas and ODS qualifications - 13/3/2009
ACRIB has operated a voluntary register of personnel qualified as Safe Refrigerant Handlers for nearly 20 years. Under UK F Gas and ODS laws any individual who handles these refrigerants must be suitably qualified. The scheme aims to provide a national register of individuals who have successfully completed an approved refrigerant handling competence assessment. Registration for handling of Ammonia is also offered.
Why is it needed? - The scheme provides simple evidence (by way of a photocard) of an individuals' competence and a database handlers which can be used by employers and end users to verify qualifications.
How does it operate? - The register is open only to individuals and operates on a voluntary basis. Registrants must have successfully completed a recognised qualification.
How much does registration cost? The cost of registering with ACRIB's Refrigerant Handling Register is £40 (including VAT). Registration normally lasts for three years however expiry date on cards for operatives who do not yet hold the new F gas qualifications is set at 4th July 2011. The ODS Gas handling expiry date will remain three years from the date of registration.
Is it compulsory? - Registration is purely voluntary although many employers and end users now require that engineers hold ACRIB registration cards as evidence of competence. We currently hold details of over 5,500 qualified individuals.
How can I prove I'm registered? - A registered refrigerant handler is provided with a unique registration number and a registration photo-ID card. Anyone can contact ACRIB to confirm the validity of this registration card.
How can I join? - Guidance, registration forms and lists of centres where you can gain refrigerant handling qualifications are available on the ACRIB web site. To join the register you need to provide
- an ORIGINAL certificate
- your NI number
- two passport sized photos
- payment of £40 including VAT
- a completed application form
What qualifications do I need to get a card? - A summary of card expiry by commonly used refrigerants is shown below:
|
Refrigerant
|
Type
|
EC F Gas Regulation
|
EC Ozone Regulation
|
Older qualification
|
ACRIB card validity
|
New Qualification
|
ACRIB card validity
|
|
R22
|
HCFC
|
-
|
√
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
3 yrs from start date
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
R408A
|
HCFC + HFC Blend
|
√
|
√
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
4th July 2011
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
R134a
|
HFC
|
√
|
-
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
4th July 2011
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
R404A
|
HFC Blend
|
√
|
-
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
4th July 2011
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
R407C
|
HFC Blend
|
√
|
-
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
4th July 2011
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
R410A
|
HFC Blend
|
√
|
-
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
4th July 2011
|
C&G2079 pt1
or CITB J11
|
3 yrs from start date
|
|
NH3
|
Ammonia
|
-
|
-
|
C&G2078/CITB
|
3 yrs from start date
|
remains C&G2078
/CITB
|
3 yrs from start date
|
Current legislation requires that anyone handling Ozone Depleting refrigerants such as R22 or R408A must hold a refrigerant handling qualification either C&G2078/CITB or C&G2079 pt1 or CITB J11
Current legislation also requires that anyone handling refrigerants specified in the F Gas Regulations (HFCs including those above and others) can continue to work if they hold either an existing C&G2078 or CITB equivalent until 4th July 2011 only as an “interim qualification”. By this date they must have obtained one of the new F Gas and ODS qualifications C&G2079 pt1 or CITB J11.
Handling refrigerants includes any activity which involves pipework containing refrigerant such as installation, service and maintenance and decommissioning.
Companies who employ personnel involved in these activities must be registered by 4th July 2009 with a body to be appointed by Government. It has been indicated that this will be REFCOM and details are awaited. Register your interest at http://www.refcom.org.uk/
This note is intended as a guide to the ACRIB voluntary register of personnel. For detailed guidance on all aspects of the F Gas regulation training and other requirements please contact:
www.defra.gov.uk/fgas tel 0161 874 3663