Blue Print instruction on Air Con System Diagnostics | Part 5

Servicing Air conditioning and the Law

You cannot now service or repair vehicle air conditioning systems unless you have proved your competence to do so – it’s the law.

Proving your competence can be done through the IMI’s F Gas ATA qualification ‘Automotive Technician Accreditation – Air Conditioning Refrigerant Handler’. This process involves proving your theoretical knowledge – technical and non-technical – and also your practical ability.

In this article we are focussing on the non-technical theoretical knowledge that you will need to possess in addition to the technical aspects of these systems already covered in previous articles within this series.

Environmental impact – we have established that chlorine released from R12 damages the ozone layer allowing harmful ultraviolet rays to travel to the earth’s surface causing all sorts of health issues; two examples being eye damage and skin cancer. We have also established that both R12 and R134a refrigerant gasses contribute to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat between the earth’s surface and the troposphere therefore raising the temperature of our natural climate. This is why from 1991 it has been illegal to deliberately release R12 or R134a into the atmosphere. (Refer to section 33/34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 EPA)

Environmental damage potentials of refrigerants

Global warming potential (GWP) is a number attached to a gas which allows us to understand the potential a gas has to contribute towards global warming. Global warming potential is measured in relation to CO². If a gas has a global warming potential of 1, it has the same potential to contribute to global warming as CO². If a gas has a global warming potential of 2, that means it’s potential is twice that as CO².

CFC R12 – GWP 8500
HFC R134a – GWP 1300

Likewise, Ozone depleting potential (ODP) is again a value compared to another gas. ODP relates to the potential a gas has to deplete the ozone layer in relation to R11. R11 has an ODP of 1.0. If a gas has an ODP of 0 it is not harmful to the ozone layer, if it has a ODP of 1 it is just as damaging to the ozone layer as R11 and if it has an ODP of 2 it is twice as damaging to the ozone layer as R11.

CFC R12 – ODP 1.0
HFC R134a – ODP 0

The MAC Directive (EC Directive 2006/40/EC)

• The MAC Directive (EC Directive 2006/40/EC) refers to the phasing out of HFC 134a in new vehicles from 2011 and a replacement gas with a maximum (GWP) 150 will be introduced.
• This directive states that maximum limits on leakage from MAC systems in new vehicles will be set.
• Vehicle type approval will not be granted to vehicles fitted with an air conditioning system designed to contain R134a unless the leakage rate is 40g for a single evaporator and 60g for a double evaporator over a 12 month period.
• Abnormal leaks must be repaired before systems are refilled.

Montreal Agreement

A treaty was opened for signature in 1987 to protect the ozone layer called the Montreal Agreement. This treaty planned a structure for phasing out all substances containing chlorine or bromine minimising any further damage to the ozone layer. There have been several revisions to this agreement since its inception.

Kyoto Protocol

A treaty was also created in 1997 as a response to greenhouse effect called the Kyoto protocol. It’s aim is the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations that would prevent dangerous interference to the world’s climate. A total of 169 countries signed up to the protocol representing 61.6% of the earth’s manmade emissions. This protocol has been revised several times in the last 15 years.

R12

The use of R12 is banned in the UK. From 1st January 2000 it became illegal to trade R12. From 1st January 2001 it became illegal to service any vehicle system containing R12. Severe penalties exist if these laws are broken. An R12 vehicle will usually be fitted with screw type service unions as opposed to the quick release unions found on R134a systems. Vehicles containing R12 must have their gas recovered by approved companies and the system changed / retrofitted to accommodate usually, R134a.

Disposable cylinders

Disposable R134a containers have been banned as of 4th July 2007. When the distributors stocks have been exhausted you will only be able to use a refillable vessel much like the gas available from petrol station forecourts.

If refilling a refrigerant vessel, only fill to around 75% capacity to ensure enough space is left to compensate for material build up in the cylinder and pressure variations due to temperature.

Gross weight – tare weight = net weight.

Net weight x 0.75 = recommended amount to fill a pressurised cylinder.

It is currently expected the law will permit the purchase R134a only if you hold a DEFRA approved Qualification.

If needing to dispose of refrigerant / contaminated refrigerant, the use a certified gas handling/disposal company is essential. A waste transfer notice will need to be completed during the transaction. Liability is not transferrable when it comes to the disposal of hazardous waste and so even if a disposal company provides you with a waste transfer note, as part of your environmental audit the disposal process of the disposal company should be monitored by your organisation.

Safety

Fluoroelastomer gloves are recommended gloves that protect you from R134a refrigerant and its –26.3c boiling point.

Always wear gloves, full face goggles and some form of overalls when working on air conditioning systems as this will minimise the risk of frostbite.

Always work on air conditioning systems in a well-ventilated area as R134a refrigerant gas is heavier than air and if inhaled will replace the oxygen in your lungs, potentially leading to suffocation.

Always Refer to Material Data Sheets in companies COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) file – all employees of a company employing more than 5 people should have seen these sheets and signed to say they have read them. Material safety data sheets are very important documents in the even of an accident. They contain potentially very usefull infomation to first aiders and the emergency services in the event of an accident.

Refrigerant must never be used to investigate potential leaks in air conditioning systems. Leak detection processes involving pressure testing the systems is only allowed if Oxygen Free Nitrogen testing kits (or equivalent) are used. Remember, it is illegal to pressure test an A/C system with refrigerant if a leak is suspected.

Training for refrigerant handlers

As of 15th February 2008 minimum qualifications apply to anyone wishing to recover refrigerant from MACs. (Mobile Air Conditioning Systems). During the period in between the 15th February 2008 to 4th July 2010 all personnel must be qualified in one of the qualifications listed in the GB Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2008 (statutory Instrument 2008 No.41). (Type it into a search engine and you’ll find it).

“Automotive Technician Accreditation – Air Conditioning Refrigerant Handler” is included in the list of minimum requirements.

During this assessment you and your technical staff will be assessed on all areas of refrigerant handling including servicing a vehicle using environmentally sensitive methods and a completing and online knowledge test.

Your understanding of this and previous articles within this series will assist you in achieving the required theoretical standard!

This article has been compiled using a selection of documentation provided by DEFRA and the HSE. If you require further guidance, and how the regulation changes will affect you or your work place we recommend the DEFRA website www.defra.gov.uk/fgas and www.hse.gov.uk