F Gas - Resolved

In response to the new F Gas legislation both City and Guilds and C.Skills (Construction Skills) have replaced their existing refrigerant handling qualifications with the exception of Ammonia which remains unchanged.

City and Guilds 2078 becomes City and Guilds 2079, Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 and C.Skills Safe Handling of Refrigerants becomes C.Skills Safe handling of Refrigerants Categories 1 and 2 (J11 and J12) or Recovery of Refrigerants (Category 3, J13) or Leakage Checking (Category 4, J14)

Both City and Guilds and C.Skills now offer a choice of 4 categories:

Category 1 For systems with more than 3 kgs of refrigerant in them
Category 2 For systems with less than 3 kgs of refrigerant in them
Category 3 Recovery of Refrigerant Only
Category 4 Leak Testing Only

Both involve a practical test.
City and Guilds 2079 tests the theory by means of an on-line multiple choice question paper. The qualification is valid for life or until superseded.
C.Skills tests the theory by means of a written paper with a mixture of 'open' and 'closed' book questions. The qualification is valid for 5 years.

As most engineers will need Category 1 we are offering this as standard but for those needing Categories 2, 3 or 4 we will provide these on request.

What do you need to know?
Although only a guide the following are the main topics which will be covered:

Theory - you will need to have an understanding of the following:

• Identify units of temperature, pressure, mass, density and enthalpy, including
different states of refrigerant
• Understand the basic theory of the vapour cycle and the use of pH diagrams
• Understand the function of the major components, their performance and
indications of leakage
• Be able to determine the operating conditions and efficiency of a system
• Show knowledge of Azeotropic and non azeotropic refrigerants
• Understand the GWP (global warming potential) of refrigerants
• Knowledge of energy efficiency and ozone depletion, including the Montreal
and Kyoto Protocols
• Be able to identify leakage points and the associated risks
• Know the legal requirements regarding the storage and transportation of
refrigerants, oils and controlled wastes
• Know and be able to complete the documentation and records which need to be
made and kept
• Recognise the hazards involved in handling refrigerants, oils and waste
products
• Recognise the hazards involved in nitrogen pressure testing and flame brazing

Practical - you will need to demonstrate the following practical skills:

• Be able to braze and flare pipe
• Carry out and complete nitrogen pressure test
• Carry out and complete leak test direct and indirect
• Vacuum out system and use a vacuum gauge
• Prove system structure is sound and leak tight
• Charge system with non azeotropic refrigerants (over 3 kg for category 1,
under 3 kg for category 2)
• Prove system efficiency
• Produce commissioning document
• Complete a system log
• Recover refrigerant
• Drain oil from a compressor
• Produce waste documentation
• Ensure refrigerant traceability
• Operate refrigeration service valves

The Courses

Because everyone has different knowledge and experience this qualification can be gained in various ways.

For very experienced engineers we are offering:

• A 1 day, Assessment Only Course
• A 2 day, Extra Theory and Assessment Course
• A 3 day, Extra Practical, Extra Theory and Assessment Course

For less experienced engineers and those wanting to learn other skills we are offering refrigerant handling as part of our standard courses as before.

Frequently Asked Questions
A brief guide to the common ones -

Do I need a refrigerant handling qualification?
Yes - if you are handling refrigerants, or likely to be breaking into the refrigeration system you need a valid qualification now. By July 2009 you will also need a valid qualification to purchase refrigerants.

What counts as a valid qualification?
Until July 2011 City and Guilds 2078 or 2079 or a valid C.Skills certificate.

When do the new qualifications come in?
They are available now but aren't a mandatory requirement until July 2011.

What about ammonia?
Ammonia qualifications are unaffected by 'F Gas'. Your existing City and Guilds 2078 or valid C.Skills certificate is fine.