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In our view, the main reasons why owners, operators, and installers incorporate gas detection systems in their facilities are:

• to reduce costs
• to comply with Legislation/Standards on safety and control of leakage in their particular industry
• to protect  the environment

COST

1. In refrigeration and heating installations, efficiency in the operation of the system depends on its gas charge, a leaking system will incur additional costs.  Firstly, it needs to work harder to produce the same cooling / heating effect which substantially increases power consumption resulting in an increase in the energy bill. Additionally, there is the associated cost of topping up and a service call.
2. Global Warming Energy taxes when implemented will increase this cost dramatically. In the UK and Holland energy taxes have been implemented while Denmark has applied penal taxes on refrigerant.
3. Stock/ Premises/Personnel damage: In the worst case scenario a substantial leak may give rise to possible product spoilage, leading to stock loss.  Moreover, combustible and toxic gases pose a real threat to staff and premises, due to depletion of the oxygen content of the air in a space, health problems, or explosions.
4. Insurance premium: In some instances insurance companies require the installation of gas detectors to maintain cover and are reducing premiums where these are fitted.

Given these fairly obvious cost implications it is surprising that in so many cases leaks are allowed to continue without any corrective action being taken.

The Industry reluctance to minimise leaks has resulted in Legislation and Standards being introduced worldwide to force the issue.

LEGISLATION

1. Safety at Work

Occupational and ‘safety at work’ type legislation require that workers are not exposed to harmful gases, including refrigerants, above the recommended limits. These are normally policed by responsible bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive/Authority. Exposure levels are published and workers should not be exposed to higher levels.

For further guidelines on Safety at work, please check our website www.murco.ie – in the FAQ section we have added “Useful Links” to a number of leading Occupational Safety at Work institutions worldwide.

2.   International Standards and Regulations requiring the use of fixed refrigerant leak detectors

Most countries in the world require the use of fixed refrigerant detectors in all refrigeration and air conditioning machinery rooms.

There are specific rules or standards prohibiting leaks of refrigerant. These came about because of the damage caused to the ozone layer by CFCs. The Montreal Convention covered the phasing out of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and the scheduled phasing out of HCFC’ s(hydro-chlorofluorocarbons)

A second source of concern is the double impact to the environment from leaking systems resulting in global warming.  It has been stated that historically 70% of refrigerants manufactured has been used for top ups.  These direct emissions contribute to global warming.  Indirectly this has a greater effect due to carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the production of higher amounts of power required by a leaking system.

In addition most countries issue strong warnings on the dangers of refrigerant leaks into occupied spaces with direct air-conditioning systems such as VRV / VRF and they limit the charge of refrigerant allowed.

The basic worldwide Standard is the ISO 5149 – Mechanical refrigerating systems used for cooling and heating – Safety requirements that should be operative in all member countries of the International Organisation for Standardisation.

Some countries have modified the ISO 5149 and established their own Standards. These include:

1. Europe and CEN countries
   It is now a requirement in all European and CEN countries to take all reasonable steps to prevent leakage of refrigerants by installing fixed gas detectors in new and existing installations.
   - European Community Regulation No 2037/2000 On Ozone Depleting Substances
   - European Standard EN378 – Refrigerating Systems & Heat Pumps-Safety & Environmental Requirements.
   - F-Gas Regulation EC No.842/2006 – EC Global Warming ResponseUSA: ASHRAE 15 and Unified Mechanical Code 1994
2. Australia / New Zealand: AS/NZ 1677.2
3. S. Africa: SANS 10147
4. Africa, Asia, and Others: ISO 5149 would apply

As well as the common requirement to fit leak detectors in all machinery rooms and to take special precautions with comfort air conditioning, each standard has particular requirements and should be reviewed in each case.

For further detailed information, we have prepared brief summaries reflecting our views on EN378, F- gas regulation, ASHRAE 15-1994, Unified Mechanical Code, and AS/NZ 1677.2.  Please contact us should you require a copy.

3. Ships including Fishing Vessels
On ships and fishing vessels with refrigeration, there are extensive regulations requiring that refrigerant leak detection systems be fitted. This is particularly important in the case of standard refrigerants, which are odourless, heavier than air, and so tend to accumulate in wells or below decks displacing air and leading to possible asphyxiation.
Importantly, failure to comply with the Law or a Code or Standard could have insurance or compensation implications in the event of an accident or claim.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Minimising leaks of damaging gases to the atmosphere has become increasingly important in the last 10 years.

Research in the 80′s proved that man-made substances including CFC’s, HCFC’s, and halons cause severe depletion of the Ozone layer.  Each chlorine atom can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.

Children born today have up to 10% greater risk of contracting skin cancer due to the damage in the Ozone layer and the resulting increase exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

In addition to this, a second threat has been identified as many ozone-depleting substances contribute to Global Warming and Climate Change.  There is serious impact on a wide variety of sectors including the availability of fresh water, food supply and health.

Users of gas detection equipment can be seen to be environmentally concerned by pursuing best industry practise.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that eventually every operator will be forced to install gas monitoring equipment in order to comply with legislation, protect personnel and the environment, and save operative costs.

We recommend to all our customers that they should include in their quotations, as an option, the provision of gas detectors so as to cover any possible liability and to be seen as a ‘Best Practise Operator’.

Download the PDF version of this FAQ – 1. Why use a gas detector : Legislation, Regulations, Standards

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