GuidetoGoodCommercial

RefrigerationPractice


Part3

Safety&Environmental
Considerations&Standards
(RelatingToRefrigerationPractice)

BritishRefrigerationAssociation

InstituteofRefrigeration

Issue1May2009
 GuidetoGoodCommercialRefrigerationPracticePart3
Safety&EnvironmentalConsiderations&Standards

CONTENTS

3.0.0 GENERALINTRODUCTION
3.1.0 STANDARDS&REGULATIONS
3.1.1EUROPEANSTANDARDSEN378
3.1.2THECONSTRUCTION(DESIGN&MANAGEMENT)REGULATIONS
2007
PERMITSTOWORK
SAFESTORAGEOFMATERIALSANDEQUIPMENT
3.1.3THEELECTRICITYATWORKREGULATIONS1989
3.1.4THEMANAGEMENTOFHEALTH&SAFETYATWORKREGULATION1999

3.1.5THEMANUALHANDLINGOPERATIONREGULATIONS1992

3.1.6THEPRESSURESYSTEMSSAFETYREGULATIONS2000

3.1.7THEENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONACT1990

3.1.8THEPROVISIONANDUSEOFWORKEQUIPMENTREGULATIONS
1998

3.1.9THEPERSONALPROTECTIVEEQUIPMENTATWORKREGULATIONS
1992

3.1.10CONTROLOFSUBSTANCESHAZARDOUSTOHEALTH

3.1.11THECONTROLOFNOISEATWORKREGULATIONS2005
3.2.0 CEMARKING
3.2.1ELECTROMAGNETICCOMPATIBILITYREGULATIONS(EMC)1992(UNITED
KINGDOMREGULATIONFOREMCDIRECTIVE)

3.2.2SUPPLYOFMACHINERY(SAFETY)REGULATIONS1992(UNITEDKINGDOM
REGULATIONSFORTHEMACHINERYDIRECTIVE)

3.2.3LOWVOLTAGEDIRECTIVE(LVD)
3.2.4CONSTRUCTIONPRODUCTSDIRECTIVE(CPD)
3.2.5PRESSUREEQUIPMENTDIRECTIVE(PED)
TYPEOFEQUIPMENTUSEDBYINDUSTRYANDTHEDIRECTIVESWHICH
APPLY
GENERALSTATEMENTOFAPPLICABILITYOFEMCLVDANDMD

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3.0.0 GENERAL

Health and Safety considerations have been an important part of refrigeration

practice for a number of years now, however, the steady increase in legislation
eachyearhasmeantfurtherdemandsoncompanysandemployeestocomplywith
safetyandenvironmentallaw.

Clients require that refrigeration equipment is designed, installed,
commissioned/decommissioned, maintained and serviced, to required standards,
inasafeandenvironmentallyfriendlymanner.

ThissectionoftheGoodPracticeGuidehighlightsthenumerousstandards,health
and safety and environmental considerations and practices applicable to good
refrigerationpractice.

Finally further information on all matters concerning health and safety at work is
availableontheHSEwebsitewww.hse.gov.ukorfromyourlocalHSEoffice.

3.1.1 STANDARDS&REGULATIONSRELATINGTOSAFETYBSEN3782,3,42008

The entirety of the European Standard entitled 'Refrigerating Systems and Heat
Pumps Safety and Environmental Requirements' should be consulted when
designingrefrigerationsystems
For a reviewoftheabovedocumenttheInstituteofRefrigerationGuidanceNote
16entitledEN378ReviewofKeyRevisionsshouldbeconsulted

3.1.2 THECONSTRUCTION(DESIGN&MANAGEMENT)
REGULATIONS2007:

These regulations introduce a central framework covering Design, Installation,
Maintenance/Service and Decommissioning from both a planning and execution
view. They set out mandatory requirements for the control and operation of
Projects.Themaindutiesconcern:

TheClient;isresponsibleforensuringthatarrangementsaremadefortheproject,
including sufficient time and resources are available for health and safety to be
maintainedduringtheconstruction,maintenance,decommissioningoftheplantor
project. They are also responsible for the appointment of CDM Coordinator
(wheretheprojectisnotifiable)andaPrincipalContractorfortheproject.

TheCDMCoordinator;isresponsibleforadvisingtheclientandthepreparationof
the Pre Construction Information Pack, before construction begins, taking into
accountinformationobtainedfromtheclient,designersandcontractorsappointed
for the project, and also ensuring the competence of designers and contractors,
andwherenecessary,informingthehealthandsafetyexecutiveofthedetailsofthe
project.

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Designers; are responsible for ensuring that hazards are designed out of the
constructionandsubsequentmaintenanceandrepairprocess,asfaraspracticable,
and for advising the CDM Coordinator of any remaining hazards and the
requirementstoovercomethese.(DesignerRiskAssessments).

PrincipalContractor;receivesthepreconstructioninformationpackfromtheCDM
CoordinatoranddevelopsthisintohisConstructionPhaseHealthandSafetyPlan
adding any relevant Health & Safety information. As the project progresses the
Principal Contractor is responsible for running the site, monitoring site Health &
Safetyandprovidingsuitablewelfarefacilities,obtainingmethodStatements,Risk
&COSHHAssessmentsfromothercontractorsforworkthatistobecarriedout.At
the end of the project the Principal Contractor is required to assemble Health &
Safety file, which is handed over to the client on completion of the project. This
includesrelevantinformationtotheprojectthathasbeencompletedsuchasO&M
Manuals,drawingsandDesignerRiskAssessments.

Contractors; are responsible for the Health & Safety of their operatives, for
providinganyPersonalProtectiveEquipmentfortheirPersonnelandforproviding
andMethodStatements,RiskAssessments,orothersafetyinformationasrequired
tothePrincipalContractor.

As can be seen from the points above these regulations not only have a big
influence at the design and planning stages of a project, but also throughout the
installation,commissioning,maintenance/serviceanddecommissioningoperations.
Thefollowingaresitesafetyruleswhichapplytotheselatterstages.

OperativesshallwearoruseappropriatePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatalltimes
while they are on site where risks cannot be reduced through management
controls.

Works areas should be kept in a tidy condition and allhazardsremovedsofaras

practicable. Where any hazards remain, a risk assessment should be made and
control methods employed to reduce the risk e.g., safe systems of work, safety
signsetc.Ifcertainworkprocessesaregoingtoaffectothersworkinginthearea,
theyshouldbeadvisedand,ifnecessary,theareaclearedbeforeworkisallowedto
commence.

PermitstoWork.Incertainareaswherehazardoussituationscanarise,asystem
knownasaPermittoWorkmayberequired.Operativesshouldbeawareofthis
requirementandcheckwiththesitemanagementbeforecommencingworkinany
ofthefollowingcircumstances:

i Workingatheight
ii Workinvolvinghotwork,(brazing,abrasivewheels)
iii Workingwithhazardoussubstances,(wherethismayaffectothersin
thearea)
iv Workinginconfinedspaces

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v Workingonliveelectricalequipment
vi Workinginexcavationsdeeperthan1.2metres

FurtherdetailsonPermitstoWorkcanbefoundintheB.R.A.Task
ProceduresandRiskAssessments.

PermitstoworkareusuallyadministeredbytheclientorPrincipalContractor.

Safestorageofmaterialsandequipment.Beforeworkhascommencedonsite,
arrangements should be made with the client / principal contractor for the safe
storage of materials to be used for the installation, together with any work
equipment which may be used. Hazardous chemicals, gases, etc., need to be
storedinasecure,wellventilatedareaawayfromthenormalworkingareasofthe
site. Only sufficient material for the work in progress shall be maintained within
the work area. Likewise any hazardous materials or equipment shall be removed
fromtheareaattheendoftheworkingday.

3.1.3 THEELECTRICITYATWORKREGULATIONS1989:

These regulations relate to the safe design, installation and maintenance of
electricalequipmentandsystems,butmuchofthelegislationrelatestotheBritish
Standards BS7671 2008 17th Edition code of practice for the design, installation,
testingandmaintenanceofelectricalsystems.

Therelevantrequirementsoftheregulationsare:

Regulations4,5,6,requiredesignersandinstallerstoensureelectricalsystemsare
properlyconstructed/installedandaresuitablefortheenvironmentinwhichthey
areused.(SeealsoBS1761)

Regulations 13, 14, 15, require employers to ensure work activities, including
maintenance,arecarriedoutsafely.

Regulation16requirespersonscarryingoutelectricalworktobecompetent.

B.S. 1761 Part 5 sets out requirement for earthing and bonding of electrical
systems.

B.S. 1761 Part 6 sets out requirements for inspection and testing of electrical
systems.

3.1.4 THEMANAGEMENTOFHEALTH&SAFETYATWORK
REGULATIONS1999

The regulations seek to ensure employers have a framework in place for the
managementofhealthandsafetythroughouttheirbusiness.Thekeyrequirements
areasfollows:

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The main requirements of the Regulations are to carry out suitable and
sufficient assessment of risks to employees from working activities and
anyonewhomaybeaffectedbytheemployersundertaking.

Identify the necessary preventative or protective measures in order to

containtheriskstoemployeesHealth&Safetyfromtheassessments.

Make arrangements for planning, organising and implementing the

preventative and protective measures and then monitoring and reviewing
theseafterwards.

Establish procedures to be followed in the event of serious or imminent

danger.

Provide appropriate health surveillance, information and training for
employees.

Appointcompetentpersonstoassisttheapplicationoftheregulations.

TaskProceduresandRiskAssessmentsidentifymanyoftherisksandworkactivities
employedwithintherefrigerationindustry.However,itshouldberememberedat
thedesignstagethattherisksforeachprojectneedtobeidentifiedandrecorded
togetherwithmeansofcontrollingthem.

3.1.5 THEMANUALHANDLINGOPERATIONSREGULATIONS1992

Theseregulationssetdowncertainrequirementsforthemanualhandlingofloads
wherethereisaparticularbutnotexclusiveriskfrombackinjury.

The main duty for employers is to avoid the need for manual handling whenever
possible, where it is not possible consider changing the nature of the task or
provide mechanical aids in order to reduce or lighten the manual handling
proceduresload.

Whetherthemanualhandlingcannotbeavoided,manualhandlingtasksmustbe
assessed,evaluatedandtraininggiveninproperliftingmethods,

Employeeswillberequiredtomakefulluseofanymechanicalhandling
equipmentprovidedandtouseitintheprescribedmanner.Theywillalsobe
requiredtocarryoutcorrectmanualliftingproceduresasinstructedandto
reportanypersonalillhealth,injuryorconditionwhichmayaffecttheirabilityto
carryoutamanualhandlingtask.

Task Procedures and Risk Assessments cover manual handling operations in the
refrigerationindustry.

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3.1.6 THEPRESSURESYSTEMSSAFETYREGULATIONS2000

(Theseguidancenotesrefertorefrigerationsystemsonly)

The regulations apply to all refrigeration systems incorporating compressor drive
motors, including standby compressor motors, having a total installed power
exceeding25kw.
Allrefrigerationsystemsmustbeprovidedwiththenecessaryprotectivedevicesto
preventdanger.

Themodificationorrepairofasystemmustnotgiverisetodangerorimpairthe
operationofanyprotectivedevice.

Thedesignerandsupplierofanyrefrigerationsystemorcomponentmustprovide
written information on its design, construction, testing, operation and
maintenance.

Anyonewhomodifiesorrepairsasystemmustprovidewritteninformationonthe
modificationorrepair.

Noonemayremoveanameplate,orfalsifyanameplateonapressurevessel.

Nothingaboutthewayinwhicharefrigerationsystemisinstalledmaygiveriseto
dangerorimpairtheoperationofanyprotectivedevice.

The user/owner of a refrigeration system must establish its safe operating limits
beforeheallowsittobeopened.

The user/owner must not operate a system unless he has a written scheme by a
competentpersonforitsperiodicexamination.
Theuser/ownermustensurethathissystemisexaminedbyacompetentperson
inaccordancewiththewrittenschemeand,beforethesystemisoperated.
The user/owner must take all appropriate safety measures to prepare his system
forexamination.

Ifthecompetentpersonconsidersthatthesystemoranypartofitwillgiverise
toimminentdangerunlessrepairsorchangesaremade:

a) hewillimmediatelymakeawrittenreporttotheuser/owner
b) hewillwritetotheHSEwithin14days
c) the user/owner may not operate the system until the repair or changes are
made

Theuser/ownermustprovideadequateinstructionstotheoperatorregardingthe
safe operation of the system and action to be taken in an emergency. The
user/ownerisresponsibleforensuringthattheseinstructionsarecarriedout.

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The user/owner shall ensure that this system is properly maintained in good
repair,soastopreventdanger

The user/owner must keep the following information at the premises where his
systemisinstalled:

a) Thelastreportbythecompetentperson
b) Writteninformationonthedesignconstruction,operationandmaintenance.

Iftheuser/ownerofasystemchangesthenthecurrentuser/ownermustpasson
theabovedocumentstothenewuser/owner.

3.1.7 THEENVIRONMENTALPROTECTIONACT1990

UndertheaboveAct,thedeliberateventingofrefrigerantisanoffence.

Unwantedrefrigerantisconsideredtobeahazardouswaste.

Thefollowingactionscouldbeconstruedasdeliberateventing.

1. The venting of surplus refrigerant from a system to the atmosphere. If a system

appearstobeoverchargedtheexcessrefrigerantshouldbetransferredtoanother
workingsystemordecantedintoarefrigerantcylinder.

2. The venting of the refrigerant charge to atmosphere instead of using refrigerant

recoverywhendecommissioningarefrigerantsystem.

3. Theventingofrefrigerantchargetoatmospherewithoutusingarefrigeratednon
condensablegasfromarefrigerationsystem.

4. The process of multiple evacuation of a refrigeration system by which the

deficienciesofapoorqualityvacuumpumpmaybeovercomebyrepeatedlyadding
refrigerantgastoanemptysystemandpumpingitoutagaintoatmosphere.Itis
necessary to use purpose built vacuum pumps with gas ballast to remove non
condensable and moisture from refrigerating system before charging them with
purerefrigerant.

5. The use of a refrigerant system or container as a source of pressurised gas for

cleaningpurposes.

6. The adding of refrigerant to a leaking system before thoroughly examining

thesystemtolocateandremedytheleaks.

Thefollowingactionsmaybeconsideredasinadvertentloss.

1. Lossofrefrigerantfromleakingseals,joints,gaskets,crackedpipesetc.,beforethe
leakhasbeendetectedandproperlyeliminated.

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2. Lossofrefrigerantfromreliefvalvesandburstingdiscsdischargingtoatmosphere
topreventdangertolifeorlimb.

3. Loss of residual refrigerant dissolved in oil etc., after normal processes of

refrigerantrecoveryhavebeenobserved.

4. Lossofsmallquantitiesofrefrigerantfromcharginglinesetc.,suchaswhatoccurs
in the normal process of connecting and disconnecting. Charging lines should be
sealedateachendwhennotinuse.

5. Loss of small quantities of refrigerant from short section of system pipework or

components, which have been pumped out inbetween isolating devices in the
courseofcomponentsservicingormaintenance.

6. Loss of small quantities of refrigerant along with noncondensable gas when the
systemispurgedthroughaproperlyrefrigeratednoncondensablegaspurer.

AllrefrigerantsCFCsHCFCsandHFCsareconsideredtobeHazardousWasteandmust
behandledinaccordancewiththefollowingRegulations:

TheHazardousWasteRegulations(EnglandandWales)2005
TheSpecialWasteAmendment(Scotland)Regulations2004
TheHazardousWasteRegulations(NorthernIreland)2005

Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, states that it is illegal to treat,
keepordisposeofwasteinamannerlikelytocausepollutiontotheenvironment,or
harm to human health. One should therefore take great care to avoid accidental
discharge of such controlled wastes and ensure all who handle them are aware of
regulations.

Controls regulating the transport of hazardous waste are imposed by the Control of
Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and the Environmental Protection (Registration of
CarriersandSeizureofVehicles)Regulations1991.Undertheseprovisionsanyonewho
transports waste in the course of business must be registered with the appropriate
wasteregulationauthorityunlessexempt.Thereisanexemptionforpersonscarrying
wastetheyhaveproduced.Itfollowsthereforethatrefrigerationengineerswhohave
recovered refrigerant and are therefore the producers of the waste are exempt from
theneedtoregisterasawastehaulier.Anyonewhotransportsrecoveredrefrigerantas
a controlled waste, but is not the Producer, must register. The transport of waste
must,underthedutyofcare,beaccompaniedbyaWasteTransferNoteoriftheWaste
isHazardousaConsignmentNotedetailingthefollowing:
Adescriptionofthewaste,
Thequantity,howitispacked
Thetypeofcontainer.

Allpartiesshouldkeeptheircopyofthetransfernoteanddescriptionfortwoyears.

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Iftransferringthewastetoanotherparty,itistheresponsibilityofthedisposerunder
the duty of care to check that the carrier is registered and that he has provided the
necessaryinformation.

HazardousWasteissubstancesthataredescribedintheEuropeanWasteCatalogueList
ofhazardouswastematerialsassociatedwithnormalrefrigerationpractice:

Refrigerants (CFCs HCFCs and HFCs) Secondary Refrigerants such as Ethylene
Glycol
Solvents
FluorescentTubes
Paint,Varnishes
WasteOil
EndofLifeRefrigerators

3.1.8 THEPROVISIONANDUSEOFWORKEQUIPMENT
REGULATIONS1998.

Whilsttheregulationspecificallymentionsworkequipment,italsoincludesthecontrol
ofcompleteworksystems.

Otherareascovered:

Selectionofequipment
Maintenance
EvaluationofRisks
GuardingandControlSystems
TrainingandInformation
MarkingandWarningetc.

Controlofsafemaintenanceworkandhealthandsafetymarkings.

Themostimportantaspectoftheseregulationsfromtherefrigerationcontractingpoint
of view, is the need to maintain work equipment properly, and keep relevant records.
Thefollowinglistofequipmentwillfallundertheserequirements:

a) Oxyacetyleneweldingandbrazingequipment(includingbottletrolleys),
b) VacuumPumps,
c) Refrigerantreclaimmachines,
d) Mechanicaltubebenders(Handoperatedandhydraulic),
e) ElectricDrills,
f) DiscCutters,
g) Ladders,
h) MobileScaffolding,
i) ExtensionLeads

Thislistidentifiesthegeneralequipmentusedinrefrigerationcontracting,theremaybe

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others.Theimportantpointtorememberisthatworkequipmentmustbemaintained
and operatives trained in the use of the equipment, i.e., the changing of abrasive
wheels,mobilescaffoldtowererectionanddismantlingetc.

3.1.9 THEPERSONALPROTECTIVEEQUIPMENTATWORK
REGULATIONS1992

ThisregulationmakesitclearthatPersonalProtectiveEquipment(P.P.E)shouldonlybe
used as a last resort, where risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently limited, either by
other protective measures, or through work reorganisation. (This Regulation
strengthensexistinglegislationundertheHealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974).

TheregulationsrequireP.P.E.tobe:

Providedfreeofcharge;
Issuedonapersonalbasis,whereappropriate;
CarrythenecessaryCEmark
Maintained in efficient working order, good repair and in a hygienic condition,
together with an arrangement for reporting faults and effecting repairs or
replacements.

Only provided subsequent to an assessment which would have established need any
typeofP.P.E.

P.P.E.istobeprovidedonlyafterariskassessmenthasconcludedthatitisrequired(as
alastresort)

P.P.E.shouldonlybeissuedtoapersonwhohasbeensufficientlytrainedinitsuseand
hasreceivedsufficientinformationrelatingtothePPEinquestion.

SuggestedPersonalProtectiveEquipment.

SAFETYITEM
Overalls/Boilersuit
SafetyShoes/Boots
HardHat
SafetyGoggles
BrazingGoggles
SafetyGloves
Handprotection
EarDefenders
BisonRespirator
HeavyDutyAllWeatherCoat
ColdAreaProtectionSuits
Carbonfreemats

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3.1.10 CONTROLOFSUBSTANCESHAZARDOUSTOHEALTH2002

Theseregulationsrelatetohazardoussubstancesusedintheworkplace.

The main objective of the regulations is to protect people from the health risks
associateswithexposuretohazardoussubstancesviatheundertakingofasuitableand
sufficientassessmentpriortousinghazardoussubstances.

Basicoccupationalhygieneprinciplesarefollowedbytheregulations.Theseintroducea
controlframeworkbyrequiringadequateassessmentoftherisktohealtharisingfrom
work activities associated with hazardous substances. It is important that these
assessmentsarecarriedoutonacompanybasis.Resultsofassessmentswilldetermine
control measures necessary to mitigate risk. It is not sufficient to issue just the safety
datasheetssuppliedbymanufacturerstopersonnel.Itneedstobeknownwhousesthe
substances, the safe storage methods, the quantities to be stored and how the
substanceistobeusedinordertocarryoutasuitableandsufficientCOSHHassessment.

3.1.11THECONTROLOFNOISEATWORKREGULATIONS2005

Theseregulationsrequirecompaniestoassesstherisktotheiremployeesfromnoiseat
workandtotakeactiontoreducethenoiseexposurethatproducestherisks.Duties
undertheregulationsinclude:

Establishcontrolmeasurestomitigaterisk.Thesemaybetoprovideemployeeswith
hearingprotectionifthenoiseexposurecannotbereducedenoughbyothermeans.
Ensurethatthelegallimitsonnoiseexposurearenotexceeded.
Carryouthealthsurveillancewherethereisarisktohealth.

ActionLevelsandLimitValues

Theregulationsstatethatthecompanymusttakeactionatcertainactionvalues.These
relateto:

(a) Thelevelsofexposuretonoiseofthecompany'semployeesaveragedoveraworking
dayorweek.

(b) The maximum noise (peak sound pressure) to which the company's employees are
exposedtoinaworkingday.

Thevaluesare:

Lowerexposurevalues:
Dailyorweeklyexposureof80dB
Peaksoundpressureof135dB.

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Upperexposurevalues:
Dailyorweeklyexposureof85dB
Peaksoundpressureof137dB.

Therearealsolevelsofnoiseexposurethatmustnotbeexceeded.

Exposurelimitvalues:
Dailyorweeklyexposureof87dB
Peaksoundpressureof140dB.

Examplesoftypicalnoiselevels:

If employees are exposed to noise which makes it necessary to shout to talk to

someone1Maway.

If employees are exposed to noise which makes it necessary to shout to talk to

someone2Maway.

Ifconversationat2Mpossible,butnoiseisintrusivecomparabletoabusystreet,a
typicalvacuumcleaneroracrowdedrestaurant.

3.2.0 CEMARKING

The EEC have an established set of regulations that enables equipment to be
exported/importedintoanyofthemembercountrieswithoutchangeshavingtobemade
tothetechnicalaspectoftheequipment.

Iftheequipmentconformstotheregulations,thentheCEmarkshouldbeaffixedtothe
equipmentconcerned.

TheCEmarkcoversthefollowingatpresent:

MachinerySafetyDirective1989
ElectromagneticCompatibilityDirective1993
LowVoltageDirective2006
PressureEquipmentDirective1997
ConstructionproductsDirective1989

3.2.1 ELECTROMAGNETICCOMPATIBILITYDIRECTIVE(EMC)

Introduction

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) was adopted in 1992, was in its
transitionalperiodforthreeyears,andbecamelawon1Jan1996.

From1Jan1996mostelectricalorelectronicproductsmadeorsoldintheUK(including
imports)must:

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a) beconstructedsothattheydonotcauseexcessiveelectromagneticinterferenceAND
arenotaffectedbyelectromagneticinterference
b)CarrytheCEmarking(thisisineffectthedeclaration)

Basicrequirements

TheDirectiverequirethat,formostproducts,complianceisdemonstrated.
Thiscanbedoneinoneof3ways:

SelfcertificationtoappropriateharmonisedEuropeanstandards;or
PrepareatechnicalconstructionfilewhichisapprovedbyaDTIappointedcompetent
body;or
Typeexamination,whichisrequiredforcertainclassesofequipment,e.g.,radio
transmittingequipmentincludingmobiletelephones.

Thesimplestwaytocomplyisbyselfcertificationusingproduct(orgeneric)standards,
withthecompletionofanengineeringdatafile,similartoaTCF(TechnicalConstruction
File,butwithouttheneedtoinvolveacompetentbody.

ForapparatuswherethereisnoapplicableharmonisedEuropeanEMCstandard,orwhere
aharmonisedstandardexistsbutcanonlybeappliedinpart,themanufacturerwillneed
toprepareatechnicalfileonhisapparatusandsubmitittoacompetentbodyfor
assessment.

Thismaymeanthecompetentbodyrequestingteststotheequipmenttoprove
conformitywiththeregulations.

Basicrequirementsoftechnicalconstructionfile.

PartI:Descriptionoftheapparatus:
i) identificationofapparatus
ii) atechnicaldescription

PartII:Proceduresusedtoensureconformityoftheapparatustotheprotection
requirements:
i) atechnicalrationale;
ii) detailofsignificantdesignelements;
iii) testevidencewhereappropriate

PartIII:AreportorcertificatefromaCompetentBody

Declarationofconformity(tobeinEnglish)

Thisgivesthenameandaddressoftheresponsiblepersonand,ifnotthemanufacturer,
thedetailsofthemanufacturer.Itmust:
besignedbyoronbehalfofthemanufacturerorhisorhisauthorisedrepresentative,
andidentifythatsignatory;

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bearthedateofissue;
giveparticularsoftheapparatustowhichitrelatessufficientlytoidentifyit;identifythe
technicalconstructionfilerelatingtotheapparatus,andgivethenameandaddressof
thecompetentbodywhichissuedthereportortechnicalcertificateandthedateand
anynumberthereof;
statethenumbersandtitlesofapplicableEMCstandard,ifany,appliedbythe
manufacturer;
certifythattheapparatustowhichthedeclarationrelatesconformswiththeprotection
requirementsoftheEMCDirective.

Largeinstallations

Itisenvisagedthattheremaybeoccasionswhere,becauseofthephysicalproperties(e.g.,
size,location)ofaninstallation,itisnotpracticabletoperformtestsaccordingto
harmonisedstandards.Forinstancetheinstallationmightbetoolarge,oritmightoperate
insuchawaythatthetestscouldnotbeconductedusingestablishedprocedures.

Underthesecircumstances,theroleofthetechnicalfileistodefineaframeworkwithin
whichthedesigneroftheinstallationcanoperateandremainconfidentthattheapparatus
whichmakesuptheinstallationcomplieswiththeessentialrequirementsofthedirective.

Marking

OnceaproductorsystemcomplieswiththeEMCdirective,themanufacturershould
completethedeclarationofconformityandplacetheCEmarkingontheproduct,orits
packaging,ortheinstructionforuseorontheguaranteecertificate.

3.2.2 SUPPLYOFMACHINERY(SAFETY)DIRECTIVEMSD/SUPPLYOFMACHINERY
REGULATIONS1992

Introduction

Theaboveregulationsenteredintoforceon1Jan1993andbecamefullyeffectiveon1Jan
1995. In order to clarify how the Regulations affect the refrigeration industry and its
various suppliers, this document has been compiled with the objectives of providing
guidanceon:
a) whattypeofmachinesusedbytheindustryarecoveredbytheRegulations,and
b) whether these should be supplied with Declaration of Conformity (and
consequently carrytheCEmark)orDeclarationofIncorporation.

ScopeoftheRegulations:

Coversmachinerywhichispoweredorhasmovingparts
Coversassembliesofmachinesarrangedandcontrolledsothattheyfunctionasone

Coverspartsthatmodifythefunctionofamachine

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Doesnotcovermachinescoveredbyotherdirectives,e.g.,LVD

GeneralRequirementsoftheRegulation:

Amachinecannotbesuppliedunless:
itisinfactsafe;
itsatisfiestheessentialhealthandsafetyrequirements(ESHRs);
the appropriate conformity assessment procedure has been carried out (see DTI
guidancenotes);
anECdeclarationofconformityordeclarationofincorporationhasbeenissued;
CEmarkinghasbeenproperlyfixed(fordec.ofcon.)

Theaboveregulationsarecurrent.However,thisarecurrentlyunderreviewand,atthetimeof
writing,newlegislationentitledtheSupplyofMachineryRegulations2008isscheduledtocome
intoforceonthe29thDecember2009.

3.2.3 LOWVOLTAGEDIRECTIVE(LVD)

Thelowvoltagedirectivefrom1973wasamendedin1993toincluderequirementsforCE
markingandtheUKGovernmentpublishedtheLowVoltageElectricalEquipment(Safety)
Regulationsin1994.Thisdirectivewasthenreplacedin2006bytheLowVoltageDirective
2006

The2006regulationsapplytoALLelectrical(includinganyelectricalapparatusordevice)
equipmentoperatingatavoltageof501000Vacor751500Vdc.Electricalcomponents
are not in themselves covered by the regulations. Only components which are in
themselveselectricalequipmentneedsatisfytherequirementsofthe1994regulations
andinparticularbeartheCEmarking.
If it has an electrical function and the operator can be put in an unsafe position by
operatingit,itiscovered

TheDirectivecoversallrisksarisingfromtheuseofelectricalequipment,includingnotjust
electricalonesbutalsomechanical,chemical(suchas,inparticular,emissionofaggressive
substances), health aspects of noise and vibrations, and ergonomic aspects as far as
ergonomic requirements are necessary to protect against hazards in the sense of the
Directive. The LVD lays down eleven safety objectives, which represent the essential
requirementsofthisDirective.

3.2.4 CONSTRUCTIONPRODUCTSDIRECTIVE(CPD)

TheCPDwasimplementedintheUKon27thDecember1991,bytheConstructionProducts
Regulations1991.Thedirectivecoversallconstructionproductsi.e.,productswhichare
produced for incorporation in a permanent manner into construction works, although
manyofthesupportingstandardsarestillnotinplace.

Examplesincludeductwork,someairconditioningequipment,roofmountedACR

equipment,AHUs,compressorpacks,chimneyandflues,dampers,grilles,diffusersetc.

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Conformitywiththedirectiveisjudgedbycompliancewithstandards,andthesearenot
yetinplaceforACRequipment.InMarch1997,theCommissionstartedareviewofthe
needtoproducesuchstandardstoventilationequipment,sodependingontheoutcome
of that review will decide whether or not ACR equipment needs to comply with this
directive.

3.2.5 PRESSUREEQUIPMENTDIRECTIVE(PED)1997

ThePressureEquipmentDirectivearisesfromtheEuropeanCommunitys(EC)programme
for the elimination of technical barriers to trade, and is formulated under the New
Approach. Its purpose is to harmonise national laws regarding the design, manufacture
and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and assemblies subject to an internal
pressuregreaterthan0.5bar.

Therearesomespecificexclusions,suchasequipmentwithinthescopeofotherdirectives
(suchassimplepressurevessels,aerosols,partsforvehicles),equipmentforthetransport
ofdangeroussubstancesandequipmentforwhichthepressurehazardsarelowandare
adequately covered by other directives (such as the Machinery Directive, Low Voltage
DirectiveandMedicalDevicesDirective).

Equipmentabovecertainpressure/volumethresholdswillhavetomeetrequirementsfor
design,manufactureandtestingwhichareconsideredtobeessentialforsafetyreasons.
EquipmentmanufacturedtoharmonisedEuropeanstandards,whicharebeingdeveloped
in support of the proposal, will be presumed to comply with the essential safety
requirements. Equipment below the thresholds will be required simply to be
manufacturedaccordingtosoundengineeringpractice.

Inordertoensurecompliancewiththeessentialrequirements,equipmentwillbesubject
to conformity assessment procedures based on the EC Modules Decision (93/465/EEC of
22July1993).Forthispurpose,theDirectivedividespressureequipmentintofourmajor
categoriesonthebasisoftwofundamentalhazards:thedegreeofdangerfromfailureof
the equipment and the degree of danger from the release of the fluid contained. The
degreeofdangerfromfailureisrelatedtothestoredenergythatwouldbereleasedandis
expressed by the productofthepressureofthefluidandthevolumeoftheequipment.
The degree of danger from the contents is based on classifications adopted in the
directivesondangeroussubstances.

According to the category of the equipment, manufacturers are given a choice of

conformityassessmentmodules.Thehigherthecategory,andthereforethehazard,the
more demanding the requirements. Inaddition,theconformityassessmentmodulesfor
products in the higher categories will require the involvement of notified bodies,
appointedbymemberStates,eitherintheapprovalandmonitoringofthemanufacturers
quality assurance system or in direct product inspection. Notified bodies will be
independentthirdparties,butuserinspectorates(secondpartyinspectionbodies)maybe
authorisedtoactwithintheirownorganisations.

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THETYPEOFEQUIPMENTUSEDBYINDUSTRYANDTHEDIRECTIVESWHICHAPPLY

EQUIPMENT DIRECTIVE DECLARATION

1. Cabinets EMC/LVD/PED
2. Compressors(open) MSD/EMC/LVD Conformity
3. Compressors(hermetic/semihermetic) EMC/LVD/PED
4. Condensatepumps EMC/LVD
5. Condensers EMC/LVD
6. Condensingunits EMC/LVD
7. Controlpanels EMC/LVD
8. Controls EMC/LVD
9. Coolersairhandlingunits MSD/EMC/LVDor Conformity
EMC/LVD/PED
10. Coolingtowers MSD/EMC/LVD/
PED
11. Electricaldistributionboards EMC/LVD
12. Electricheaters EMC/LVD
13. Fans MSD/EMC/LVDor Conformity
MSD/EMC/LVD
14. Gasdetection EMC/LVD
15. Integralunit EMC/LVD Conformity
16. Inverters EMC/LVD
17. Levelcontrollers EMC/LVD
18. Levelcontrols EMC/LVD
19. Monitoring EMC/LVD
20. Monitoring/Control EMC/LVD
21. Packs MSD/EMC/LVD Conformity
22. Pumps EMC/LVD/PED
23. Reclaimunits/vac,pumps EMC/LVD
24. Softstarters EMC/LVD
25. Temperaturerecorder EMC/LVD
26. Transformers EMC/LVD
27. Valves EMC/LVD/PED

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ThisGuideispublishedinthefollowingParts:

Part1Introduction
Part2SystemDesignandComponentSelection
Part3SafetyRegulations,StandardsandDirectives
Part4SystemInstallation
Part5SystemCommissioning
Part6SystemMaintenanceandService
Part7SystemandComponentDecommissioningandWasteDisposal
Part8RefrigerantsandRetrofitting
Part9AssessmentofSkillsRelatedCompetenceandTraining

TheBRAandIORdisclaimallliabilitytoanypersonforanythingorfortheconsequencesof
anythingdoneoromittedtobedonewhollyorpartlyinrelianceuponthewholeorany
partofthecontentsofthisGuidancedocument.

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PublishedBy:

BritishRefrigerationAssociation
2WalthamCourt,MilleyLane,HareHatch,Reading,Berkshire,RG109THUnitedKingdom
TelNo:+44(0)1189403416FaxNo:+44(0)1189406258
email:info@feta.co.uk

InstituteofRefrigeration
KelvinHouse,76MillLane,Carshalton,SurreySM52JR,TelNo:+44(0)2086477033FaxNo:+44
(0)2087730165 email:
ior@ior.org.uk

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