General Information

The effects of climate change can be seen worldwide. Protecting the climate is one of the most important responsibilities. However, this responsibility presents enormous challenges to all involved.

The Kyoto Protocol outlines worldwide goals regarding climate protection, among other things. In addition to target reductions of carbon dioxide, this protocol also outlines target reductions for fluorinated greenhouse gases such as refrigerant R134a due to their high potential of contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Numerous laws have been created for the automotive industry, for example at the European level. For example, chemical-climate protection regulations were put into effect on August 1, 2008 in Germany in order to define the European legislation in more detail.

• Provision (EU) number 1005/2009
• Provision (EU) number 2037/2000
• Provision (EU) number 842/2006 (from 01/01/2015: EU no. 517/2014)
• Provision (EU) number 706/2007
• Provision (EU) number 307/2008
• Guideline 2006/40/EU
• Chemical-climate protection provision, recycling management and disposal regulations (for Germany).

Maintenance and Repair Work on the A/C System Refrigerant Circuit

All individuals performing maintenance and repair work on vehicle A/C systems must have completed a training program and be competent in the work required. Other regulations may apply in addition to those of the European Union.

The Following General Points Apply:

Operation, repair, decommissioning, take-back obligation

• When operating, repairing and decommissioning items that contain refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to vent into the air is prohibited.
• Keep records on the quantities used during operation and maintenance so they can be presented to the authorities upon request. A record sheet no longer needs to be kept in the EU due to a provision by the European Parliament in 2005. Other provisions may apply in countries that are not members of the EU.
• Distributors of the substances and preparations discussed above are obligated to accept these items back after use or to ensure they are accepted by a third party of their choosing.
• Maintenance and decommissioning of items containing refrigerant that are named in the legislation Substances and preparations named in this legislation may only be accepted by those with the necessary expertise and technical equipment.

Criminal offenses and infringements of the law

• Infringement of the law in regard to the laws mentioned above. Willfully or negligently venting refrigerant into the air when operating, repairing or decommissioning items That contain refrigerant constitutes a violation of the laws and legislation described above.

Observe the different technical regulations for handling and filling compressed gases (for example TRGS 400, TRGS 402, TRGS 407 TRGS 510 TRGS 725/TRBS3145).

• TRGS 400 (hazard assessment for activities with hazardous substances)
• TRGS 402 (determining and evaluating the danger of activities with hazardous substances: exposure)
• TRGS 407 (activities with gasses - hazard assessment)
• TRGS 510 (storage of hazardous substances in transportable tanks)
• TRBS 3145/TRGS 725 (transportable tanks - filling, keeping ready, internal transportation, emptying)

Observe the different technical regulations for handling and filling compressed gases (for example TRGS 400, TRGS 402, TRGS 407 TRGS 510 TRGS 725/TRBS3145).

• General regulations for charging systems
• Definition of terms and explanatory notes
• Build and operation of charging systems

Charging Systems:

• Does not apply to vehicle manufacturers or workshops.
• Charging systems are systems for filling mobile compressed-gas containers. The charging system includes the premises and facilities concerned.
• Charging systems requiring a permit are ones used to transfer compressed gases to mobile compressed-gas containers for supplying to third parties.
• Charging systems not requiring a permit are ones used for transferring compressed gases to mobile compressed-gas containers for internal use only.

Employees and employee instruction

-- Employees are to be given instruction on the following topics before beginning work and at regular, appropriate intervals, however at least once a year

• Hazards specifically associated with handling compressed gases
• The safety regulations, especially the present TRGS and TRBS.
• Procedures in the event of malfunction, damage and accidents
• The use of fire-extinguishing and protective equipment
• Operation and maintenance of the charging system on the basis of the instructions for use

Charging systems are only to be operated and maintained by personnel.

• Aged 18 and above
• Possessing the necessary technical knowledge.
• Who can be relied on to work diligently.

Filling of pressure containers (separate technical regulations apply to containers from other countries and their charging, that are not mentioned here).

• A compressed-gas container is only to be filled with the compressed gas declared on it and the quantity must comply with the stipulated pressure, weight or volume data. Refer to pressure container regulations.
• In the case of containers approved for use with several types of compressed gas, the compressed gas with which it is to be filled and - if the compressed gas has a critical temperature greater than or equal to -10 °C (-14 °F) - the maximum permissible charging weight in line with TRGS must be marked on the container prior to connection for filling.
• Compressed-gas containers marked with the maximum permissible charge pressure in bar (psi) at 15 °C (59 °F) must be filled manometrically. If, at the time of filling, the temperature is not 15 °C (59 °F), the pressure corresponding to the prevailing temperature must be established; it must be ensured that the permissible charge pressure at 15 °C (59 °F) is not exceeded in the compressed- gas container. The charged containers are to be checked by way of random pressure measurements to determine possible overfilling.
• Compressed-gas containers on which the maximum permissible capacity is indicated by the net weight (filling weight, permissible weight of fill) in kilograms must be filled gravimetrically. The containers are to be weighed during filling and subsequently subjected to a weight check on special scales to establish possible overfilling. Scales used for this purpose must be calibrated.
• Under certain conditions, gases with a critical temperature greater than or equal to 70 °C (158 °F) may be transferred volumetrically from compressed-gas containers with a maximum volume of 150 l to compressed-gas containers with a volume of maximum 1000 ccm. The stipulations of the TRGS apply to the transfer of liquefied gas to cylinders used by workmen.
• Different TRGS applies to containers in vehicles:

-- For gas with critical temperature ≥ 70 °C (158 °F).

-- For industrial gas with critical temperature ≥ 70 °C (158 °F).

-- Liquefied extremely low-temperature compressed gases may be filled differently according to volume (volumetrically) if the charging system and/or the containers is/are equipped with devices for measuring or limiting the volume of the charge and for measuring the temperature of the charge. When filling volumetrically, it must be ensured that the permissible charge weight indicated on the container is not exceeded. To determine possible overfilling, the filled containers are to be checked gravimetrically on a calibrated scale or, provided that the pressurized gases are not highly toxic, volumetrically. Volumetric checking requires the use of appropriate equipment. The charging and checking devices must be independent of each other.

• Charging and check measurements are to be performed by different people. Check measurements must be performed immediately upon completion of the filling process.
• Overfilled containers must be drained immediately and in a safe manner until the permissible fill is attained. The compressed-gas fill is then to be determined again.
• Specific TRGS 407 components do not or only partially apply to containers for liquefied, extremely low-temperature compressed gases which are neither flammable nor toxic; this does not affect the provisions of road traffic legislation.
• When filling compressed gas containers with liquefied gases at charging temperatures less than or equal to -20 °C (-4 °F), the compressed gas container (if the container material has not been tested for temperatures less than or equal to -20 °C (-4 °F)) is not to be released from the charging system for transportation until the container wall temperature is greater than or equal to 20 °C (68 °F).

Recycling and Disposal Regulations:

• Specifications and rules for handling and disposing of refrigerants and refrigerant oils can be found in the chemical-climate protection provision and recycling and disposal regulations. These are valid in Germany. Different specifications and rules may apply in other countries.

Disposal of Refrigerant:

Refrigerants intended for disposal are to be transferred to marked recycling containers, observing the permissible filling quantity. Refer to the chemical-climate protection provision and the recycling and disposal regulations in Germany. Different specifications and rules may apply in other countries.

Disposal of refrigerant oil

Used refrigerant oils from systems employing halogenated hydrocarbons are to be disposed of as waste subject to special supervision. They are not to be mixed with other oils or substances. Proper storage and disposal must be ensured in line with local regulations. Note the chemical-climate protection provision and the recycling and disposal regulations, for example, in Germany. Different specifications and rules may apply in other countries.