Complying with the HCFC Phase Out
A government directive has been issued in countries that are impacted by the Montreal protocol or the US Clean Air Act. The HCFC phase out is covered, and is intended to decrease and eventually cut out production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Those organizations that use air conditioning systems, commercial refrigeration, industrial process refrigeration appliances, or HVAC systems now have a schedule for compliance.
According to the HCFC phase out, developed nations must meet certain criteria as they strive to achieve total eradication of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by certain dates. This phase out began in 2003 and ends in 2030, which should allow ample time for the development and implementation of safer substitutes.
Whilst all types of HCFCs must follow a reduction schedule as set forth by the worldwide protocols, the HCFC phase out has been stepped up a pace in the United States, with a big push towards eradication of the most harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b and HCFC-22.
Under the HCFC phase out, important and production of HCC-141B has already been halted in the United States. HCFC-142b and HCFC-22, other troubling refrigerants, will cease production by 2010. There will be some exceptions made for equipment which is still being used, just so long as equipment was manufactured prior to January 1, 2010.
In the future, under the HCFC phase out, no production or imports of HCFCs will be allowed starting in 2015. An exception will be made for refrigerants used in equipment made prior to January 1, 2020. In the year 2020, production and import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will finish. This schedule means that the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons would be banned in new refrigeration and cooling equipment with only small amounts in existing gear.
Getting rid of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons is a primary goal of the HCFC phase out, thereby improving the environment. Chemicals made by man carry a high likelihood of causing global warming, with dire potential effects for humans, animals, marine and plant life.
A large number of businesses, particularly those with central air conditioning in their offices or facilities, are affected by the HCFC phase out. HVAC equipment uses the HCFC refrigerant gas R-22, covered by the government’s phaseout program. A great many industries, ranging from hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, retail stores and food processors will be directly affected by the regulation.
Facilities that use equipment which contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons are required by the HCFC phase out to keep detailed and up-to-date maintenance records. Should leaks occur they must be fixed within 30 days. All business locations are required to report, in order to track refrigerant use as well as leaks through an entire system. Substantial fines will be imposed by the EPA for noncompliance.
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