F-Gas Leak Check Requirements UK: Schedules, Procedures and Records

F-Gas Leak Check Requirements UK: Schedules, Procedures and Record Keeping

Leak checks are at the heart of UK F-Gas compliance for operators of refrigerant-containing equipment. Whether you manage a single commercial refrigeration unit or a large supermarket estate, understanding the check schedules, who must carry them out, and what records are required will keep you on the right side of the Environment Agency.

Which Systems Require F-Gas Leak Checks?

UK F-Gas Regulation requires regular leak checks on stationary equipment (refrigeration, AC and heat pump systems) that contains 5 tonnes CO2-equivalent or more of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

To calculate CO2e: Charge in kg × GWP ÷ 1,000 = tonnes CO2e

Examples: 1.3 kg R404A (GWP 3,922) = 5.1 tCO2e (annual checks required). 2.4 kg R410A (GWP 2,088) = 5.0 tCO2e (annual checks required). 7.5 kg R32 (GWP 675) = 5.1 tCO2e (annual checks required).

Leak Check Frequency Schedule

• 5–50 tCO2e: Annual check
• 50–500 tCO2e: Every 6 months
• 500+ tCO2e: Every 3 months
• With approved continuous detection system: Interval doubled in each tier

Who Can Carry Out F-Gas Leak Checks?

Leak checks on systems above 5 tCO2e must be carried out by a certified F-Gas engineer — an individual holding a valid F-Gas qualification (e.g. City & Guilds 2079 Category I) from a UKAS-accredited assessment centre. The engineer’s employer must also hold appropriate company-level F-Gas certification (e.g. REFCOM).

What Does a Leak Check Involve?

1. Visual inspection of all joints, seals, sight glasses and service ports
2. Electronic detection sweep with a calibrated detector suitable for the specific refrigerant
3. Check of pressure readings against expected values (unexpected pressure loss indicates leak)
4. Oil staining inspection (oil around joints can indicate refrigerant leak paths)
5. Recording of result — even a pass must be logged

When a Leak Is Found

Under UK F-Gas rules: repair the leak as soon as technically feasible. Do not recharge until the leak is repaired. Within 1 month of repair, carry out a follow-up leak check to confirm the repair is holding. Record all details: leak location, size (if estimable), repair date, refrigerant added/recovered.

After a confirmed repair, source replacement refrigerant from a UK F-Gas compliant supplier: browse our full refrigerant range — R32, R410A, R404A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need F-Gas leak checks on a small AC unit?

Only if the system contains 5+ tonnes CO2e. A small R32 split with 0.8 kg charge = 0.54 tCO2e — below the threshold. A 1.3 kg R404A system = 5.1 tCO2e — annual checks required.

Can the building owner carry out their own F-Gas leak checks?

No — leak checks on systems above 5 tCO2e must be done by an F-Gas certified engineer from an approved company. The building owner (operator) is responsible for arranging checks, not for carrying them out personally.

What records must be kept after a leak check?

Date, result (pass/fail), equipment identity, engineer certification number, and if a leak was found: location, quantity of refrigerant added/recovered, repair date. Records kept for minimum 5 years.