15 Nov 2021
The following guidance to assist installers and suppliers in compliance is available from the IOR website:
RACHP Systems: The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations and Pressure Equipment Directive (GN36) - Published in 2021 this IOR Technical Committee guidance note outlines the legal requirements of the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations - PE(S)R and Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) for installers of RACHP systems. In the RACHP sector components are supplied by a manufacturer for site installation by a specialist third party contractor who might not realise that they have the responsibilities of the manufacturer of the assembly under PE(S)R. With the move to R32 and other A2L refrigerants, classified as PE(S)R group 1 fluid (“dangerous”), this moves many systems from SEP (sound engineering practice) or hazard category 1 into hazard category 2 or higher. Systems which are category 2 or higher must comply with the PE(S)R and must be assessed by an approved Conformity Assessment Body or under an assessment scheme which has been certified by a Conformity Assessment Body. Download at https://ior.org.uk/technical/buy-documents?id=667&state=b
Pressure Testing RACHP Systems (GN35) - This IOR Technical Committee Guidance Note provides an explanation of the different ways in which a system has to be tested under pressure for Strength, Tightness and Leaks. Download at https://ior.org.uk/technical/buy-documents?id=655&state=b
PED Guide to pressure systems installation site assembly - published by SAFED 2021, the Pressure Equipment Consultation Forum (PECF), Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) and Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) in consultation with Lloyd’s Register and other stakeholders within the pressure equipment industry to help designers, purchasers, installation contractors, users and other parties achieve their legal requirements to
ensure pressure equipment can be correctly certified prior to use in the United Kingdom.  It was prepared using technical advice provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Download at https://ior.org.uk/technical/buy-documents?id=666&state=b  or www.safed.co.uk 
To find a list of UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies see https://www.gov.uk/uk-market-conformity-assessment-bodies?uk_market_conformity_assessment_body_legislative_area%5B%5D=pressure-equipment
Queries about these guidance notes or other technical matters can be addressed to the Institute of Refrigeration Technical Committee here.
If you are an installer, manufacturer or user of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, you should consider joining the Institute of Refrigeration. The IOR is an independent organisation, whose members are individual experts whether they work as engineers, technicians, manufacturers or researchers. Find out how you can become part of the IOR at www.ior.org.uk/membership
 
29 Oct 2025
At the IOR Annual General Meeting held on 29 October 2025, election results were announced. Stephen Gill FInstR was voted President-Elect, and Stephen Benton FInstR together with David Bostock FInstR were elected as Trustees to the IOR Board.
 
28 Oct 2025
The IOR and the ACES have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise during the Clean Cooling Network Conference on the Sustainable Cold Chain for the Global South, taking place at the University of Birmingham from 28–29 October 2029.
 
22 Oct 2025
On 20th Oct the Department for Education (with others) published this document outlining future skills policy and new V levels to sit alongside A levels and T Levels in key sectors such as engineering. The RACHP industry will need to consider what these changes mean for our work to promote skills and careers to ensure sufficient supply of well trained new entrants to our sector. IOR education committee members are digesting the content...
 
21 Oct 2025
The IOR’s RACHP EngTech Section innovative mobile technician’s app has over 200 subscribers!
 
6 Oct 2025
HSE is gathering information and evidence relating to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) and whether their scope and application are still fit for purpose.