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
13 Jan 2025
Members have been contributing to the latest IOR newsletter, highlighting the initiatives they're involved in with the Institute.
9 Sep 2024
Tickets are selling fast for the 125th IOR Annual Dinner on 27th February - just 7 tables left.
15 Jan 2025
Regarding recent mediation designed to resolve a dispute.
7 Jan 2025
The Institute is celebrating its 125th Anniversary and members can mark this with a special sticker commemorating this event!
19 Dec 2024
In response to the Institute of Refrigeration's query to the Environment Agency on the issue of cellar cooling being included in an upcoming ban on split air conditioning systems, the Environment Agency has sent us this statement.