THE ACR industry is being called on to shape an effective UK registration scheme by responding to DEFRA's F-gas consultation.
DEFRA wants feedback on draft legislation proposals for a UK company and individual registration scheme. On August 5 ACRIB, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board, urged the industry to pledge support for a well-integrated registration scheme, with regular audits, by responding to DEFRA's consultation before the October 3 deadline.

Currently, a voluntary UK registration scheme is managed by ACRIB and REFCOM. ACRIB argues DEFRA's final decision on which organisation to appoint to run a mandatory scheme in February 2009 and the push for the scheme to be running by July 4, 2009 is only practical if the government appoints these two bodies. ACRIB says 'No other bodies have the past experience and understanding of the RAC sector to be able to satisfy the requirements of the regulations in the time available.'

ACRIB is backing a well-integrated company registration scheme renewable every 3-5 years. ACRIB supports:- 1) Accurate up to date records of individuals and firms to prevent fraudalent practices and use of forged certificates.

2) A single central database for use by end users, employers and enforcement agencies to check the status of those working in the industry.

3) A clear communication route to the industry to ensure they are up to date with any changes in refrigerant handling legislation. This is backed up with a single source individual registration scheme.

Mike Nankivell, the chairman of ACRIB's F-Gas implementation group said 'Questions 15,16,19 and 20 in the consultation document are crucial. We need a strong and concerted message from industry if an integrated company and individual registration scheme is to be achieved'.

'Without an appropriate steer from industry in response to this consultation, we will find ourselves subject to a series of bureaucratic, ineffective and impractical solutions', added Nankivell.

The consultation document is available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fgas-ozone/ ACRIB has produced a template for industry professionals to respond to the consultation. It will be available to download at www.acrib.org.uk