Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

The European Council Regulation Number 2037/2000 is the principle legislation regarding substances that deplete the ozone layer. Along with this the UK Environmental Protection Regulations of 2002 and 2003 apply controls on the:

• production
• importation
• exportation
• placing on the market
• emission
• recovery
• recycling and
• destruction

of substances that have an adverse impact on the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.

Some of the main substances covered by the legislation include:

• Refrigerants - Arcton, Forane, Freon, Isceon, Solkane, Suva
• Solvents - Arkleon, Flugene, Fluorisol, Forane, Freon, Genklene, Gensolv, Kaltron
• Blowing agents
• Fire fighting fluids

If you produce, import, export, sell, recover, recycle or destroy any of these substances then the Regulation applies to you.

Some of the objects that may contain ODSs include refrigeration, air conditioning or dry cleaning equipment, insulating foam, industrial solvents, or halon fire-extinguishing systems.

Banned Practices

Under the latest regulations the supply and use of CFCs has been banned (with some exemptions). The use of HCFCs is banned (with some temporary exemptions).

From January 1st 2010 the use of virgin HCFCs for the maintenance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems will be banned. The use of all HCFCs will be banned by January 1st 2015.

Halons cannot be used to refill fire-extinguishing systems. The decommissioning of all fire protection systems containing halons should have been completed by December 2003.

For a complete list of all the substances covered by this legislation you must consult the full ODSs Regulation list. The levels of substance also vary and again the full regulation should be checked to clarify the quantities.

Do's and Don'ts

• You must comply with Duty of Care Regulations when disposing of ODSs.
• Ensure that all equipment containing ODSs is properly serviced and maintained.
• Do not import or sell any items containing ODSs unless you have permission from the European Commission.
• Do not export ODSs.