To store on site or not to store onsite?

[The Viking]

That is the question.

Does anybody know what the UK law/legislation says about storing refrigerant on customer's sites?

Would it be legal/permitted for a customer to keep a couple of large cylinders "just in case"?

What about reclaimed refrigerant, can that be kept on site?


Web links and views much appreciated.

TIA
The Viking

[Argus]

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There are two parts to your question; in it simplest form you should consider the following.

The first part is about the storage, (presumably indefinitely for future use), of virgin refrigerant in large quantities.
The rules will be the same as if you stored it in your own premises.
Consider safety and then a written risk assessment will be required. You need to ask who owns it, (you, or your customer), then, who insures it; its storage and public liability. Next, if the premises are suitable for chemical storage, access, security, fire protection and local bye-laws governing storage of chemicals. Hazard signage for the emergency services should be prominent.

The second part is easier.
Reclaimed refrigerant is automatically Hazardous Waste in the UK.
It is covered by the waste laws as soon as it is removed from a plant and has no use by the owner (Your customer, not you or your company).
Because it may be contaminated or surplus to requirements, the premises need a waste license or your company in their capacity as a mobile waste collector needs to transfer it with documentation for destruction. You will need to obey all the normal waste rules, especially if your customers’ premises are not exempt (exempt means they produces less than 200kg total hazardous waste per year).
In other words – I don’t think you can store it.

Read the Environment agency web site there is plenty of information, but it is non-specific– better still seek professional advice.

It gets more complex, but that’s the basics.


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