Tips and Information Regarding R-22 Refrigerant Regulations

The U.S. Clean Air Act is a congressional law that explains the EPA's task in protecting air quality and the ozone layer. This Act is maintained by the House of Representatives. Major amendments were passed in 1990 and several other changes were made after that with still more pending related to mandatory reporting of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Refrigerant gases are those used in climate control in commercial and business facilities such as warehouses, stores and office buildings. The refrigerants used in commercial heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) or regular air conditioning (AC) units include hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and perfluorocarbon (PFCs).

Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are destructive Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) as well as harmful to the upper ozone layer. HCFCs do not have any of the organic chemicals chlorine or bromine, but they still do have a possibility of causing ozone depletion. These refrigerant gases are not only considered Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) but many of them also have very high Global Warming Potential ratios which results in their detailed tracking, monitoring, and reporting related to their Global Warming effects.

While perfluorocarbons do not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, scientists worry that PFCs can contribute to global warming since they have a very high global warming potential (GWP). GWP is a ratio developed to determine which chemical substances and refrigerant gases released into the atmosphere create more warming. The most common greenhouse gas (GHG) talked about the most often is carbon dioxide (CO2) or just carbon for short.

CFCs have been used since the early 1930s and were found to deplete ozone in the 1970s. A chemical reaction caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks off the chlorine atom in CFCs. This chlorine atom binds with oxygen already in the atmosphere. The depletion of the ozone is the result of chemical reactions where chlorine and oxygen are split apart.

Refrigerant management and knowing, down to the pound level where all refrigerant gases reside, is critical for the safety of the environment and to limit the release of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). The result of refrigerant emissions is either ozone destruction or increased Global Warming, both contributing to climate change. EPA Inspectors, governmental regulators, as well as many state officials are responsible for monitoring commercial AC and HVAC systems. They can do spot checks of the refrigerant service records, purchase orders, transit logs of gas transport for destruction, as well as many other pieces of data related to refrigerant gas management.

Existing and new legislation to be passed in 2009 requires companies keep accurate records that can be produced on demand by regulators to assure that AC and HVAC systems are not leaking and that all refrigerant gases are recovered correctly.

Due to the connection between refrigerant gases and their effect on climate change, many legislative bodies including various US states and the EPA have stepped up and increased the detailed refrigerant reporting requirements.

EPA Section 608 is a certification requirement for technicians before they can work on HVAC or AC systems. The EPA has detailed regulations on the purchase of refrigerant gas. For the most part, service technicians must be certified to even purchase gas in cylinders as small as 20 pounds. Nobody can buy any amount of refrigerant unless they are certified.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has four certification classes. Type 1 is for small appliances. Type 2 is for high and very high pressure. Type 3 is a low pressure certification. Type 4 is a universal certification. Any technician with a particular certification type can only fix or recover equipment that is specified for the certification type.

Becoming effective in 2010, new legislation starting in California will have strict requirements on the monitoring and tracking of refrigerant gases. In some cases, AC/HVAC systems containing 50 pounds of refrigerant will be required to keep service records, history of all gas purchases and sales, and to submit refrigerant usage reports to regulators annually.

Some of the larger AC or HVAC systems will require more frequent refrigerant reporting and more detailed system registrations. In all situations across not only service technicians, those who sell refrigerant gas, and those who own or operate AC or HVAC systems, the need for detailed, up-to-date refrigerant data, across an entire organization has never been more important.


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Daniel Stouffer, Product Manager at Verisae, has much more detail on the importance of effective refrigerant gas management and the place of the California Air Resources Board. Refrigerant Tracker makes it easy to monitor, manage, and report refrigerant gas usage. Learn more at -- http://www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com

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The Best Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Over the last decade there has been much discussion concerning the need to replace the familiar tear dropped shaped incandescent bulb with the spiral-tube shaped compact fluorescent light (CFL). CFLs use less than one-third of the energy required of an incandescent and can last up to nine years. When the CFLs were first widely distributed, consumers hated them. Compared to the warmth of the incandescent, the light emitted by the CFL was considered dim and antiseptic. In addition, the CFLs were too big for many fixtures and they were expensive - up to $25 per bulb. However, today the CFL is much improved. The new bulbs are smaller, cheaper (about $5), and they provide comparable brightness.

In May of 2007, Popular Mechanics performed a test comparing a 75-watt incandescent against seven common CFLs. Could the quality of light compare with the incandescent? The results were surprising. The test comparison bulbs included the following:

1. Incandescent: Sylvania Double Life Soft White

2. CFL: N:Vision Soft White (Good Overall)
3. CFL: Westinghouse Natural Light (Best Overall)
4. CFL: Phillips Marathon (Average)
5. CFL: MaxLite MicroMax (Average)
6. CFL: Sylvania Daylight Extra (Average)
7. CFL: Westinghouse Soft White (Lower Average)
8. CFL: GE Soft White (Lower Average)

The general range of the scores are shown to the right above. Overall, the incandescent bulb measured slightly higher in brightness, but not dramatically so. In overall light quality, all the CFLs scored higher - requiring less energy and providing better light. The N:Vision Soft White and the Westinghouse Natural Light scored the best and the Westinghouse Soft White and the GE Soft White scored the lowest in this test.

Watts and Efficiency: CFLs use about 70% less electricity than incandescents. If you consider that the average US household has 45 incandescent bulbs, replacing 75-watt bulbs with CFLs would save approximately $180 per year in electricity. Even accounting for the cost of the bulbs, the CFL is cheaper to run. CFLs will last longer when not tuned on and off frequently as is typically the case for bathrooms and kitchens

Mercury: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams (.005) of mercury which is used to increase the bulbs energy. This is approximately enough to cover the point of a ballpoint pen. Mercury is not emitted when in use or being handled. However, the CFL should not be thrown in the trash can, but rather properly recycled. Contact your local recycling center or Energy Star 911 for disposal instructions.

About 50% of the electricity produces in the US come from coal fired powered plants. When coal is fired, mercury is one of the gases emitted. Although the CFL contains a small amount of mercury, it requires less energy to operate than an incandescent and therefore produces a smaller energy demand on the mercury emitting power plants. Even if the mercury from a CFL were directly released into the atmosphere, the amount of mercury emitted over the lifetime of a CFL would be lower than that of an incandescent bulb.

Beyond the Fluorescent : The LED (Light Emitting Diodes) is a tiny yet powerful light source. It is more energy efficient that the CFL. A 60 watt bulb is expensive and one bulb can cost as much as $75. However, on the positive side, some LED models can last up to 30-35 years, energy consumption is reduced by about 87%, the light quality is good, and there is no mercury. In addition, no special ballast or dimmers are needed to dim them. If you move, you may want to take the bulbs. In addition to the LEDs, there are other forms of light sources that may become more popular and affordable in the future.

According to the EPA, if each US home replaced one incandescent bulb with a CFL, the electricity saved could light 3 million homes and prevent the creation of greenhouse gases equal to that of 800,000 cars. While there are more efficient light sources available in terms of energy consumption, the CFL is certainly an affordable alternative to consider. Overall, CFLs require less energy and provide better light.

Author's Note: The information contained in the this article was obtained from an article written by Popular Mechanics in May 2007. For more information go to: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/4215199.html

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Five Simple tips on how to arrange a conference in Leicester cheaply

1.Work with one other company

As conferencesare generally really pricey 1 major way of reducing costs is to combine your conference with at least one or two other companies in the same sector.

Planning a combined conference in Leicester is going to be effortless because it is home to many company head offices and thus is a ideal spot for this method to be successful.

By reducing this part of your budget, you could probably spend more on extra features,for instance catering and refreshments.

2.Venue

The most affordable option will be to hold your conference in Leicester within your own business building. Still,should you must hire a venue make sure that you book it well in advance of the conference date, as this will help you obtain the least expensive rate possible.

In addition deciding on a conference venue in Leicester that's easily accessible for all your guests is another method of cutting costs. This would lower the travel expenditures for the participants and so save on fuel expenses and transport prices.

3.Recycle

In order to save cash further, when arranging your conference in Leicester, aim to recycle the maximum amount of material as possible from earlier conferences, this can incorporate gifts, speeches and information. Even though this material will most likely need adapting to become present and suitable it'll be a lot cheaper than buying brand new materials.

It is usually better to not offer your audience paper hand outs. Not only does this help towards saving the environment but in addition saves time and expense. Preferably upload the criteria and plan to the conference website.

4.Volunteers

Paying for staff for the conference in Leicester is just about the most expensive choices you can make.

If you are planning to make available refreshments and photography at your conference it is a significantly cheaper option to try to involve a local volunteer company or charity. As a possible incentive you may provide a cut of conference ticket sales if you have charged for attendees, or suggest to raise understanding of their cause.

5.Refreshments/Catering

Determine what will be the most suitable choice for offering food and drinks at the Leicester based conference.

If the conference is only a couple of hours long, provide jugs of iced water, containing lemon slices, as opposed to selecting the more expensive option of water in bottles.

If you want to deliver food in the course of your conference go with a buffet option in place of a sit down meal. This will reduce costs concerning the food but will prevent youpaying out for waiting staff.

To learn more about conference Leicester, please visit our website.

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Advantages of Using Steel Frames As Building Material

Steel buildings are primarily known for their strength and functionality. These steel buildings can be used as functional offices, host households, while some serve as storage areas. They provide shelter to individuals and have evolved according to the specific requirements of people. Steel frames are lightweight, easier to work with and cheaper to ship and store. It is also easier to carry and move around a jobsite, so they have less strain to put on construction workers who are putting together steel buildings.



steel building are manufactured to fixed standards to ensure quality; they do not contain twists or knots like traditional building materials and saves cost of labor and frustration due to construction. The strength of steel frames allows developers using the material for building frames to ensure that the walls of the structure are straight and the corners of the building are square. Steel frames do not bend when great amounts of weight are placed on it during construction as the beams used to create the frame will stay in place virtually. Steel frames are lighter when compared to other types of materials used for framing which makes it easier for developers to use it.



There are so many advantages of using steel as building frames as it is one the best building material for the job. The increased stability of the steel frame buildings helps the owner to save money. Steel frame buildings are inflexible and the strongest building material available today. Some of the advantages of steel buildings are listed below:



1. Made of high quality and aesthetic.

2. Requires a lower maintenance cost.

3. Non-combustible to fire.

4. Steel is environmentally friendly.

5. Components can be used again and again.

6. Steel components are frequently functional.

7. Steel construction is strong, durable and stable.

8. Steel Construction promotes the best quality designs and ensures safety.

9. Steel construction is sustainable to temperature effects.

10. Steel frame construction is rigid in structure and is dimensionally stable.

11. Steel can be re-used without effecting the environment.

12. Construction with steel components is very fast when compared to other materials.

13. Steel construction with steel components is resistant to termites and other destructive insects.

14. Steel construction is cheaper than any other construction methods.

15. Steel construction is a fast method of construction.



steel building are energy efficient, require minimal maintenance and are certainly environment friendly. You can also get the old steel buildings recycled that are no longer in use into new building materials. If you are thinking to buy building materials that do not harm the environment while providing a safe and secure place for your business or family then steel building is one of the best alternatives to opt for.





About The Author



Shane Watson, an employee of Armstrong Steel. Armstrong Steel is one of the largest pre-engineered steel buildings suppliers in North America. Whether you want a prefab steel building kit to erect a building or a turnkey solution for your 100,000 square-foot facility, Armstrong Steel is committed to providing customers with the finest building at the lowest cost. Their buildings are durable, attractive and will meet or exceed your specific local building codes. They offer nationwide and international service and delivery of steel buildings. For more information about our building materials visit: http://www.armstrongsteelbuildings.com/.

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HSE Campaign to Improve Safety in Construction Industry

The Health and safety Executive (HSE) has announced a new campaign aimed at improving safety at work in the construction sector.

The construction industry is one of Britain’s most dangerous working environments. New statistics released recently show that in 2008-09, there were 53 fatalities and over 11,000 injuries from accidents at work involving construction workers in the UK. Not only is this tragic for those involved but it can also prove costly for employers who then have to deal with a personal injury claim.

However, a study by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RSPA) found that around 70 per cent of workplace accidents could be avoided if employers put the appropriate safety measures in place. These measures would not only save lives and reduce the risk of injury but also prevent the personal injury claims that follow preventable accidents.

In response, the HSE has launched the Working Well Together campaign, which will see HSE inspectors carrying out random visits to construction sites to ensure that safety regulations are being correctly adhered to.

Firms will face prosecution if they are found to be putting their workers at risk of death or injury due to poor health and safety practice.

HSE chief inspector Philip White said: “Each year too many construction workers are needlessly injured or killed while working on site. We are really concerned about standards in the refurbishment sector.”

For more information visit http://www.paulrooney.co.uk/

Learn the Essence of Safety with Remember Charlie Safety Video

Watch the Remember Charlie safety video and be moved by the heartrending tale of a man who survived a refinery explosion that almost ended his life and isolated him from his loved ones. This video will directly speak to you as Charlie Morecraft will relive his past with an autobiographical account of what happened during that one fateful day. Now, Charlie is long over his ordeal, but to give more meaning to what happened in his past, he is now spreading the word on the importance of safety procedures and to always keep in mind that accidents do not choose their victims.



How many times have you decided to take the easier route, even if it means jeopardizing your safety in the process? Sometimes, in your attempt to settle with shortcuts, you forget that your life could be placed in imminent danger and that in doing so the consequences will be far greater than what you had ever expected. The Remember Charlie safety video will open your eyes to the grim realities of unexpected accidents. These accidents could be detrimental not only to your life but also to the lives of those around you. Charlie Morecraft will take you on a flight back in time, on how he struggled with one mistake, suffered through every consequence, and in the end came to terms with reality and moved on.



This video will make you realize once more how flimsy life actually is, and that if you are not careful you may end up losing everything that you have so worked hard for. In this Remember Charlie safety video, you will see how one man has had to live with a physical disability for a long time, make the hospital his home, and suffer isolation and desertion from his loved ones. Far more than the physical effects of industrial accidents, the emotional repercussions are as debilitating as well. The story of one man will attest to that. In sharing his tale his hopeful goal is to inform as many people as possible on the importance of safety procedures at all times.



Don't wait another second to get hold of this video, which offers free shipping for your convenience. It comes in DVD and VHS format, and is available in the English and Spanish languages. With a 56 minute running time, Remember Charlie Safety Video is sure to open your consciousness and warm your heart with an amazing tale of loss, hope, and survival.

Pinched By Pennies (Workplace Safety PSA - It's Your Job Student Video Contest)

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Pinched By Pennies (Workplace Safety PSA - It's Your Job Student Video Contest)

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