Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 6 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Refrigeration: Training

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump engineers receive training in handling flammable and toxic alternative refrigerants before the proposed hydrofluorocarbon phasedown adjustments take effect.

Answer

The regulatory phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons has been in place since 2015, with the gradual transition of industry to alternative refrigerants occurring as the phasedown has continued. As stated in last year’s consultation document, the proposal put forward only covered reform of the phasedown. Other changes to the fluorinated gas regulatory framework may be considered in the future. The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, is committed to further exploring areas for fluorinated gas regulatory reform considered out of scope of the consultation, which could for example include training and certification relating to alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons.

The current regulatory framework already sets minimum training and certification requirements for handling hydrofluorocarbons as regards refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111543
Session
2024-26
Related items
Refrigeration: Safety
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Hydrofluorocarbons Air conditioning Safety Training Refrigeration Heat pumps
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk