Rank: Forum user 
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Good Morning
Im trying to understand the reporting requirments for a release of R404A Refridgeration gas, the contractor that came out immediatley stated that it was 1000g of 404a refrigerant which is under the threshold of 10kg or more inside a building. 3 people working in the kitchen said they were feeling unwell but are feeling better within 24 hours. Does anyone have experiance of making RIDDOR reports concerning gas release, it is the appliance and not mains. Thanks Andrew
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As you note it is a refrigerant and not flammable on its own, so why do you think it may be RIDDOR ? Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Chris Im pretty sure its not riddor reportable as its a refrigerent gas but it was he type of gas which i know is proobited in new appliances and there are some restrictions, also with the fact 3 individuals felt unwell. All the sevicing and inspection records are up to date. Andrew
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Andrew I am guessing that you may have picked up the 10kg threshold from para 26 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of RIDDOR 2013 "Release of flammable liquids and gases
26. The sudden, unintentional and uncontrolled release— (a) inside a building— (i) of 100 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid; (ii) of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid at a temperature above its normal boiling point; (iii) of 10 kilograms or more of a flammable gas; or (b) in the open air, of 500 kilograms or more of a flammable liquid or gas. Hazardous escapes of substances
27. The unintentional release or escape of any substance which could cause personal injury to any person other than through the combustion of flammable liquids or gases."
But this only applies to an offshore workplace and only to flammable gases and your refrigerant is unlikely to be flammable. If you ARE offshore then paragraph 27 would be more likely to be relevant. Otherwise that three people felt ill after the incident seems irrelevant for the purposes of RIDDOR Lots of things happen that shouldn't or probably shouldn't where RIDDOR is not a consideration.
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Rank: Forum user
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I'm no expert on this gas so quick glance at RIDDOR & an MSDS found on the following on the internet: RIDDOR: Hazardous escapes of substances27 The unintentional release or escape of any substance which could cause personal injury to any person ... the decision as to whether or not an incident is reportable will be straightforward, eg if a person is exposed to a hazardous substance at a level which exceeds established safe limits (eg a Workplace Exposure Limit).
MSDS: Biological hazards Contact with liquid could cause frost burns
Vapour Inhalation High exposures may cause an abnormal heart rhythm and prove suddenly fatal. May have a narcotic effect, very high concentrations may cause anaesthetic effects and asphyxiation.
IMHO - These above two quotes may need to be considered in your decision to report or not
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Thank you all, not being an expert ig gas release either it was a bit confusing so just wanted to run it past for some ideas. We have arrranged for a contractor to come and inspect everything anyway just as a precaution over and above the usual routine inspections and a contractot came out to it already so ive asked for some recomendations, its a faily new appliance so didnt think R404 was used now. Thanks again
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Rank: Super forum user 
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My understanding is that this should be recorded in the F-Gas log. These gases are not particularly dangerous to health so it would be surprising it was RIDDOR reportable.
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