How to Comply With the Refrigerant Recovery Regulations of the U.S. EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforces refrigerant recovery regulations established by the Clean Air Act. The regulations prescribe the proper handling of substances that deplete the ozone. The EPA certifies the people, equipment and processes involved in handling refrigerant and the equipment and appliances that contain refrigerant. Compliance with EPA refrigerant recovery regulations requires confirming that mandatory certifications are in place.
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Instructions
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Complete the mandatory EPA technician certification program. Technicians who work with refrigerant must pass an EPA-approved exam given by a certifying organization that is approved by the EPA. Certified technicians are approved to perform services that could result in the release of refrigerants.
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Learn the types of work that technicians are allowed to perform under EPA regulations. Certified technicians may repair, perform maintenance and dispose of equipment containing refrigerants. Certified technicians may attach and detach gauges and hoses that measure pressure, add or remove refrigerant and perform all other work that requires dismantling large and small appliances that contain refrigerant..
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Obtain the appropriate technician certification. The EPA awards four levels of certification. Type I allows technicians to service small appliances. Type II technicians may service and dispose of high to very high pressure appliances, excluding small appliances and MVACS, which are off-road vehicles used in construction and agriculture. Type III technicians service and dispose of low-pressure appliances. Universal certification allows technicians to service all types of equipment (Ref 1).
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Purchase or otherwise obtain EPA-certified refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment. The EPA requires manufacturers of equipment manufactured after 1993 to submit their equipment to EPA testing and to receive certification for the equipment. The EPA provides a sample form on its website (Ref 3).
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Submit mandatory certification documentation to your regional EPA office showing that you have the required equipment for the recovery and recycling of refrigerant. Apply for EPA-certification of the equipment.
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Use appropriate equipment for recovery of refrigerant, even if the service does not require an EPA-certified technician. Certification is not required to remove refrigerant from small appliances or motor vehicles, but EPA-certified recovery equipment is required.
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Refrain from selling or purchasing refrigerant unless you are EPA-certified to do so. EPA regulations restrict the sale of different types of refrigerant, and refrigerant used in different kinds of appliances, to technicians certified under specific regulations. Section 609 certified technicians may purchase refrigerant for use in motor-vehicle air conditioners. The sale of ozone-depleting refrigerant used in stationary equipment is restricted to Section 608 certified technicians. Other restrictions apply for refrigerant sold in cans, drums or other bulk containers.
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Recover refrigerant from large equipment and appliances before disposal of the equipment.
The EPA requires that receivers of this equipment -- which includes chillers, retail refrigeration and central air conditioning units -- must obtain signatures and maintain documentation of the disposal.
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Protect against the intentional venting of ozone-depleting substances. Intentional venting is prohibited by the EPA. Repair leaks and install low-loss fittings on recovery machines manufactured after 1993.
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Deliver recovered refrigerant to EPA-certified reclaimers if the refrigerant is not be used in equipment that you service or own. Used refrigerant that changes hands must be given to a reclaimer before it is sold.
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Maintain required documentation. The EPA requires that technicians and others involved in refrigerant recovery to keep and submit records of refrigerant used, purchased and sold and of services performed on refrigerant-containing equipment.
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Tips & Warnings
Apprentices under the close supervision of a certified technician are exempt from EPA certification requirements. Obtain paper and electronic copies of EPA refrigerant recovery regulations for quick reference.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Complying With The Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The Refrigerant Sales Restriction
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Refrigerant Recovery or Recycling Device Acquisition Certification Form
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Where to Return Used Refrigerant
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
