Edition 71, October 2009

Licence required for split system installation

The Master Plumbers' and Mechanical Services Association of Australia is advising its member about the licensing impacts of recent amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the Regulations).

The Regulations state that any individual who handles, installs, commissions, services or maintains RAC equipment intended to hold or contain fluorocarbon refrigerant must be licensed by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

The regulations extend to any preparatory work conducted prior to introduction of a refrigerant into a system.  Therefore any person undertaking a split system installation must have the appropriate ARC Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) in order to install all components of an air-conditioning system (this may include roughing-in pipe work and any internal or external connections).

Unlicensed handling of fluorocarbon refrigerant is prohibited by the regulations.  The maximum penalty for a person who handles fluorocarbon refrigerant without an appropriate RHL is $1,100.  Where a person or a business entity engages in conduct that results in the unlawful discharge of fluorocarbon refrigerant, the maximum penalty is $11,000 and $55,000 respectively.

For more information contract the Australian Refrigeration Council on 1300 884483 or visit www.arctick.org 

This page was generated on 25 October, 2009

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