Looking ahead to 2017, our industry will face new changes that will directly impact how our maintenance teams do their jobs. These changes not only represent added costs but the potential for your properties to be out of compliance if new standards are not met.
Maintenance techs will continue to deal with new regulation changes from the EPA with changes to Section 608. Additional changes for Section 608 will occur in 2018 and we have attached information on those changes to help you better prepare your teams.
Effective January 1, 2017
Changes to the EPA’s Section 608 go into effect. Additional changes will be phased in over the next two years.
CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO Reclaimed refrigerants may not be resold unless it has been reclaimed by a certified re-claimer.
For a more detailed explanation, please visit the EPA website explaining these changes.
Effective January 1, 2018
The sale of CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO Virgin refrigerant’s is restricted to technicians certified under EPA Sections 608 and 609.
Note: The EPA is allowing the continued sale of small cans, two pounds or less of refrigerants intended for use in MVAC systems and equipped with a self-sealing valve. However, this exception is limited to individuals who perform work without monetary compensation.
Wholesalers must keep invoices that indicate: purchaser name, sale date, and the quantity of CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO refrigerants purchased. These records must be maintained for no less than three years.
Employers must maintain Proof of Certification (EPA-608) for technicians along with a copy of their certification at their place of business and maintain them for three years after a certified individual leaves the employer.
Technicians must be certified in order to maintain, service, repair, or dispose of appliances containing CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO refrigerants.
The EPA has developed new certification exam questions reflecting the new rules. The new exam is scheduled for pilot testing during the first quarter of 2017. After the pilot testing is complete, certified test administrators will be provided the new testing material.
The EPA will require new wording on the new certification cards, which will result in all new and replacement certification cards having a new look.
The new wording includes: “[Name of person] has successfully passed a [Type I, Type II, Type III, and/or Universal, as appropriate] exam on how to responsibly handle refrigerants as required by EPA’s National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program.”
Currently certified Section 608 technicians do not need to be re-certified.
New recordkeeping requirements for appliances containing 5 to 50 pounds of refrigerant become effective. Technicians must keep records of; the location, date of recovery, and type of refrigerant recovered for each disposed appliance, the quantity of refrigerant by type recovered from disposed appliances in each calendar month. In addition, the quantity of refrigerant, and type, transferred for reclamation or destruction, the person to whom it was transferred, and the date of the transfer.
All requirements for the maintenance, service, repair and disposal of CFC and HCFC are extended to HFC and HFO refrigerants.
We can assist your maintenance teams by earning their Universal EPA Certification. Please call toll free 866-961-7666 or email TrainMe@thelibertygroup.com for our next testing dates.
