Section 608 of Clean Air Act

• Section 608 of the Clean Air Act provides information regarding how to recycle and dispose of CFCs and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) in refrigeration equipment. It details the type of EPA certification that is required for handling various types of appliances. It also provides information regarding how the EPA enforces their regulations.
  
  

Technicians

• People who service, repair and dispose of air conditioners or refrigeration equipment are required to have EPA certification. If an apprentice is closely supervised by a certified technician and is registered as an apprentice with the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, then he or she will be exempt from fulfilling the certification requirements.
  
  

CFC Certification

• Technicians have to pass an EPA test given by an organization approved by the EPA. The agency provides a list of the locations where the test can be taken. Many of those organizations also provide training for the test. The exam will cover topics such as ozone depletion, regulations of the Clean Air Act, as well as how to identify CFCs and HFCs. Other issues covered include safety and recovery techniques, refrigeration and dehydration evacuation.
  
  

Types of Certification

• Type 1 Certification means the technician can work on small appliances that contain refrigerant of 5 pounds or less. Type 2 Certification means the technician can service medium and high pressure appliances. Type 3 Certification means the technician can work on low pressure appliances. A Universal Certification is granted to the technician who is knowledgeable regarding the equipment handled in all three types of certifications.
  
  

Compliance

• If an individual or company is suspected of violating the Clean Air Act regulations, an anonymous complaint can be filed with the EPA. The EPA will investigate the claim and if necessary, will perform random inspections of the alleged violations. Technicians are required to keep a record of any refrigerant added to air conditioner or refrigeration equipment. They must also keep proof of their certification available at their business location.