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Refrigerant Code of Practice: your on-the-job bible
The refrigerant handling codes of practice provide guidance for working safely with refrigerants, both in stationary and automotive sectors, and were developed with the intention of reducing emissions of fluorocarbon refrigerant
into the atmosphere. All ARCTick licence holders must follow the mandatory practices outlined in the codes of practice, and consider the best-practice suggestions for further work.
Particularly for technicians new to the industry, the codes of practice are a fantastic reference tool that should be part of their everyday work life in the industry. You can download the relevant Code of Practice booklet from the ARC website.
Two important areas of refrigeration and air conditioning work that can be overlooked or miscommunicated relate to 'topping up' systems with refrigerant and correct labelling of systems after service. We have provided guidance
in these areas below, taken from the codes of practice, and encourage all licence holders to read over their copies of the booklet to ensure they continue to follow the mandatory processes.
No 'topping up' of air conditioning systems
The act of 'topping up' an air conditioning system with refrigerant is not allowed under the Australian refrigerant handling Codes of Practice for both stationary and automotive systems.
The Australian automotive code of practice 2008 states 'The addition of refrigerant to an existing system charge to "top up" must not be carried out.' (A.4.1)
The Refrigerant handling code of practice 2007 states 'Users are advised that persons who service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are required by legislation to observe this code of practice
and not to "top up" systems known to be leaking.' (Part 1 - 10.3; Part 2 - pg. 27.)
The ARC has also created Government-branded information handouts for you to pass on to customers highlighting your legal obligation to check and repair leaks. If you would like a pack sent to you please
visit the Free Promotional Materials page on the ARC website.
Correct labelling of systems after service
Labelling of systems after servicing is mandatory for all relevant ARC licence holders. To help licence holders with this, the ARC provides service stickers and tags for both
stationary and automotive work - free of charge. Click here to order.
The relevant codes of practice outline the requirement for labelling:
- Stationary refrigeration and air conditioning (9.1 and 9.2)
- Automotive air conditioning (A.18.6)
