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New Rules for Ozone Protection: Information for Technicians
The Law
Recent changes to the Yukon's Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations may change the way that you do business.
The Yukon initially passed ODS Regulations in 1996, to control and minimize the release of damaging ozone depleting substances into our atmosphere. The regulations govern the recovery, recycling and disposal of ODS in the Yukon. They regulate ODS use in:
- refrigeration and air conditioning equipment;
- motor vehicle air conditioners;
- fire extinguishing equipment;
- solvents and sterilizing processes.
Yukon's ODS Regulations were amended in 2000 to implement changes in the National Action Plan for the Environmental Control of ODS and their Halocarbon Alternatives (NAP).
The NAP outlines how the control, reduction and elimination of ODS and halocarbon alternative emissions can be met. It addresses the ultimate management, control, phase-out and disposal of all of all ODS in Canada and sets agreed objectives and tasks for harmonized federal and provincial actions.
Yukon's new Ozone Depleting Substances and Other Halocarbons (ODS/OH) Regulations now require the recovery and recycling of hydrofluorocarbon substances (HFCs), which are not themselves ODS, but which are powerful greenhouse gases.
What You Can Do
All service technicians should be aware of these regulation requirements:
Permits:
- All service technicians who work in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries must have a valid permit. (Servicing does not include installation unless it involves handling of ODS). Permits are issued for up to three years.
- Permit holders must service air conditioning or refrigeration equipment in accordance with the amended ODS and Other Halocarbon Regulations, including the revised Code of Practice for the Reduction of CFC Emissions from Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems.
- Applicants must be trained in an approved environmental awareness course to be eligible for a permit. Approved courses may include those offered by HRAI, RSES, Colleges or Universities.
- Permits are not equivalent to refrigeration and air conditioning trade qualification certification earned at recognized technical or educational institutions, nor do they replace such trade qualification.
- Permit numbers are required on labels and records.
- Employers must keep a list of all employees who hold permits.
Release:
- Recharging mobile air conditioning systems with ODS is now prohibited.
- Models older than 1994 that have faulty or leaking air conditioning systems may need their system to be converted using alternative refrigerants, if servicing is required (see separate fact sheet "Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems and Ozone Depletion").
- ODS shall not be vented into the atmosphere.
- Leaks must be repaired as soon as they are detected.
- Leaking equipment must not be "topped up" with ODS.
- ODS shall not be added to equipment for leak testing (except for mobile air conditioners in accordance with the Code of Practice).
- ODS must be recovered and recycled before disposing of equipment (except for domestic refrigeration equipment which can be delivered to specifically designated areas at public waste disposal sites).
- Release of solvents or diluents for sterilants is prohibited.
- All releases of ODS over 10kg must be reported immediately to an Environmental Protection Officer.
Labels and Record keeping:
- Labels and records must be maintained for the service of ODS.
- Records must be maintained for the purchase and sale of ODS (both within and outside of the Yukon).
- A permit is required for the purchase or possession of ODS used for servicing equipment.
- People purchasing/selling ODS must record transaction details in a log.
- Labels must be put on new equipment, on equipment that has been serviced, and on decommissioned equipment. (Labels are available from Environment Yukon.)
- Logs must be maintained for service of all equipment containing ODS.
Other:
- All containers for ODS must be refillable or returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
- The use of portable halon fire extinguishers is prohibited.
| A one-day environmental awareness course sponsored by Environment Canada and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) of Canada is available through the Department upon request. This course is one of the courses that will be considered as environmental training when consideration is being given to permit applicants. This training does NOT render a service technician as a qualified tradesperson. |