Improper refrigerant handling is illegal, dangerous, and can end your career. The EPA enforces Section 608 and 609 of the Clean Air Act with fines up to $44,539 per day per violation. Beyond the legal risk, refrigerants can displace oxygen, cause freeze burns, and some decompose into toxic gases including hydrofluoric acid when exposed to flames.
This course covers everything required for safe, legal refrigerant handling - from understanding refrigerant types and their hazards to proper recovery procedures, cylinder safety, and the record-keeping requirements that protect your license.
| Module | Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerant Classifications | CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, HFOs - ODP, GWP, ASHRAE safety groups, flammability |
| 2 | EPA Regulations 608/609 | Who must certify, venting prohibition, recovery requirements, penalties |
| 3 | Cylinder Safety & Storage | DOT markings, color codes, fill limits, storage requirements, mixing prohibition |
| 4 | Recovery Procedures | Recovery vs recycling vs reclaiming, equipment standards, evacuation procedures |
| 5 | Leak Detection & Records | Detection methods, repair verification, required records, reporting thresholds |