FAQ's - Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd

FAQs

General Facts

1)	What is the ARC and what does it do?
	The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the Regulations) cover licensing requirements for those who work with refrigerants and refrigeration and air conditioning systems. In June 2005 the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) was appointed by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources to administer the refrigeration and air conditioning aspects of the Regulations. The ARC is responsible for granting refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations approved under the Regulations.

2)	What is the difference between a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation and a Refrigerant Handling Licence?
	A Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is a business level permit that allows a business to acquire, possess and dispose of refrigerants. A Refrigerant Handling Licence is a technician level permit that allows the holder (the technician) to do certain types of work on RAC equipment.

3)	If I have a licence issued by my state regulator (such as the Office of Fair Trading) to work, why do I need to hold a refrigerant handling licence and/or a refrigerant trading authorisation?
	Depending on which state or territory you live in, you may need a state level contractors licence or similar to operate your business. However, state authorities no longer issue licences for refrigerant purchase or handling. To legally undertake either of these activities you must hold the national licence / authorisation, issued by ARC. You should also become aware of any other state / territory regulations that may impact on your activities.

4)	I only work on the repair of auto air conditioning systems, do I need to be assessed to the full AUR 20799 or AUR 20705?
	To handle a refrigerant for any work on air conditioning fitted to the cabin of a motor vehicle either AUR20799 Certificate II in Automotive (Mechanical – A/C) or AUR20705 Certificate II in Automotive (Mechanical – A/C) and the unit AURT422645A is required. If evidence of having completed AURT422645A is not supplied the licence will be issued restricting the holder to work other than Overhaul Air Conditioning System Components.

5)	Do importers of pre–charged refrigeration and air conditioning equipment require a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation?
	NO. Importers of equipment containing fluorocarbon based refrigerants require an import licence issued by The Department of the Environment and Water Resources. Further details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/licences/index.html

Refrigerant Handling Licence

1)	Who needs a refrigerant handling licence?
	Any person who handles refrigerant must hold a refrigerant handling licence. Handling a refrigerant means to do anything with the refrigerant that carries the risk of its emission, including: decanting the refrigerant; or manufacturing, installing, commissioning, servicing or maintaining RAC equipment; or decommissioning or disposing of RAC equipment.

2)	What types of refrigerants do the licences cover?
	The refrigerant handling licence and refrigerant trading authorisation cover all fluorocarbon refrigerants: chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons. Examples of these include R12, R22, R134A, R410A and R404A.

3)	Why do I need a Refrigerant Handling Licence to handle refrigerant?
	Fluorocarbon refrigerants are harmful to the environment if emitted to the atmosphere. Under the regulations persons handling refrigerant must hold a current Refrigerant Handling Licence issued by ARC on behalf of the Australian government, this can be obtained by completing the licence application form on this web site.

4)	What do I do if I don’t hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence, but still want to handle refrigerant?
	Under the regulations it is an offence to handle refrigerant without the appropriate licence, you therefore must apply for the relevant refrigerant handling licence..

5)	Once I apply for a Refrigerant Handling Licence, how long does it take for my licence application to be processed?
	Providing that the application is complete with all requested details, support evidence and application fee, the process will be completed within 30 days of receipt. Currently processing is completed well within that time.

6)	If my licence has expired, what do I need to do to get a new licence?
	Provided that you have advised ARC of any subsequent change of address you will receive a notification to apply for your new licence.

7)	If I had an Experience Person’s Licence and it’s now expired what do I do?
	This licence is no longer available you will have to apply for the relevant qualified person’s licence or transitional licence.

8)	What is the time frame for implementation of a licence type for marine engineers and other maritime personnel handling refrigerants?
	Any person who handles refrigerant for any work on refrigeration or air conditioning equipment on vessels at sea is required to hold a Marine Transitional Licence. A letter from the employer indicating that the applicant is able to competently do the work is required to obtain a Marine Transitional Licence. The Department of the Environment and Water Resources is currently developing licence types that reflect the complexity and diversity of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment for the marine industries. This work will be undertaken with input from the relevant industries.

9)	If I need to undertake a course so that I can apply for a Refrigerant Handling Licence, who do I speak to?
	You will need to speak to a registered training organisation (RTO) to determine which licence qualification you are seeking and enrol in the selected course. RTOs include TAFE colleges and private providers who are authorised to issue qualification certificates; many are listed on this web site at www.arctick/ref_handling_training.php. If you believe that you already have the relevant training and experience, but do not hold the required qualification, you may not need to do any further training. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) is a process for recognising that you have gained skills, knowledge and experience from other courses, academic education, work experience and training on the job. To use RPL or RCC to obtain a licence, you need to obtain the required qualification from a registered training organisation (RTO). In order to do so you must enrol in the relevant course and, having enrolled in the course you may complete it by: Applying for partial or full RPL/RCC; Completing a program of training; A combination of both of the above. A trainee Refrigerant Handling Licence may be required. Please contact the ARC for more information on 1300 88 44 83.

10)	Are all refrigerants subject to national controls?
	No. There are national controls on all fluorocarbon refrigerants such as HCFCs, HFCs and CFCs. These refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases. Other ‘natural refrigerants’ such as ammonia and hydrocarbons are not subject to national controls. However their use may be controlled, for health and safety or consumer protection, by state authorities.

Refrigerant Trading Authorisation

1)	What do I need to acquire, store or dispose of refrigerant gas?
	The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Management Regulations 1995 provide that persons or businesses that acquire, store or dispose of refrigerants must hold a current Refrigerant Trading Authorisation issued by ARC on behalf of the Australian Government. This can be obtained by submitting the Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application form to ARC.

2)	Is a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation required to sell pre-charged refrigeration or air conditioning units?
	NO. If the refrigerant is contained in equipment, such as a split system air conditioner, a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is not required. However a refrigerant handling licence is required to install this type of equipment. You should note that restrictions on the sale of this type of equipment may apply in some states and territories. Restrictions can be checked with the relevant state or territory government authorities. A Prechrged Equipment import licence is required if you intend to import refrigeration or air conditioning equipment that contains and HFC or HCFC refrigerant charge. More details can be found on the Department of the Environment and Water Resources Website at : http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/index.html

3)	Can my business be listed in “find an authorised organisation”?
	YES. Complete a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application form and when approved your listing will appear under your nominated major activity.

4)	Are all refrigerants subject to national controls?
	No. There are national controls on all fluorocarbon refrigerants such as HCFCs, HFCs and CFCs. These refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases. Other ‘natural refrigerants’ such as ammonia and hydrocarbons are not subject to national controls. However their use may be controlled, for health and safety or consumer protection, by state authorities.