Recent amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 (the Regulations) state any individual who handles, installs, commissions, services or maintains RAC equipment intended to hold or contain fluorocarbon refrigerant must be licensed by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

The regulations extend to any preparatory work conducted prior to introduction of a refrigerant into a system.  Therefore any person undertaking a split system installation must have the appropriate ARC Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) in order to install all components of an air-conditioning system (this may include roughing-in pipe work and any internal or external connections).

Unlicensed handling of fluorocarbon refrigerant is prohibited by the regulations.  The maximum penalty for a person who handles fluorocarbon refrigerant without an appropriate RHL is $1,100.  Where a person or a business entity engages in conduct that results in the unlawful discharge of fluorocarbon refrigerant, the maximum penalty is $11,000 and $55,000 respectively.

Should you require further advice, information or clarification on your legal obligations relating to the licensing scheme, please contact Mr George Thompson at the ARC on 1300 884483 or visit www.arctick.org