AIRAH, with input from industry and support from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is updating the Australia and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice.

The aim of the Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice is to minimise the emission of fluorocarbon refrigerants to the atmosphere. They cover the entire system life-cycle: design, manufacture, shipping, installation, commissioning and servicing, decommissioning and refrigerant recovery. Compliance is mandatory for anyone holding a refrigerant handling licence or refrigerant trading authorisation through the Australian Refrigeration Council.

Originally published in 2007, the codes required a comprehensive revision to reflect current standards, regulations, safety practices, contemporary refrigerants and associated technology. The drafts available for public comment reflect these updates.

Part 1 covers self-contained low charge systems: those systems which don’t require any work on the refrigeration circuit to install, and contain less than 2kg of fluorocarbon refrigerant.

Part 2 of the code covers all other stationary and transport refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Automotive air conditioning systems are covered by a separate code, prepared by the automotive industry.

These drafts are open for industry/public review until 5pm Monday August 19, 2024. Comments are invited on the technical content, wording and general arrangement of the draft Code of Practice.

Where you consider that specific content is too simplistic, too complex or incorrect please suggest an alternative. Please provide supporting reasons and suggested alternative wording for each comment. Where appropriate, changes will be incorporated before the Code is published. If the draft is acceptable without change, an acknowledgment to this effect would be appreciated.

The draft is available in Word and PDF formats. Comments must be submitted in the following suggested format indicating relevant clause numbers, comments and proposed solutions for each comment.

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