Technicians who service mobile A/C systems and distributors who sell refrigerant need to be aware of new regulations that took effect on January 1, 2018 concerning the requirement of technicians to be Section 609 certified.
- The final rule published November 2016 extends Section 608 requirements to HFCs. Starting Jan. 1, 2018, sale of most refrigerants of two pounds or larger will be restricted to 608 and 609-certified technicians; distributors must keep refrigerant sales records and verify purchasers are (or employ) 608 or 609-certified technicians.
- Small cans (2 pounds or less) of non-exempt refrigerants may continue to be manufactured or imported and sold after Jan. 1, 2018, if equipped with self-sealing valves.
- To learn more about Section 609 certification visit the MACS website at http://www.macsw.org. To view the new regulations on the U.S. EPA website, visit https://www.epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-sales-restriction.
There is no mandatory re-certification. Section 609 certification, once obtained, is good for life. Technicians who have lost their MACS or IMACA certification may replace their credentials for $10 by following the directions listed on the Section 609 page of the MACS website at https://goo.gl/PhRzEF.
Effective April 1, 2018, the search for a MACS or IMACA reprint request must be paid in advance. If a technician has applied for a reprint not in the MACS or IMACA databases, your deposit will be retained by MACS to cover the cost of the search and other processing involved. We suggest that you do not apply to us for a reprint unless you are sure that you have been certified by either MACS or IMACA.
The MACS staff has been busy answering questions for technicians and distributors who are confused or have been given wrong information about the new requirements.
To help explain the new refrigerant purchasing requirements MACS training partner AVI created a public service video generously sponsored by MACS members Honeywell, Mahle Service Solutions and Neutronics explaining the most important information techs need to know. It is viewable on the MACS website and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=gMyRUiQkou4
A detailed Section 609 frequently asked questions (FAQ) web page is also available online at https://www.macsw.org/web/MACS/News/MACS_Member_News/609_FAQ.aspx
Technicians who are not certified can become certified by visiting the MACS website at www.macsw.org. The newest Section 609 certification program which debuted in 2015 includes training on handling R-1234yf. Section 609 certification can be obtained through a written or online test for $20. Group classes can also be arranged by contacting our training department at 215-631-7020 x 304 or email [email protected].
Since 1981, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide has been the advocate for service and repair owners, distributors, manufacturers and educators making their living in the total vehicle climate and thermal management industry.
MACS Worldwide empowers members to grow their businesses and delivers tangible member benefits through industry advocacy with government regulators and by providing accurate, unbiased training information, training products, training curriculum and money-saving affinity member services. MACS has assisted more than 1.1-million technicians to comply with the 1990 Clean Air Act requirements for certification in refrigerant recovery and recycling to protect the environment.
To learn more about MACS Worldwide visit our website at www.macsw.org. The MACS 2019 Training Event and Trade Show, A/Ccess will take place February 21-23 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA. A current calendar of all regional training can be found on the training page of MACS website at www.macsw.org.
