Atmospheric compliance: A-Gas Rapid Recovery

With illegal refrigerant venting posing challenges to the environment, Kate Patterson of A-Gas Rapid Recovery outlines the importance of Arctick compliance and responsible recovery. 

The refrigeration industry plays a sizeable and increasing role in today’s global economy – with recent developments in synthetic refrigerants demanding the attention of policy makers.

As mandated under Federal law, the refrigeration and air conditioning industry must recover, return and safely dispose of ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerants.

As a by-product, the avoidable venting of fluorocarbon refrigerants into the atmosphere is an offence punishable by law.

According to Alex Doran of the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), one kilogram of refrigerant R410a has the same greenhouse impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of running a car for six months.

“Refrigerants leak into the atmosphere from faulty or poorly maintained equipment, or when equipment is improperly disposed of,” Doran says.

“The refrigerants contained in most air-conditioners and refrigerators can be extremely harmful to the environment if released.

“Many refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer, while others are extremely potent greenhouse gases.”

To manage the responsible recovery of refrigerant, the ARC works on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to deliver the refrigeration and air conditioning industry permit scheme.

“We regularly communicate with local councils and audit tips and waste transfer stations to ensure compliance with the regulations, and ensure refrigerant is recovered before white goods are dumped or recycled,” Doran says.

Kate Patterson of ARC certified company A-Gas Rapid Recovery says the importance of conserving every kilogram of refrigerant should not be underestimated.

“This is where refrigerant recovery has such a vital role to play,” she says.

Under Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations, all persons handling refrigerant must hold a current Refrigerant Handling Licence, issued by the ARC on behalf of the Federal Government.

Recovery companies that comply with licensing and other removal regulations, such as responsible reporting, receive Arctick approval though the ARC.

Despite growing awareness of the hidden dangers of incorrect refrigerant handling, Patterson says the sector is still facing significant challenges. Namely: the illegal venting of refrigerant when disposing of white goods and air conditioners.

“Knowing and understanding current laws and regulations is challenging for anyone handling refrigerant,” Patterson says.

“The laws imposed on our industry create significant challenges. With knowledge of the rules and regulations, A-Gas can help bring operators out of violation and into compliance.”

A Gas utilises Arctick certified technicians and bespoke recovery equipment to meet the needs of their customers.

All recovered refrigerant is documented and tracked to meet governmental regulations.

With over 25 years’ experience in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerants, Patterson says A-Gas are well placed to manage growing regulatory responsibilities.

A-Gas offers a full suite of refrigerants and industrial gases to the refrigeration and air conditioning market.

Additionally, the company has a large fleet of returnable cylinders for refrigerant and industrial applications.

“Our high standards of quality and integrity are maintained and supported through the A Gas specialist on-site laboratory and rigorous Quality Control program,” Patterson says.

“We have a team of technicians who are fully equipped to go on-site at short notice and undertake recovery jobs of all sizes.”

Patterson adds that the A-Gas team take responsibility for all aspects of recovery work including hazardous waste documentation and electronic job-site reporting.

“If you are completing recovery jobs in-house, it is essential that best operating practice is always followed,” she says.

“Effective and safe recovery requires comprehensive risk assessments to be in place prior to the job starting.

“Having the right paperwork and relevant site inductions to prove competence is a key part of any recovery job to prevent risk to operators, their customers and the environment.”

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