In order to maintain and control environmental concerns regarding the recovery and disposal of refrigerator coolant, the EPA developed a course and subsequent exam to manage this particular area of concern. Anyone who works with refrigerator coolant, runs a collection agency or other related business must be certified.
Many items will be covered in the course, including the required procedures for people collecting the fluid, how to handle it, Department of Transportation code in relation to moving it, CFCs (chloroflourocarbons) and their impact on the ozone, and EPA's section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Gaining a thorough understanding of each of these topics will ensure your safety and educate you as to why you need certification.
The course generally takes about eight hours to complete. At that time students will be asked to take the EPA Refrigerant Recovery Exam. People who pass sections one, two and three of the exam, and the core, will receive a Universal Certification on the same day. If you are interested in gaining more information before you take this course and exam, the EPA recommends taking Environmental Control I (Course #5568601).