Additional content has been added to unit AC1 to include refrigerant R1234yf. New online test questions have been added to the online exam AC1r to cover properties of refrigerant R1234yf, service methods and equipment requirements.
New EU F-Gas legislation (517/2014) replaces the 2006 regulation and comes into force from January 2015.
F-Gas Regulation Guidance http://www.gluckmanconsulting.com/f-gas-information-sheets
Guidance for users, producers and traders http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/eu-f-gas-regulation-guidance-for-users-producers-and-traders
Important note: training and certification requirements in the 2014 F-Gas Regulation are based largely on the existing requirements in the 2006 Regulation. Existing qualifications remain valid.
[This qualification is also suitable for competent MAC technicians who have already completed a previous qualification, including the IMI qualification Level 3 Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006) (Ofqual I.D no: 500/6771/0) (or 'in-house' training received prior to 4th July 2010). Completion of the IMI Automotive Refrigerant Handling qualification means technicians will already have achieved the Refrigerant Handling unit (AC1) and therefore two credits towards this qualification.]
This qualification offers experienced automotive technicians the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance existing ones. The qualification is suitable for those technicians who wish to expand their breadth of knowledge in the diagnosis and repair of mobile air conditioning (MAC) and climate control systems.
Importantly, this qualification also incorporates Unit AC1 (K/600/3391) Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006). This unit is approved by Defra for MAC technicians (working with cars and car derived vans) who handle F-Gas. Therefore on the completion of this qualification, technicians will hold a valid certificate (attestation) to legally recover F-Gas (see Background to European Union F-gas regulations below*).
From 4th July 2010, in order to legally work on MAC systems (cars and car derived vans), all MAC technicians must have achieved, as a minimum requirement, a refrigerant handling qualification (approved by Defra) meeting these EU F-Gas Regulations (Commission Regulation EC 842/2006 and the later Annex to Commission Regulation EC 307/2008).
Therefore achievement of Unit AC1 allows MAC technicians to legally recover F-Gas (fluorinated greenhouse gas) from air conditioning systems in motor cars and car derived vans.
Successful candidates will be issued with a certificate which shows they are compliant.
The assessment ensures rigour and quality of assessment by measuring the candidate’s underpinning knowledge, including F Gas regulations. Learners must demonstrate the learning outcomes by following and achieving two assessment components:
For all enquiries relating to the F Gas and ODS regulations contact the environment agency:f-gassupport@environment-agency.gov.uk
National customer contact centre tel no. 03708 506506
Start Date: Sun, 01/01/2012
End Date: Thu, 31/12/2026
Certificate End Date: Fri, 31/12/2027
