When must all refrigerant technicians be certified?

The requirement for all refrigerant technicians to be certified is rooted in regulatory and safety standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification became mandatory after November 14, 1994. At that time, the EPA implemented regulations under the Clean Air Act to ensure that technicians handling refrigerants are properly trained to minimize the risks associated with refrigerant leaks, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

This certification ensures that technicians understand proper refrigerant handling practices, including recovery, recycling, and disposal methods, which are vital in protecting the ozone layer and promoting safe working conditions. Therefore, all technicians must be certified due to these regulatory changes that were enacted after the specified date to work legally and competently in the refrigeration field.