New editions of the Australian and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice are now available.
The Refrigerant Handling Codes of Practice provide vital information for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.
Compliance with the codes is mandatory for anyone holding a refrigerant handling licence or refrigerant trading authorisation through the Australian Refrigeration Council.
Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating (AIRAH) CEO, Sami Zheng, said the 2025 edition has been introduced after extensive technical review and industry consultation.
“The previous version of the codes was released in 2007, and there have been many changes in standards, regulations, safety practices, refrigerants and technology since then. It’s critical that a document like this is up to date,” she said.
“We would like to thank the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, for giving impetus and ongoing support to the project, and to everyone who commented on the drafts released last year.
“We are also grateful to the ARC for its excellent early work on the updates, and the Department’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Permit Scheme Industry Advisory Group members for their advice.”
The new codes cover the entire system life-cycle: design, manufacture, shipping, installation, commissioning and servicing, decommissioning and refrigerant recovery.
Part 1 covers self-contained low charge systems: those systems which don’t require any work on the refrigeration circuit to install and contain less than 2 kg of fluorocarbon refrigerant.
Part 2 of the code covers all other stationary and transport refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Automotive air conditioning systems are covered by a separate code, prepared by the automotive industry.
ARC CEO, Glenn Evans, said the codes are freely available on the ARCtick website and are essential reading for all technicians.
“Apprentices receive copies of the codes through their TAFE or RTO, but for those who have been in the field for a while, it’s important to check you are referring to the latest codes and standards, and that you have considered all aspects of working with today’s technologies,” Evans said.
“These codes are best-practice guides for avoiding emissions of refrigerants. They will help you do your job and protect the environment.”