§7671h Servicing of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners

Summary

The EPA Administrator must write rules by November 15, 1991 about how motor vehicle air conditioners are serviced. Key words: refrigerant means class I or II refrigerants (and, starting November 15, 1995, also substitute substances); approved refrigerant recycling equipment means equipment certified to meet standards at least as strict as SAE J‑1990; properly using means using that equipment to meet standards like SAE J‑1989; properly trained and certified means workers trained and certified under programs like ASE or MACS that meet SAE J‑1989. Starting January 1, 1992, anyone who services cars for pay cannot work on an air conditioner’s refrigerant unless they use approved recycling equipment correctly and are properly trained and certified. Shops that serviced fewer than 100 car air conditioners in 1990 can delay those rules until January 1, 1993 if they tell the EPA by January 1, 1992. By November 15, 1992 each paid service provider must certify to the EPA either that they have the approved equipment and trained staff or that they serviced fewer than 100 systems in 1991; those who claimed the under‑100 exception must submit the equipment-and-training certification by January 1, 1993. Certifications must include name, address, equipment serial numbers, and a responsible signature. Also, beginning November 15, 1992 it is illegal to sell or ship interstate refrigerant in containers under 20 pounds except to certified service providers who follow these rules.