The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) have released their first CoolChange newsletter for 2018.
The January 2018 edition of CoolChange focuses on the changes to the RAC permit scheme coming into effect from 1 January, the annual indexation to licence and authorisation application fees, RAC permit holder numbers, the success of the ARC Air Con Checklist, the outcome of the WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi, the RTA summer checklist, interstate licences, ASQA’s improved auditing processes, the management of refrigerators and air conditioners when they are disposed of as hard rubbish, the outcome of ARC’s advertising strategies, the latest on the ozone hole, and FAQs on R32.
In regards to the changes to the RAC permit scheme, the newsletter provides details of the addition of three year refrigerant handling licences (RHL) and refrigeration trading authorisations (RTA), and the re-application process streamlined into a renewal process. These changes are the result of a review of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management (OPSGGM) program.
In regards to the annual indexation to licence and authorisation application fees, the newsletter provides a table of the RHL and RTA duration, and a comparison of the 2017 application fees and the 2018 application fees, which will increase by 2.006 percent from 1 January.
In regards to RAC permit holder numbers, the newsletter states that the total number of permit holders has recently surpassed the 87,000 number (Australia-wide)–which marks the highest number of permit holders ever.
In regards to the success of the ARC Air Con Checklist, the newsletter provides details of the success of the Checklist over the last five years for retail workers, to reinforce the need for consumers to use RAC licensed technicians.
In regards to the outcome of the WorldSkills Competition held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, the newsletter specifically highlighted the outcome of the refrigeration competitors, including Australian, Nathan McHugh.
In regards to the RTA summer checklist, the newsletter advises readers to follow the RTA checklist to “make sure your business is in prime position to capitalise on the busy summer ahead.” The checklist includes a list of legal and advertising requirements.
In regards to interstate licences, the newsletter states that ARC “works hand-in-hand with all states and territories to ensure qualified and compliant individuals and businesses are operating in the (RAC) industry” and that they are in contact with relevant state-based consumers affairs and licensing bodies “to assist with issues and incidents relating to consumer protection, technician safety and non-licensed activity.”
In regards to ASQA’s (Australian Skills Quality Authority) improved auditing processes, the newsletter states that ASQA has recently improved the way they audit training providers, now they focus on the “practices and behaviours of the registered training organisation (RTO) in relation to the phases of the student experience.”
In regards to the management of refrigerators and air conditioners when they are disposed of as hard rubbish, the newsletter states that ARC “is undertaking a detailed investigation of refrigerant recovery management practices by local councils in the greater Brisbane area.”
In regards to the outcome of ARC’s advertising strategies, the newsletter states that the advertising directed over 250,000 people to the business directory website, Look for the Tick, and that the annual summer advertising campaign further educates consumers on the importance of using licensed technicians.
In regards to the latest on the ozone hole, the newsletter emphasises the importance of RAC technicians to minimise refrigerant leaks, as well as the recovery and return of waste refrigerant for safe disposal, to prevent further damage to the environment.
In regards to the FAQs on R32, they specifically focus on what it is, where it can be bought, whether it can be used as a drop-in refrigerant, licensing and handling requirements, and what cylinders and equipment can be used.
ARC’s January 2018 CoolChange newsletter can be read in full here.
Image via Pixabay.