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Cooling news

01 Jul 2009

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There's one year until all air con techs must pass a new EU test. Find out why the situation has been described as "total chaos"

THE COUNTDOWN has begun for every air con technician in the UK to pass a new EU assessment before next summer.

From July next year, anyone working on car air con systems must have a refrigerant handling qualification approved by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Aftermarket understands that many within the air con training industry are unhappy about the way the legislation was introduced, with frequent delays and confusion over which qualifications would be required.

One source within the air con training sector described the situation as “total chaos” with many companies still rushing to ensure their trainers were qualified to deliver the DEFRA-approved courses to technicians.

Air con firm Autoclimate is writing to all its customers, urging them to book DEFRA-approved assessments early to avoid a last-minute rush.

Adrian Lamb, Autoclimate’s technical services manager, said: “It’s finally confirmed absolutely that everyone recovering or handling R134a for cars or small vans must hold a nationally recognised qualification by July 2010.

“Our advice is simple; please don’t wait. We’re offering a range of options and interest is exceptional. We believe demand will grow quickly from now on, right up to that final deadline.”

DEFRA-approved assessments can be taken on-site in workshops or at training company centres. Autoclimate claims its DEFRA-approved courses (administered by City & Guilds) are “uniquely cost effective” because the qualification lasts for life with no need for future retests.

“We’ve made major investments to cater for the anticipated high demand for this Qualification,” said Guy Foster, Autoclimate’s national product manager.

“We’re aiming to do as much of the training as we can to provide our customers with value for money.”

A free information pack on meeting new air con regulations is available on request from Autoclimate on 0345 5050 900 or by emailing info@autoclimate.com.

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