About 50 years ago, scientists reported that the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were contributing to the thinning of the Earth’s ozone layer, which protects us from harmful radiation. At the time, CFCs were the refrigerants used in fridges and air conditioners, aerosol spray cans, blowing agents for foam and packaging materials, and as solvents. The damage to the ozone layer couldn’t be ignored - by the 1990s the concentration of ozone over Antarctica had dropped to less than half the level measured in 1979.
The ozone layer sits about 15-30 km above the earth’s surface (way above where airliners fly) and acts just like a ‘sunscreen’ for our planet by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation and protecting humans, animals and crops. A healthy ozone layer is vital. Without it, UV-B radiation exposure can lead to skin cancer, genetic damage and immune system suppression in humans and animals, and lower crop production.
The ozone layer has thinned over the area called the mid-latitude, which stretches right across Australia. So, combined with our sun-loving lifestyle, this means Australians’ risk of over exposure to UV-B is higher than other parts of the world. In more recent studies, scientists have reported that ozone depletion is also directly contributing to climate change across the Southern Hemisphere.
Once a connection between chlorofluorocarbons and the thinning ozone layer was made all those years ago, the international community joined forces to phase out ozone depleting substances. In 1987, the United Nations (UN) created the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the only UN treaty ever to be ratified by all member states.
Soon after, Australia’s Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act (1989) was introduced, designed to reduce emissions of environmentally harmful refrigerant gases. Subsequently, the production and use of those chemicals was phased out and, today, CSIRO says the ozone layer is expected to recover to fully by 2060-70.
Most ozone depleting substances like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and a range of other chemicals used in refrigeration and air conditioning have been replaced with synthetic greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's). These are man-made chemicals that don’t damage the ozone layer, but they do contribute to climate change. If they’re released into the atmosphere, these very stable and long-lasting gases trap heat for a long time, increasing their contribution to climate change. The challenge is to prevent those gases entering the atmosphere.
Australia’s refrigeration and air conditioning sector is the country’s single largest user of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases. To assist the knowledge training and skills development of a network of RAC technicians and businesses, the Australian Government established ARCtick, a national licence scheme in 2003. The licence scheme ensures that Australia’s 115,000 technicians and businesses have the qualifications, skills and commitment to prevent the release of synthetic greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Today, Australia’s refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector has shown the world how a successful licence scheme can make a massive contribution to protecting the environment. Since ARCtick was established, the industry has contributed to a reduction of more than 25 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (a standard measurement for greenhouse gases’ global warming potential) direct emissions.
So when RAC technicians take care of the refrigeration equipment that keeps perishable items cold and maintain the air conditioners that cool our homes, vehicles and public spaces, they are following strict guidelines that prevent the release of the harmful gases into our atmosphere. Similarly, businesses buying, storing or selling fluorocarbon refrigerant stick to clear procedures that ensure the safe containment of the substances.
The ARC continues to provide leadership, value and knowledge to the industry through:
• Licensing and regulatory assistance
• Technical advice
• Preparing technicians for future technologies
• Improved training quality
• Connecting customers to ARC-licensed businesses
• Free promotional materials for ARC-licensed businesses
• Helping industry to “build their businesses” through various services
RRA is a not-for-profit organisation based in Canberra that works nationally with the refrigeration industry to recover and safely dispose of ozone depleting and synthetic greenhouse gases.
A Risk Management Plan (RMP) must identify potential risks which could result in the emission of refrigerant to the atmosphere and outline measures to minimise the possibility of those risks occurring.
Your RMP must reflect risks and measures relevant to what occurs with your refrigerant both on and off the job. This applies whether your business is conducted from a vehicle or building, or whether you are a sole trader or employ 100 technicians.
It is important that RTA applicants understand what is required in an RMP as insufficient RMPs are one of the main reasons RTA application assessments are not approved.
A sample RMP covering the broadest risk assessment is available on the ARC website – click here
Only the risks that are valid for your business should be included in your RMP, and the format and medium of the RMP is at the RTA’s discretion.
NO. Importers of equipment containing fluorocarbon-based refrigerants require an import licence issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Further details can be found here
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Management Regulations 1995 provide that persons or businesses that acquire, store or dispose of refrigerants must hold a current Refrigerant Trading Authorisation issued by ARC on behalf of the Australian Government.
Businesses that acquire refrigerant (other than halon) for use in the manufacture of RAC must hold a current Refrigerant and Air-conditioning Equipment Manufacturing Trading Authorisation (RAEMTA).
Since the amendments to the regulations, a new class of authorisation has been made available for businesses that have no need to purchase refrigerant. The Restricted Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RRTA) allows the holder to acquire, possess and dispose of refrigerant provided that the refrigerant is only acquired by being recovered from equipment at the end of its useful life and it is only disposed of by being provided to the operator of a refrigerant destruction facility.
All three types of Refrigerant Trading Authorisation can be obtained by submitting a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application via the ARC website, http://www.arctick.org
NO. If the refrigerant is contained in equipment, such as a split system air conditioner, a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation is not required. However a refrigerant handling licence is required to install this type of equipment. You should note that restrictions on the sale of this type of equipment may apply in some states and territories. Restrictions can be checked with the relevant state or territory government authorities.
A Pre-charged Equipment import licence is required if you intend to import refrigeration or air conditioning equipment that contains a HFC or HCFC refrigerant charge. More details can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website here.
YES. Complete a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation application form and when approved your listing will appear under your nominated major activity.
No. There are national controls on all fluorocarbon refrigerants such as HCFCs, HFCs and CFCs. These refrigerants can damage the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases. Other ‘natural refrigerants’ such as ammonia and hydrocarbons are not subject to national controls. However their use may be controlled, for health and safety or consumer protection, by state authorities.
It depends on the ownership. If the business has a materially new ownership (completely different people), it will need a new RTA. But RTAs whose ownership has not changed can keep their existing RTA number – you will be asked for some documentation to confirm the ABN and ownership details and there may be a processing fee, but you will not need a new RTA. Please contact ARC for further information.
All licence fees are GST exempt. The Goods and Services Tax does not apply.
Current Refrigerant Trading Authorisations can be cancelled at any time. Simply fill in the cancellation form here and email completed form to enquire@arctick.org or mail to ARC, Locked Bag, 3033 Box Hill VIC 3128.
A full list of the Refrigerant Trading Authorisation industry segments can be found here.
