313A Refrigerant Handling

Question 1

Under Canadian regulations (Environmental Protection Act and provincial codes), what certification is required to purchase and handle refrigerants?

Accepted Answer

An ODP (Ozone Depletion Prevention) licence from the provincial authority and/or an Environmental Awareness Certificate for handling refrigerants

Answer

No certification is required

Answer

Only a business licence

Answer

A university degree in chemistry

Question 2

What is the purpose of recovering refrigerant before opening a system for service?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere, which is both illegal under Canadian law and harmful to the ozone layer or contributes to global warming

Answer

To weigh the refrigerant for billing purposes

Answer

To create a vacuum in the system

Answer

To test the refrigerant for contamination

Question 3

What is the difference between refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation?

Accepted Answer

Recovery removes refrigerant from a system; recycling cleans it for reuse in the field; reclamation reprocesses it to meet new-product specifications at an approved facility

Answer

They are all the same process

Answer

Recovery is for CFC only; recycling is for HFC only

Answer

They differ only in the equipment used

Question 4

What colour coding identifies a recovery cylinder versus a refrigerant-specific cylinder?

Accepted Answer

Recovery cylinders are grey with yellow tops; specific refrigerants have designated colours (e.g., R-410A is rose/pink, R-22 is green)

Answer

Recovery cylinders are always white

Answer

All cylinders are the same colour

Answer

Recovery cylinders are red with white tops

Question 5

What safety precautions must be taken when handling refrigerants?

Accepted Answer

Work in well-ventilated areas, wear safety glasses and gloves, use proper recovery equipment, never heat cylinders with open flame, and have a refrigerant leak detector available

Answer

No special precautions are needed

Answer

Only wear a hard hat

Answer

Only work outdoors

Question 6

What is the GWP (Global Warming Potential) of R-410A and why is this significant for the Canadian HVAC industry?

Accepted Answer

GWP of approximately 2,088; it is being phased down under the Kigali Amendment and Canadian HFC regulations, requiring transition to lower-GWP alternatives

Answer

GWP of 1; it has no environmental impact

Answer

GWP of 10; it is considered low impact

Answer

GWP of 100; it is only significant in industrial applications