313A Refrigerants & Environmental Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which federal regulation specifically controls ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Canada?
- The Refrigerant Management Canada Regulation
- The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) (Correct answer)
- The Montreal Protocol Domestic Implementation Act
- The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act
Correct answer: The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR)
The Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations (ODSHAR) under CEPA govern the use, import, export, and disposal of ODS and their alternatives in Canada.
Question 2: What is the ozone depletion potential (ODP) of R-22 (HCFC-22)?
- 0
- 0.05
- 1.0
- 0.034 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 0.034
R-22 has an ODP of 0.034 relative to R-11 (ODP=1.0), meaning it depletes the ozone layer but significantly less than the fully halogenated CFCs it replaced.
Question 3: Under the Montreal Protocol, which class of refrigerants was phased out first due to the highest ozone depletion potential?
- HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons)
- HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons)
- CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) (Correct answer)
- Natural refrigerants (ammonia, CO2)
Correct answer: CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
CFCs, such as R-11 and R-12, were phased out first under the Montreal Protocol because their high chlorine content and atmospheric stability give them the greatest ozone depletion potential.
Question 4: What refrigerant has completely replaced R-22 in new Canadian residential air conditioning equipment?
- R-410A (Correct answer)
- R-134a
- R-407C
- R-404A
Correct answer: R-410A
R-410A became the primary replacement for R-22 in new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems in Canada due to its zero ODP, though it has a high GWP and is now being phased down.
Question 5: What does GWP (Global Warming Potential) measure for refrigerants?
- The refrigerant's ability to absorb heat in the evaporator
- The relative contribution of the refrigerant to greenhouse warming compared to CO2 over 100 years (Correct answer)
- The operating pressure range of the refrigerant
- The toxicity level of the refrigerant
Correct answer: The relative contribution of the refrigerant to greenhouse warming compared to CO2 over 100 years
GWP is an index that compares a refrigerant's contribution to climate change relative to carbon dioxide (CO2=1) over a 100-year time horizon.
Question 6: In Canada, who must be certified to purchase and handle refrigerants containing ODS or HFCs above certain thresholds?
- Any licensed electrician
- Technicians certified under the Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) certification program (Correct answer)
- Only engineers registered with Professional Engineers Ontario
- Any HVAC company with a provincial business licence
Correct answer: Technicians certified under the Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) certification program
Canadian regulations require technicians to hold valid refrigerant handling certification (Refrigerant Management Canada or equivalent provincial program) to purchase and work with controlled refrigerants.
313A Refrigerants & Environmental Regulations 1
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which federal regulation specifically controls ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Canada?