EPA 609 Safety & Environmental Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method is recommended for detecting refrigerant leaks?
- Listening for hissing sounds only
- Using an electronic leak detector, UV dye, or soapy water solution (Correct answer)
- Smelling the refrigerant odor
- Checking for ice formation around fittings
Correct answer: Using an electronic leak detector, UV dye, or soapy water solution
Electronic detectors, UV dye with a black light, and soapy water are all acceptable methods for locating MVAC system leaks.
Question 2: If a significant leak is discovered after charging, what should the technician do?
- Add more refrigerant to compensate for the leak
- Recover the refrigerant, repair the leak, evacuate, and recharge (Correct answer)
- Seal the leak with epoxy and monitor the pressure
- Advise the customer to check the refrigerant level monthly
Correct answer: Recover the refrigerant, repair the leak, evacuate, and recharge
Leaks must be repaired before recharging — operating with known leaks releases refrigerant to the atmosphere and will damage the system.
Question 3: What is the correct way to move a refrigerant cylinder?
- Roll it on the bottom edge across the floor
- Lay it on its side for stability
- Use a hand truck and keep it upright with the valve protected (Correct answer)
- Carry it by the valve stem for better grip
Correct answer: Use a hand truck and keep it upright with the valve protected
Cylinders must be kept upright, secured to a hand truck, and never dragged, dropped, or moved by the valve to prevent damage.
Question 4: Refrigerant cylinders must be stored with valve caps:
- Removed to allow pressure relief
- Installed and tightly secured at all times when not in use (Correct answer)
- Replaced only when the cylinder is full
- Optional — only required for transport
Correct answer: Installed and tightly secured at all times when not in use
Valve caps protect the valve from damage that could cause rapid, uncontrolled refrigerant release — they must be in place whenever the cylinder is not actively connected.
Question 5: What does MSDS (now called SDS) provide for refrigerants?
- Service pricing information
- Certification test questions
- Safety data including hazards, first aid, storage, and disposal information (Correct answer)
- EPA registration numbers
Correct answer: Safety data including hazards, first aid, storage, and disposal information
Safety Data Sheets provide comprehensive information on chemical hazards, handling, storage, emergency procedures, and disposal requirements for refrigerants.
Question 6: What type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for an MVAC service area?
- Water extinguisher only
- CO2 or dry chemical (ABC-rated) extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Halon extinguisher only
- Sand buckets — no chemical extinguishers
Correct answer: CO2 or dry chemical (ABC-rated) extinguisher
CO2 or ABC dry chemical extinguishers are appropriate for automotive service areas covering electrical, oil, and general fire hazards.
EPA 609 Safety & Environmental Practices 2
Which method is recommended for detecting refrigerant leaks?