The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is responsible for limiting the amount of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) in use and released into the atmosphere. The purpose of the U.S. EPA regulations for ODS are to protect the stratospheric ozone layer and limit the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface of the earth. To ensure regulatory compliance, it is important for all commercial, municipal, and industrial sites to assess the amount, proper use, and recordkeeping requirements for all ODSs used within their facilities. Often times, manufacturing facilities hire outside, certified technicians to service A/C units and other applicable equipment but an incorrect assumption is made that these technicians provide all of the required, regulatory paperwork.
ODS regulations require facilities to review their commercial refrigeration and cooling systems that are directly related to the industrial process. Facilities that are subject to the ODS regulations are required to follow specific requirements to minimize the amount of ODS released to the atmosphere. Some of the requirements include: EPA Certification for all technicians servicing ODS systems; EPA Certification for refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment; timing for repair and management of refrigerant leaks; recordkeeping of all ODS maintenance, repairs, additions and leaks; safe retirement of all equipment containing ODS. For more information, go to http://www.epa.ie/air/airenforcement/ozone/#.VcNGDYu4knc