GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - As 2010 approaches, when R-410A becomes the standard, many manufacturers are building air conditioning equipment using this refrigerant more often. The industry is preparing for this refrigerant shift as contractors and technicians begin to understand the safety, safe handling, proper charging, operating characteristics, and proper applications of R-410A. Sid Harvey Industries is offering a R-410A Safety Training and Certification program. The program allows end users and new technicians entering the industry to learn more about what tools and equipment should be used, safety standards, and fundamentals when installing, changing out (retrofitting) older split a/c systems, and repairing systems in the field.

According to Sid Harvey's, all contractors and service personnel need to know: why R-410A can only be used in equipment specifically designed and constructed for R-410A and cannot be retrofitted from R-22 systems; why it operates at considerably higher pressures and requires the use of special tanks, gauges, recovery equipment, and how to handle R-410A properly and safely; and why all refrigerant flow controls, valves, and driers have changed and must be properly applied with newly designed and built compressors. Successful test takers will receive a wall certificate, a wallet-sized certification card, and an embroidered shoulder patch from the AC&R Safety Coalition.

For more information, visit www.sidharveys.com.

Publication date: 05/29/2006