ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) released a new training package aimed at making it simpler for contractors and others to certify new employees in the required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on refrigerant handling.

Section 608 certification in refrigerant handling is required by the federal government for anyone who works on stationary air conditioning and refrigeration systems. ACCA, who has been offering this certification program since the law was passed more than a decade ago, has now taken a new step toward making it easier for contractors to ensure compliance with the law by releasing Understanding Section 608: Refrigerant Handling in the Real World.

This training program is a 5-CD computer video training package that contains handouts, sample questions, and an answer sheet, as well as the video training module. The CDs include two parts covering the required core part of the exam, and one part each covering Type 1 (small appliances), Type 2 (high or very high pressure appliances), and Type 3 (low pressure appliances).

According to ACCA, the series, taught by industry trainer Jack Rise, is engaging, brief, and in an easy-to-understand manner.

“We call this 608 Simplified, because it really makes it easy for contractors to get new workers certified quickly,” said Kevin Holland, head of ACCA’s member services division. “All anyone has to do is sign up to become a proctor for ACCA testing, get one copy of this new training package for their shelf, and they will be ready to train and test new workers as needed.”

For more information, e-mail Brian Mahler at brian.mahler@acca.org or visit www.acca.org.

Publication date: 03/31/2008