EPA 609 case studies
EPA 609 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Section 609 of the Clean Air Act sets the training and certification requirement for people who service motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems. Under the EPA-approved program structure described by the EPA, any person who repairs or services a motor vehicle air conditioning system for consideration - payment or bartering - must be properly trained and certified under section 609 by an EPA-approved program, and all technicians servicing MVAC-like appliances must be certified. Certification is therefore aimed at working technicians, shop employees, and anyone who performs MVAC service for compensation, not at hobbyists working only on their own vehicles. To be certified, technicians must be trained by an EPA-approved program and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge in these areas. The EPA 609 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,266 words.
1Shared Recovery Station, Two Refrigerants
A mobile A/C shop has one recovery station. On Monday a technician recovered R-134a from a 2012 Civic.
510 words, about 3 min2Uncertified Apprentice Alone in the Bay
A shop owner hires a new employee who has no EPA Section 609 certification. The owner is certified.
424 words, about 2 min3Fourteen Ounces per Service Adds Up
A high-volume shop services 25 vehicles per week, 50 weeks per year. The manager notices that each R-134a service leaves about 14 oz of refrigerant in the machine's hose and manifold.
413 words, about 2 min4Old Truck, Leaking R-12, and a Cheap Drop-In
A 1993 pickup with an R-12 system arrives at a shop. The system is low; the owner has a 12-oz can of R-12 he bought years ago and asks the technician to 'top it off.' The technician notices oil residue at the compressor shaft seal and a damaged service port.
461 words, about 2 min5Recovery Cylinder at the 80 Percent Line
A technician is recovering R-134a from a 2015 minivan with a 26-oz charge. The recovery cylinder is a 30-lb DOT cylinder with a tare weight of 13 lb and a water capacity of 30 lb.
458 words, about 2 min