The Australian Refrigeration Mechanics Association (ARMA) has welcomed changes to restricted handling licences that will protect refrigeration and air conditioning technicians.
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has confirmed the modification will go ahead following talks with industry last month.
The ARC said the modification applies to the refrigerant handling licence cards provided to technicians that hold restricted licences. In a statement, the ARC said the modification will be around highlighting the word “Restrictions Apply” in red font.
“ This is being done to emphasise that the licence holder is qualified to provide specific services under that licence,” the statement said.
“The entitlements of the licence will continue to be listed on the card.”
In the case of the Restricted Split Systems Installation and Decommissioning licence, this would be:
RESTRICTED SPLIT SYSTEMS (1): Install/decommission Split Systems, Hot Water & Swimming Pool Heat Pumps up to 18KW (Must not repair)
“This modification will provide an added level of transparency for consumers, and clarity for licensed technicians around what they can and can’t do as holders of a specific ARCTick licence,” the ARC said.
The modification will apply to participants in abbreviated Certificate II courses.
ARMA president, Kim Limburg, said highlighting the word 'restricted' will encourage consumers to question the implications of the term.
“This is a significant achievement as the ARC has not previously drawn attention to the restricted nature of those licences during it entire 13 years of operation,” she said.