An updated Automotive Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice is set to be released by the end of this year.
It will replace the 2008 Automotive Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice and for the first time covers refrigerant classes such as A1, A2L, A2 and A3 instead of naming individual gases.
The update was necessary to future-proof the code as the industry transitions to low GWP refrigerants.
Another first is the inclusion of workplace health and safety content.
Speaking at the Wire & Gas conference in Brisbane, Refrigerants Australia executive director, Greg Picker, said industry tried to update the code a decade ago, but the process collapsed due to flammability issues.
Industry tried again last year with consultation closing in late 2025 and 50 submissions received.
Picker said industry cannot just rely on standards, a code is necessary.
"Anyone ever read a standard? They're really horrible to read. You know, they're full of thou shalts and thou should nots and musts,” he explained.
"It's completely unreasonable to say we've got this great bit of legislation, and to ask a community to meet the requirements of that legislation without knowing how."
The new code also covers the full lifecycle from manufacture, installation, servicing and decommissioning.
Automotive Air Conditioning, Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia (VASA) veteran, Ian Stangroome, said the code outlines the minimum a workshop should do.
"This is not the maximum you should be doing in your workplace,” he said.
Wire & Gas is organised by the Automotive Air Conditioning, Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia (VASA) and The Automotive Technician (TaT).