Lafayette, Colo. – June 8, 2022 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved KPA’s Technician Training and Certification program under the Clean Air Act’s Section 609 for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC). With this approval, KPA is among a unique shortlist of 15 providers that can train and certify individuals who need to know about the proper use of MVAC servicing equipment, regulatory requirements, refrigerant recovery, recycling, and recharging, and the impact of mishandling refrigerants.

KPA’s A/C 609 Training online course provides a general overview of A/C 609 MVAC systems, including the impact on the environment and other hazards. It also covers key information on common refrigerants, use conditions for SNAP substitutes, and key sections of the Clean Air Act. The course also reviews procedures for recovering, recycling, and recharging pure refrigerants, and the recovery of unrecyclable refrigerants and leak detection.

“Offering certification with our ‘A/C 609 Training’ course sets KPA apart from any number of other workplace compliance and safety software and learning management systems,” commented Shawn Smith, KPA’s Training Product Director. “Dealerships can keep a record of their technicians’ certifications for this course as well as any other required employee trainings, like lift safety, all in one system.”

The Importance of the Technician Training Program for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

In motor vehicle industries, MVAC systems have had a historical and well-documented impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the ozone layer, and global warming. Although, as of model year 2021, MVAC systems in newly manufactured light-duty vehicles don’t use a particular ozone-depleting refrigerant, R-134a, also referred to as HFC-134a, any number of other vehicles and older vehicles continue to run on the road. These vehicles use R-134a as well as other types of refrigerants that require specific servicing protocols that technicians need to know and follow.

Because of the impact of MVAC systems on the environment, Section 609 of the Clean Air Act, overseen and enforced by the EPA, covers the following requirements:

• MVAC technician training and certification
• The safe disposal of A/C equipment
• Using EPA-approved equipment when conducting MVAC work
• MVAC equipment certification
• Keeping records of MVAC services
• Restricting the sale of small cans of R-12

KPA’s Award-Winning Compliance Training Catalog Features A/C 609 Training Among Many Courses for Dealers

A/C 609 Training is just one compliance training course among KPA’s more than 400 online and mobile training offerings. With KPA’s award-winning compliance training programs and comprehensive suite of workplace and workforce management software and services, dealerships can reinforce employee comprehensive, and increase compliance and safety, all while reducing costs.

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About KPA

KPA helps dealerships improve safety and stay compliant. Trusted by 10,000+ clients, including 8 of the top 10 automobile dealership groups, KPA offers a unique combination of expert Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), HR, and Sales F&I consulting, software, and training. KPA enables dealers to comply with state and federal regulations and proactively manage programs to reduce costs, minimize risk and increase productivity.