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Training to meet regulatory compliance in Manchester - F GAS (flourinated greenhouse gas) Refrigerant Handling
From July 4, 2010, all Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) technicians working with cars and car derived vans must have achieved, as a minimum requirement, a refrigerant handling qualification which fulfils the European Union F Gas (fluorinated greenhouse gas) regulation EC842-2006 and subsequent annex (EC307-2008), which expands on the qualification requirements.
IMI Awards, the leading awarding body for the automotive industry, offers two routes to achieving regulatory compliance. Route one, through a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) and route two, through Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA).
Automotive Solutions offer a number of options from our state of the art training facility in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester to meet the regulatory requirements that come into force on the 4th July 2010. These include:
Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ)
Level 3 Award in Automotive Refrigerant Handling (QCF)
(EC842-2006) Qual Ref: 500/677/1/0
Who is it for?
This single unit VRQ, which is approved by DEFRA, is suitable for competent MAC technicians who have completed a previous qualification, which can include ‘in-house' training. MAC technicians must already have a good understanding of components and the system operation to carry out servicing procedures relating to air conditioning systems.
What is the process?
This qualification is assessed by either an on-demand online or paper based test and a practical assessment. It contains one mandatory unit:
- AC1 Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006 inc annex EC307-2008)
or
Level 3 Certificate in Automotive Air Conditioning and Climate Control
(EC842-2006) Qual Ref: 500/4229/4
Who is it for?
Many motor vehicle technicians have limited experience of qualifications demonstrating their competence in air conditioning components and systems. This qualification provides motor vehicle technicians the opportunity to develop new MAC skills and enhance existing ones. Most importantly, this qualification provides MAC technicians working with cars and car derived vans with a DEFRA approved qualifi cation, which fulfils the scope of Commission Regulation EC842-2006 and Annex to Commission Regulation EC307-2008 for F-gas.
What is the process?
This is assessed by three on-demand online tests and three practical assessments. It contains three mandatory units:
- AC1 Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006 inc annex EC307-2008)
- AC2 Mobile Air Conditioning Principles
- AC3 Advanced Diagnostics for Mobile Air Conditioning and Climate Control Systems
What is achieved with the VRQ routes for the Award and Certificate?
Achievement of either VRQ routes allows MAC technicians to continue to practice after July 4, 2010. Successful candidates will be issued with an IMI Awards certificate which shows they are compliant.
Alternatively, compliance can be achieved through the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) assessments which we also offer. Further details can be obtained from the ATA pages on this site.
For further details about the FGAS training being delivered in Greater Manchester please call 0845 602 5481, and ask for either Marc Roberts, Paul Weir or Steven Nathaniel.