4.2 Environment Canada’s Code of Practice

Environment Canada’s Code of Practice

Originally, the Code of Practice was developed in 1991 by Environment Canada as required within Section 8 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

The Code itself acts as a template for primarily reducing the release and emission of CFCs and other halocarbons from refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

It is applicable to six main trade sectors:

• Industrial/Commercial
• Residential
• Residential Domestic Appliances
• Mobile Air Conditioning
• Mobile Refrigeration
• Heavy-duty Mobile Air Conditioning

Although not referenced directly as part of the MR 103/94 in Manitoba, the Code of Practice has been adopted in part by several other provincial and territorial governments.

The Code of Practice provides a standardized method of practice for technicians working in the various trade sectors and industries mentioned above.

The Code of Practice was revised and updated in 1996 to reflect a number of new developments including:

•  New technologies
•  Alternative refrigerants
•  Canada’s commitment to pollution prevention
•  The advancement of the goals and objectives of the NAP

In addition, the Code was expanded to adapt best practice procedures for eliminating emissions of both HCFCs and HFCs, and cautions about environmental and safety issues related to the use of hydrocarbons and alternate substances.

Within the Code of Practice, a number of key issues are addressed and include but are not limited to the following:

•  Recommended procedures to minimize refrigerant leaks
•  Suggested pressure testing procedures for use prior to charging the system
•  Suggested charging methods
•  Requirements to recover, reuse, recycle and reclaim refrigerants
•  Suggested measures to dispose of equipment that has contained a prescribed substance

The Code of Practice was developed in active consultation with stakeholders from a number of sectors including contractors, labourers, manufacturers, trade associations, regulators, federal and provincial representatives, and environmental non-governmental organizations.

In order to accommodate new technologies and regulatory advancements, further updates to this Code may occur.

It has become a useful tool to help harmonize and bridge the gap between differing provincial requirements regarding refrigerant emissions into the atmosphere.