Manual for the refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians and engineers: post phase-out period of CFCs and beginning of phase-out of HCFCs
The manual provides new approaches to prevent emissions of CFCs during the operation and servicing of equipment and catalogues steps to recycle the CFCs and retrofit the equipment. Developing countries, called Article 5 countries under the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer are also embarking on the second stage i.e. phasing-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the last remaining refrigerant that is ozone depleting. The manual also contains the guidelines for the prudent use of HCFCs and emission preventing actions. These help countries slow down the growth of HCFCs and ease phase-out efforts. CFCs and HCFCs are powerful greenhouse gases. Over the past few years the environmental and technical issues surrounding the use of refrigerants have evolved at a remarkable speed. Indeed, the variety and types of ozone and climate-friendly refrigerants currently available are significantly different from those commonly used a few years ago, as is the way in which they may be applied. Using the procedures outlined in the manual would help protect the ozone layer as well as provide other environmental benefits, including some that would help in the fight against climate change.