Next month in Niagara our Ozone Depletion Prevention certificate course runs. The course is a one day, eight hour event. After learning and successfully completing the exam with a 75% mark or higher, students receive a certification in Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) in the form of a wallet sized card, which will need to be renewed every five years.

If you're considering taking this course, but you're not exactly sure what it is or why you'd need it, there's no need to look any further. We've broken down what ODP is and why you need your certification for you, to help you better understand why this is a step you should take to further your career in the HVAC and gas fitting industry.

Ozone Depletion Prevention

Ozone depletion refers to the effect that hazardous chemicals have on the ozone layer. These are referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS), and they are often found in refrigerants, which are used in many air conditioning units.

In order to purchase, handle, and dispose of these refrigerants, HVAC technicians are required to have their ODP certificate and proper training in how to handle and dispose of these ODS. This was enacted in an effort to protect the environment and prevent further depletion of the ozone layer.

Legal obligations

Legally in Canada you are unable to even purchase these refrigerants without going through this training and being certified. This program was enacted in 1987 (and there were amendments to the program in 1990 and 1992). The ozone depletion certificate is issued by Ontario's Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. When you complete your course, the certificate you will get will be given on behalf of the Ministry.

Once you have completed our government approved course and you are working in the field with HVAC systems or as a gas technician, you will need to certificate your ODP card with you at all times. The certificate is in the form of a wallet sized card for easy access and transportation, so that you can always have it with you.

The course itself

During the one-day course that runs 8 hours, you'll learn about the environmentally correct way that equipment should be designed, how to properly handle CFC/HCFC/HFC, and how to handle/dispose of ODS in compliance with provincial regulations. The day will cover:

• CFC’s and the Ozone Layer
• Isolation Valuing
• Recommended Components
• Leak Detection Methods
• System Charging Procedures
• Special Maintenance Provisions
• Refrigerant Recover
• Reuse, Recycle and Reclamation Equipment

Connect with us for more information, or register now for your spot in our upcoming Ozone Depletion Prevention course, which runs June 13, 2017.