The 2025 edition of the Australia and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice is now published in two parts, each tailored to different system types using scheduled refrigerants.
Part 1 of the Code covers self-contained equipment with a refrigerant charge of 2 kg or less. It applies to appliances where no work on the refrigerating system is required during installation, such as domestic refrigerators and freezers, ice makers, room air conditioners, and vending machines. This part provides mandatory requirements and best-practice recommendations on design, manufacturing, leak testing, maintenance, recovery, and safe handling of scheduled refrigerants.
Part 2 addresses all other systems that use scheduled refrigerants, including commercial and industrial refrigeration, air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and transport refrigeration. It includes comprehensive procedures for installation, repair, decommissioning, and refrigerant recovery in larger and more complex RAC systems.
Both parts contain common sections on refrigerant recovery, reclamation, storage, and safety classifications. They also include appendices listing scheduled refrigerants, applicable standards, and definitions.
These Codes are referenced under regulatory frameworks in Australia and serve as guidance documents in New Zealand. They aim to ensure industry-wide compliance and environmental responsibility in the handling of scheduled refrigerants.