Vehicle air conditioning service and repair is proving to be a welcome growth business area for garages and bodyshops in Ireland. However, it does bring with it certain dangers, which means that good training in this field is vital.

Under recently introduced F-Gas Regulations (EC842/2006, MAC Directive), it is now an offence to work with fluorinated gases contained within automotive air conditioning and refrigeration plants, without proper training and certification.  All relevant personnel who are involved in the service and maintenance of vehicle air conditioning systems must therefore complete a City & Guilds 5101 (Unit 1) Course or equivalent.

Automotive equipment supplier Diagnostic Solutions is now offering this course, with dates available in the New Year. It provides attendees with the knowledge and skills required to handle refrigerants used in mobile air conditioning, while also giving an understanding of the function, layout and operating principles of such systems. Those attending the programme also gain an understanding of the procedures required for service and general maintenance as well as the environmental implications, and the legal and health and safety requirements of working with refrigerants. They will also gain competency in refrigerant identification and system evaluation and testing.

Colin Reed, Diagnostic Solutions MD, says, "Anyone involved with the service, maintenance, recovery or decommissioning of automotive air conditioning or refrigeration equipment needs to complete this course.” He adds, "As well as being a legal requirement we can also give a great insight into this whole area of business so that garages and bodyshops can make the most of the opportunities on offer and maximise the return on investment they make in specialist equipment.

For more information and course bookings call Diagnostic Solutions on 01-413-1330 or visit www.diagnosticsolutions.ie.