A reminder was issued for people who work with refrigerant gases to make sure that they have the proper identification card.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said all technicians who handled or managed refrigerant gases for domestic and commercial HVAC systems must hold a valid “Certified Technician for Refrigerant Handling” photo ID card issued by DENR.

Permits were developed as part of a measure to prevent the release of refrigerant gases.

A government spokesman said that to get the ID card, technicians must show evidence of the relevant training to Ornette Fough, am HVAC instructor at the Bermuda College.

Technicians are also required to attend a refresher meeting organised by the college and DENR at a cost of $25 per person.

A completed application form, which can be found on the Government website, should then be submitted to DENR with the $220 application fee.

The fee is subject to increase on April 1.

The spokesman added: “Technicians who attended the December 2021 refresher meetings are asked to apply for their photo identification cards as soon as possible.

“Technicians who have not yet attended a refresher meeting are strongly encouraged to e-mail pollutioncontrol@gov.bm before February 1, 2022 to reserve a spot.

“Attendance numbers are limited due to Covid restrictions.”

The government spokesman said that HVAC technicians who did not have a valid photo ID card by March 1, 2022 would be in contravention of the Clean Air Regulations.

He added that the offence could attract up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $5,000.

Residents were also encouraged to make sure that their air conditioning unit installers and maintainers were certified.

For more information and a list of certified refrigerant handlers, visit www.gov.bm/online-services/apply-refrigerant-handler-permit.

Any questions can be sent by e-mail to pollutioncontrol@gov.bm.