How long must records be kept when evacuating refrigerant from appliances with a full charge between 5 and 50 pounds?

The correct duration for keeping records when evacuating refrigerant from appliances with a full charge between 5 and 50 pounds is three years. This requirement is part of the EPA regulations outlined under the Clean Air Act, specifically designed to ensure compliance with environmental standards concerning refrigerant management. Keeping records for this period helps in tracking refrigerant usage and recovery, ensuring that technicians adhere to proper disposal methods and best practices.

Maintaining records for three years aids in audits, investigations, and compliance checks, thereby encouraging accountability among technicians and service providers. This is particularly relevant for Type II systems, which include hand-held and other small appliances that may contain freon or other refrigerants. Staying within this record-keeping timeframe also supports ongoing environmental protection efforts by allowing for the monitoring of refrigerant leaks and ensuring that proper recovery processes are implemented.