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EPA Finalizes Significant New Use Rule for Motor Vehicle Refrigerant

In a letter to the U.S. EPA earlier this year, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) expressed concern with the substitution of HFO-1234yf because it poses some risk to those persons handling the product, particularly non-professionals or do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers.

Shop Owner Staff
By Shop Owner Staff
Published:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance 1-Propene, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro, also known as HFO-1234yf.

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The action requires persons who intend to manufacture, import or process the chemical substance for a use that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify the EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The EPA believes this action is necessary because the chemical substance may be hazardous to human health. The required notification would provide the EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.
            
In a letter to the U.S. EPA earlier this year, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) expressed concern with the substitution of HFO-1234yf because it poses some risk to those persons handling the product, particularly non-professionals or do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers. ASA asked that the the EPA include both a certification process and an equipment requirement for any purchasers of HFO-1234fy due to the flammability of the proposed substitute.
            
The EPA significant new use rule states that the substance is to be used only as a refrigerant in new motor vehicles and that any other use must first be approved by the EPA. The agency is also considering a proposed rule that falls under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) that would allow for the use of 1234yf as a substitute for R-12 in new motor vehicles.
            
Currently, the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review alternatives for ozone-depleting substances and to approve of substitutes that do not present a risk more significant than other alternatives that are available. Under that authority, the SNAP program proposes to expand the list of acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The proposed substitute is a non-ozone-depleting gas and consequently does not contribute to ozone depletion.
            
To view the full text of the final rule, visit ASA’s legislative website.

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Uncategorized

The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

Shop Owner Staff
By Shop Owner Staff
Published:

By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

Read Full Article

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