Article Archive 1994-2000

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Articles published in national facility management, contracting, and environmental magazines are available. If you would like a copy of a particular article, just call or make an Article Request.

Contain, Convert, Retrofit or Replace (or Do Nothing…)
by Mark Harbin, Manager of Compliance Information Services, December 2000 for HVACR Today
This article identifies what business owners should consider before deciding to make changes to their chiller systems. It compares the benefits and potential disadvantages of each of the four options of chiller system maintenance: containment, conversion, retrofit and replacement.

How to Survive An EPA Clean Air Act Title VI Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Inspection: Part 1: Prior To An Inspection
by Robert Johnson, December 2000 for HVAC Industry.com
Discusses what companies can do to prepare for an unannounced EPA inspection.

How to Remedy and Prevent the Growth of Stachybotrys Fungus:
What Building Managers Need to Know
by Larry Hays, VP of Training , December 2000 for the National Safety Council Crossroads website
Identifies what the Stachybotrys mold is, how it spreads, how to prevent its spread, and how to conduct a safe process of the mold, or in worst cases, when it is appropriate to ask for professional help.

Achieve Near-Zero Refrigerant Emissions: Part 1 Develop a Plan
by Robert Johnson, November 2000 for Process Cooling and Equipment
Learn how to develop a refrigerant management plan for your organization to meet federal Clean Air Act requirements and to preserve your refrigerant inventory.

Developing a Refrigerant Compliance Program: Is Your Facility Prepared?
by Robert Johnson, November 2000 for Business and Legal Reports (BLR)
Provides helpful background information on Title VI of the Clean Air Act and a checklist to help you design your organization's refrigerant management plan.

Chillers-Retrofits and EPA Compliance
by Robert Johnson , November 2000 for HVACR Today
This article identifies the benefits for converting older chillers and the legal ramifications of not meeting federal guidelines should an older system fail.

From Plan to Proposal: How to Select an IAQ Consultant
by Larry Hays, VP of Training, November 2000 on National Safety Council Crossroads website
Discusses the care needed when hiring IAQ professionals, and providing occupants in a facility with a reasonable "Standard of Care."

Meeting Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Management Needs
by Robert Johnson, November 2000 on PollutionOnline.com
Best practices checklist created from working with organizations throughout the USA to develop and implement U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refrigerant-regulations compliance programs.

Meeting the Refrigerant Challenge
by Robert Johnson, November 2000 issue of Occupational Health & Safety
Organizations must revise specific work processes to incorporate permanent and ongoing compliance requirements. This can be especially difficult in large organizations with multiple departments and/or contract maintenance involved with refrigerants.

Surviving an EPA Inspection
by Robert Johnson, September 2000 issue of HVACR News
EPA Fines and Penalties for violations of Clean Air Act Title VI refrigerant regulations are severe and will also cause significant public relations damage to your organization.

29 Questions to Ask About Your Compliance Plan
by Robert Johnson, July-August 2000 issue of Process Cooling & Equipment
The questions to ask about your compliance plan to make sure you are in compliance with EPA Refrigerant Regulations.

Meeting the Compliance Challenge
by Robert Johnson, July 2000 for Process Cooling & Equipment
Previously safe and abundant refrigerants used in a multitude of everyday applications have, in a few short years, become federally controlled substances with civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Lawsuits in the Air
by Larry Hays, VP of Training, June 2000 issue of American School & University
IAQ was once merely an engineering concern, but school administrators also should treat it as a health and potential legal issue.

How to Implement an EPA Refrigerant Record Keeping Program
by Robert Johnson, May 2000 issue of HVACR Today
Keeping detailed records is the fastest way to account for every ounce of refrigerant, and much cheaper than risking the results of a discovered violation.

Do your Homework Before Buying Refrigerants
by Robert Johnson, April 2000 issue of HVACR Today
Some refrigerants are banned. Using unapproved refrigerants results in EPA violations, examples given.

Seek The Leak
by Robert Johnson, February 2000 issue of Engineered Systems
Chillers that lose refrigerant charge due to leaks can be costly. Minimizing leaks requires a leak management plan.

Training Employees in EPA Refrigerant Compliance and Safety
by Robert Johnson, February 2000 issue of HVACR Today
Integrate training and safety components for a successful refrigerant compliance plan.

Cold War: EPA Battles Ozone Depletion, Tightens Refrigerant Regs
by Robert Johnson, December 1999 issue of Health Facilities Management
The EPA is getting tougher on refrigerant regulations in the first quarter of 2000, learn how to protect your organization against fines and penalties.

Refrigerant Management and Regulations Compliance
by Robert Johnson, December 1999 issue of HPAC Engineering
Explains the best practices approach to refrigerant management.

Achieving "Near Zero" Refrigerant Emissions in HVAC Systems
by Robert Johnson, November 1999 online article for Total Maintenance Review
Find out how to manage refrigerant leaks and comply with EPA requirements.

Buying or Selling Black Market CFCs: A Criminal Offense
by Robert Johnson, November 1999 issue of HVACR Today
The scarcity of CFCs has spawned a lucrative black market for smuggling CFCs.

Environmental Support Solutions Helps St. Louis Community College with EPA Refrigerant Regulations Compliance
by Robert Johnson, Autumn issue of American School and Hospital Maintenance
Case study on how one school facility improved compliance with Refrigerant Compliance Manager Software and ESS' consulting services.

"Good Faith Efforts" and "Intent to Comply" May reduce or eliminate your penalties for violations
by Robert Johnson, October 1999 issue of HVACR Today
This article explains how organizations who make "Good Faith Efforts" to comply, will be provided with incentives.

The 4Rs of Chiller Replacement
by Robert Johnson, September 1999 issue of Engineered Systems
The replacement chiller market is growing fast, but when it comes to the refrigerant in outgoing units, you must remove, reclaim, record, and reuse.

Steps to Successful EPA Compliance
by Robert Johnson, September 1999 issue of HVACR Today
This article explains the steps involved to achieve compliance. These steps include developing a refrigerant management plan and designating a corporate refrigerant compliance manager.

Action Plan Addresses Global Warming
by Robert Johnson, September 1999 issue of Ozone Depleter Compliance Guide
This article explains the environmental impact of refrigerants and how to reduce emissions.

How to Survive a EPA Clean Air Act Title VI Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Inspection
by Robert Johnson, August 1999 issue of Total Maintenance Review
Find out how to survive an EPA inspection with proper documentation, record keeping, and an inspection plan.

Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Destroying Planet's Protective Shield
by Robert Johnson, August 1999 issue of Pollution Equipment News
This article explains the effects of ozone depletion and global warming and describes an action plan for reducing refrigerant emissions.

How to Survive a EPA Clean Air Act Title VI Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Inspection
by Robert Johnson, July 1999 issue of HVACR Today
Part 2: During an Inspection, This article explains what to expect and how to deal with an inspection.

Could You Survive A Refrigerant Regulation Inspection?
by Robert Johnson, July 1999 issue of Today's Facility Manager
This article covers before, during, and after an inspection with a refrigerant compliance checklist to benchmark your current compliance.

EPA Proposes Regulations to Cover Refrigerants Replacing CFCs
by Robert Johnson, June 1999 issue of Western HVACR News
This article summarizes the proposed changes to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act in regards to substitute refrigerants.

How to Survive a EPA Clean Air Act Title VI Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Inspection
by Robert Johnson, June 1999 issue of HVACR Today
Part 1: Before an Inspection, A summary of the actions to take before an EPA inspection takes place.

The Importance of Developing a Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Program
by Robert Johnson, June 1999 issue of RSES Journal
This article includes recommendations in Refrigerant Management to help you achieve compliance.

Chiller Retrofits and EPA Compliance: New EPA Refrigerant Regulations Proposed To Go Into Effect During the Fourth Quarter of 1999. Are You Ready?
by Robert Johnson , June 1999 Energy Publications
Discusses converting chillers to non-CFC refrigerants and how this creates savings in energy costs.

EPA Regulations Propose To Get Tougher
by Robert Johnson, May/June 1999 issue of Total Maintenance Review
Understanding EPA's proposed new lower leak rates.

Where Are Your Refrigerants?
by Robert Johnson, May 1999 issue of Contracting Business
How facility managers and owners can establish and maintain records of refrigerant usage and service.

Protocolo de Montreal y las Regulaciones de la EPA de los EE. UU. Sobre Refrigerants
by Robert Johnson, May 1999 issue of ACR-Latinoamerica
This article is a summary of the Montreal Protocol and the U.S. EPA Amendments (English and Spanish versions available).

How Does Your Organization Stack Up To The "Best Practices" In Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Management
by Robert Johnson, May 1999 issue of HVACR Today
Our "Best Practices" checklist will help ensure that your organization is prepared to meet compliance requirements.

EPA is Getting Tough with Refrigerant Compliance
by Robert Johnson, April 1999 issue of Pollution Equipment News
An overview of the new EPA proposal on refrigerant regulations.

An Update on EPA Refrigerant Regulations
by Robert Johnson, April 1999 issue of Indoor Comfort News
This article describes the criminal enforcement responsibilities under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Developing An EPA Refrigerant Regulations Compliance Program
by Robert Johnson, April 1999 online article for ChemAlliance
This article describes how to develop your own Title VI Section 608, 609 Refrigerant Regulations Compliance program.

Surviving a Clean Air Act Title VI Section 608 EPA Refrigerant Regulations Inspection
by Robert Johnson, April 1999 issue of HVACR Today
This article shows you how to prepare for an EPA inspection. Planning and preparing before, during, and after an inspection can help you to avoid fines and penalties.

How Not To Get Zapped By EPA Proposed Refrigerant Regulations Changes
by Robert Johnson, March 1999 issue of Contracting Business
This article reviews EPA's proposed new rules and record keeping requirements on substitute refrigerants. Find out what the regulations are and how they will affect you.

EPA Refrigerant Violations can Cost Money and Prison time: How to Avoid Fines, Penalties
by Robert Johnson, October 1998 issue of Business & Industry Connection
Surprise inspections are conducted routinely by the EPA to determine noncompliance. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $27,500 per day. Learn how your organization can pass an EPA inspection.

Managing Environmental And Safety Plans
by Robert Johnson and Craig Schwartz, January/February 1997 issue of AFE Facilities Engineering
As a facility manager, you have a responsibility to plan and manage all environmental and safety activities affecting your operations. This article explains how to manage your organization's environmental and safety plan.

Changing Air Conditioning Equipment
by Robert Johnson, September/October 1996 issue of AFE Facilities Engineering
The phase out of ozone-depleting substances is having a significant impact on facilities with air conditioning and refrigerant containing equipment. Find out how an equipment transition plan can minimize cost while achieving compliance.

Taking Stock of Your Refrigerant Record Keeping
by Robert Johnson and Lisa Harnish, June 1996 issue of RSES Journal
The right software and a well managed database of information can help you comply with EPA regulations. Find out how to integrate refrigerant software into your refrigerant compliance plan.

Complying with Your Customers' Refrigerant Management Plans
by Robert Johnson, April 8, 1996 issue of The ACH&R News.
Written for contractors, this article addresses the unique problems they face when it comes to refrigerant compliance management. Not only must they manage their own refrigerant compliance requirements, they must also comply with their client's internal compliance programs when working on their sites.

Developing a Refrigerant Management Plan
by Robert Johnson, March/April 1996, AFE Facilities Engineering.
Developing a "Refrigerant Policy" is not only environmentally responsible, but also good business. This article describes specific policies that will protect your organization and insure compliance.

Developing a Refrigerant Policy
by Robert Johnson, October 1995 issue of Engineered Systems
Every engineer, contractor, and facility needs to implement policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance with new EPA regulations. This article explains what should be included in these policies.

A Matter of Disposal
by Robert Johnson, August, 1995 issue of RSES Journal
Disposing of refrigerants, equipment containing refrigerants, and refrigerant waste oils the proper way will help you avoid costly EPA fines and penalties. This article describes specific disposal processes and includes flow charts.

Refrigerant Cylinder Safety
by Robert Johnson, August, 1995 issue of Refrigeration Service and Contracting
When you work with any high pressure gas, especially refrigerants, you need to consciously practice safety on the job every day. This article addresses refrigerant safe handling practices including cylinders used to hold and transport refrigerants.

Developing a Refrigerant Management Plan
by Robert Johnson, April 10, 1995 issue of Plant Engineering
A written Refrigerant Management Plan, including specific policies and procedures, administrative controls, inventory procedures, record keeping, and implementation timetable, is essential for compliance.

Are You At Risk?
by Robert Johnson, January/February 1995 issue of AIPE Facilities
A look at the penalties being imposed by the EPA for violators of the Clean Air Act and how you can avoid them with proper compliance techniques.

Working Safely with Refrigerants
by Robert Johnson, December 5, 1994 in The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News
(This story was reprinted in the Summer 1995 issue of JobScope.), Handling refrigerants safely prevent accidental injury and costly refrigerant losses. This article discusses how to safely work with refrigerants to prevent accidents.

Going 'Green' is No Gamble at Harrah's
by Kathryn M. Rospond, July/August 1994 issue of Energy Focus
This article discusses how a major casino in Las Vegas, Nevada developed and implemented a successful refrigerant compliance program. Refrigerant Compliance Manager (TM) is a part of that solution!

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