Which scenario constitutes a violation of the Clean Air Act venting prohibition?

• A. Release of refrigerants because appliances were recovered and hoses used low-loss fittings
• B. Release of refrigerants during routine servicing with proper recovery
• C. Small leaks detected during regular operation and promptly repaired
• D. Release of refrigerants because appliances were not recovered and refrigerants release when disconnecting non low loss fittings

Answer: (D)

Venting refrigerants to the atmosphere is prohibited under the Clean Air Act; technicians must recover refrigerants before servicing, disposal, or opening connections, and use fittings that minimize release. In the described scenario, refrigerants are released because the appliance wasn’t recovered and a non low‑loss fitting was used when disconnecting. That combination allows the refrigerant to escape to the air, which is exactly what the venting prohibition targets.

The other scenarios align with compliant practices: recovering refrigerants during servicing or disposal prevents release, and small leaks found during operation are addressed rather than vented.